Operations Technician - Lockerbie Dairy

Arla Foods; Lockerbie; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

24 days holiday

Pension contributions matched up to 6%

Life assurance

Flexible benefits package

Job summary

Arla Foods Lockerbie Dairy is seeking an Operations Technician to provide technical and process expertise across Anaerobic Digestion and Effluent Treatment Plants. You will work with engineering and production colleagues to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient operations while driving continuous improvement.

The role supports 42-hour weeks on a 5 on 4 off / 4 on 5 off shift pattern, day and night shifts, onsite at Lockerbie.

Qualifications

• Strong technical mindset with focus on safety and quality.
• Ability to analyze plant data and identify optimization opportunities.
• Comfortable working with engineering and production teams.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor AD and ETP plant equipment to support gas-to-grid output and compliant discharge.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to maximise plant availability and minimise downtime.
• Analyse plant performance and identify opportunities for optimisation and continuous improvement.
• Support departmental KPIs and contribute towards site operational targets.
• Champion a strong safety culture through accurate documentation and proactive observation.

Skills

Technical curiosity

Problem solving

Safety awareness

Independent worker

Communication

Job description

Are you ready to play a key role in one of Europe's most advanced Anaerobic Digestion facilities?

Join Arla Foods Lockerbie Dairy and help support the future of sustainable energy and environmental operations at a highly invested manufacturing site. Working across our Anaerobic Digestion and Effluent Treatment Plants, you'll become a key member of a skilled operational team responsible for maintaining safe, efficient and compliant operations while driving continuous improvement.

How You Will Make An Impact

As an Operations Technician, you will provide technical and process expertise across our AD and ETP facilities, helping ensure safe, reliable and efficient performance. You'll work closely with engineering and production colleagues while playing an important role in supporting operational excellence and sustainability.

• Operate and monitor Anaerobic Digestion and Effluent Treatment Plant equipment to support gas-to-grid output and compliant discharge.
• Work closely with engineering teams to maximise plant availability and minimise downtime.
• Analyse plant performance and identify opportunities for optimisation and continuous improvement.
• Support departmental KPIs and contribute towards site operational targets.
• Champion a strong safety culture through accurate documentation, reporting and proactive observation activity.

This role sits within the Lockerbie Operations Team and is an onsite position working day shift / night shift 42 hour working week - 50/50 split between days and nights

Shift pattern – 5 on 4 off 4 on 5 off.

What Will Make You Successful

• We're looking for someone with technical curiosity, strong problem-solving skills and a genuine commitment to safety and quality.
• Experience operating within an Anaerobic Digestion Plant, Effluent Treatment Plant, wastewater treatment facility, utilities environment, process plant or similar manufacturing operation would be highly beneficial.
• You will be comfortable working independently whilst collaborating effectively with wider operational and engineering teams.
• You will bring strong attention to detail, a methodical and analytical mindset, good IT capability and the ability to communicate effectively with colleagues across the site.
• Most importantly, you'll demonstrate a positive approach to safety, food quality and continuous improvement.

What do we offer?

At Lockerbie you'll join a highly automated manufacturing site undergoing significant investment, including a programme valued at approximately £39 million. Our Anaerobic Digestion facility is on course to become the largest in Europe, making this a genuinely unique opportunity for someone seeking to expand their technical expertise within sustainable manufacturing and renewable energy.

We're committed to developing our people through internal and external training opportunities. Alongside a competitive salary, you'll receive 24 days holiday, pension contributions matched up to 6%, life assurance and a flexible benefits package. You'll also enjoy being part of a supportive team environment with high levels of engagement and career development opportunities.

Closing date for applications is the 23rd of September 2026.

Shape the Future of Dairy

Arla is a global leader in the dairy industry, committed to producing high-quality products while championing sustainability and innovation. We're passionate about people and our planet, striving to unleash the full potential in each of us. Our goal is to make healthy dairy nutrition and good food habits accessible to all. Join Arla Foods and become part of a worldwide cooperative dedicated to making a significant impact on the planet and steering the dairy industry towards a sustainable future. We are devoted to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. Diversity and collaboration are key to our success.

Shape the Future of Dairy

Arla is a global leader in the dairy industry, committed to enabling good food choices that make life better, providing people with nourishment, while taking care at every step to ensure Arla is a choice they can feel good about. If you are looking to shape the future with an ambitious global cooperative that truly cares about your growth, where everyone feels valued and empowered, and collaboration is the core of culture, Arla is a choice you can feel good about.

Ref. 110798