Process CI Specialist - Stourton Dairy

Arla Foods Deutschland GmbH; Leeds; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading dairy company in Leeds as a CI Core Specialist, where you'll drive performance improvements and mentor team members. Your expertise will facilitate continuous improvement in processes, ensuring operational excellence. Ideal candidates are skilled in Lean principles and have experience in food and beverage manufacturing.

Qualifications

• Need for strong communication skills to mentor and collaborate.
• Experience in liquid processing and data generation systems valued.
• Proven track record of tangible results from CI projects required.

Responsibilities

• Mentoring Operators and Technicians in CI processes.
• Chairing CI meetings and leading structured problem-solving.
• Managing asset performance data and conducting analysis.

Skills

Communication

Lean principles

IT skills

Education

Green Belt Apprenticeship

Six Sigma Qualification

Tools

Microsoft Office

SAP

Power BI

Job description

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This is an exciting opportunity towork at one of our largest UK sites in Leeds. You will collaborate with the processing and engineering teams who help to produce everything from Cravendale milk, cottage cheese, fresh and fermented creams, ice cream sundaes, and seasonal creams and sauces.

How will you make an impact?

As CI Core Specialist, you will be mentoring and coaching Operators and Technicians within the process team. You will gather and use data to improve our processing ways of working. You will input into and have responsibilities for process improvements and smaller capex projects. You will have overall responsibility for overseeing CI (continuous improvement) projects which will aim to drive our performance ,reduce wastage and ensure standard ways of working exist within the department. You will use a range of improvement tools and coaching to help develop our ways of working using a robust change process.

Other duties include..

• Chairing CI and other meetings for daily review, top loss and structured problem solving
• Coaching and mentoring of the process team to ensure all performance KPIs are met with regards to performance on safety, quality, performance loss, , waste and sustainability
• Taking ownership of asset performance data, carrying out analysis and tracking results in a transparent and continuous manner
• Holding regular Kaizen workshops as well as SMED analysis and process confirmations in order to optimise existing processes where appropriate
• Acting as Project Manager on new CI initiatives
• Be responsible for defining and improving operational standards including OAC
• Ensuring implementation of 5S standards on all lines within the core team
• Highlight new improvement opportunities and deliver the output
• Become conversant in our process equipment and product capabilities
• Track and maintain data collection methods

What will you need to succeed?

• Although you will have no have direct reports, you will need to be an excellent communicator who is able to mentor and collaborate with members of the Line Centric team at all levels
• IT skills are essential for this role (Microsoft Office knowledge essential, SAP and Power BI knowledge are desirable)
• Ideally you will need to have experience of liquid processing and the systems that generate data
• You must have knowledge of Lean principles
• You must be able to demonstrate tangible results from CI (continuous improvement) projects in previous roles
• We are willing to consider candidates from either a food and beverage manufacturing or FMCG background for this role
• A Green Belt Apprenticeship or any other Six Sigma Qualification would be preferred, although this is not essential

What we can offer

This is predominantly a days based Monday to Friday role which is offering a competitive salary and benefits package.

Want to apply?

We are so excited to welcome you to the Arla family.

Please apply via this advert or our careers page.

If you have a question about the role, then please contact [e-mail] . The closing date for applications is Friday 13th June 2025.

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 us at 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, propelling us to new heights in the dairy industry.