Production Process Technician

Dale Farm; Cookstown; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

Dale Farm is seeking a Production Process Technician to join the Bulk Cheese and Whey team in the UK. You will operate and monitor production equipment, perform quality checks, and support production activities within a 12-hour shift pattern (3 on/3 off).

The role emphasizes safety, adherence to procedures, and continuous improvement, with responsibilities across documentation and housekeeping in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• GCSEs including English and Maths or equivalent.
• 1+ years manufacturing experience.
• Technical skill e.g. mechanical, electrical, or mechatronics.
• Strong communication skills (verbal, written, computerized).
• Ability to communicate with a range of internal/external stakeholders.
• H&S experience in manufacturing.
• Food Hygiene/Safety Level 2.
• Experience using a SCADA system.
• 1+ years FMCG/food manufacturing experience.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor cheese and whey production equipment, ensuring safe, efficient operation.
• Conduct quality checks on raw materials, in-process and finished goods.
• Monitor production performance, adjust lines and resolve issues to minimise downtime.
• Support production activities including loading/unloading materials and products.
• Maintain accurate production records to meet requirements.
• Adhere to hygiene, sanitation and cleaning standards and drive improvements.

Skills

Communication skills

Scada experience

FMCG experience

Mechatronics basics

Education

GCSEs incl English & Maths

Job description

Dale Farm Cooperative is a UK dairy farmer co-operative owned by over 1200 dairy farmers who supply us with fresh milk. Dale Farm has operations throughout the UK and Ireland producing and distributing a wide range of dairy products which it sells across the UK and Ireland as well as exporting to over 45 countries worldwide.

At Dale Farm virtually every career discipline is represented in our workforce, from production, engineering and distribution, to sales & marketing and food technology/quality assurance, to Finance, HR and IT through to general management. Our standards are high and when we recruit we are looking for those with energy and drive, who are keen for responsibility and motivated to succeed with a record of achievement and with the potential to develop as the company grows.

Culture

Our culture is based on setting best in class standards, working to-wards and delivering on committed objectives, striving for constant improvement and involving everyone in the company. We strive to develop our people and harness everyone's contribution to deliver a winning team.

The company is an Equal Opportunities employer and is committed to a safe, inclusive and relationship based workspace.

In return, we offer a high degree of responsibility, plenty of challenge, good opportunities for learning and personal development and rewarding benefit packages, all within a fast moving and results oriented environment.

Production Process Technician

As a Production Process Technician, you will be a key member of the Bulk Cheese and Why team playing a vital role in ensuring safe and efficient production of quality cheese and whey products. The working pattern associated with this role is 3 on 3 off rotating days and nights 12-hour shifts. This role may include holiday/absence cover across differing shift patterns.

The Role:

• Operate and monitor cheese and whey production equipment, ensuring safe, efficient operation in line with company procedures, risk assessments and food safety standards.
• Conduct quality checks on raw materials, in-process products and finished goods, identifying and addressing defects or non-conformances.
• Monitor production performance, adjust production lines as required and resolve or elevate issues promptly to minimise downtime.
• Support production activities, including the loading and unloading of materials and finished products as required.
• Maintain accurate production records and documentation to meet company, quality and legislative requirements.
• Adhere to hygiene, sanitation and cleaning standards, supporting continuous improvement initiatives and maintaining a safe working environment.

The Person:

• Minimum of 3 GCSE’s (inc English and Maths) or equivalent.
• A minimum of 1 years’ relevant manufacturing experience.
• A demonstrable technical skill eg.mechanical, electrical/electronic or mechatronics.
• Strong communication skills both verbal, written and computerised.
• Clearly demonstrate an ability to communicate to and work with to a range of internal and external stakeholders professionally and effectively.
• H&S experience or responsibilities in a manufacturing environment.
• Food Hygiene /Safety Level 2
• Experience of using a Scada system
• Minimum of 1 years FMCG/Food Manufacturing experience

5:00pm on Monday 5 th October 2026

Only applications from EU Nationals or those with a valid permit to work in the UK will be accepted.

We are an equal opportunities employer

AMBITION | CURIOSITY | TEAMWORK | POSITIVITY | RESOLVE | ACCOUNTABILITY