Reliability Engineer - Lockerbie Dairy

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

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits

Job summary

Arla Lockerbie is seeking an Area Technician to join the Operations team in the dairy department. You will be the technical expert in your LCO area, driving reliability, reducing downtime and supporting continuous improvement across production.

You will work closely with Operations, Engineering, Maintenance and Quality to deliver sustainable improvements and develop technical capability among frontline staff. A strong technical background and coaching ability are essential.

Qualifications

• HNC/HND in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering.
• 5 years’ experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of equipment reliability and fault-finding techniques.
• Experience using data to drive technical improvements.

Responsibilities

• Lead initiatives to reduce unplanned downtime and technical losses.
• Analyse equipment performance data and develop improvement plans.
• Own and maintain technical standards and Operator Asset Care processes.
• Coach and develop operators to strengthen fault-finding and technical capability.
• Support implementation of new technologies and technical improvement projects.

Skills

Equipment reliability

Maintenance principles

Fault-finding

Data analysis

Lean Manufacturing

Continuous Improvement

Problem solving

Coaching

Communication

SAP PM

Education

HNC/HND in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering

Tools

SAP PM

Job description

Mon – Fri Days 37.5 hours 8-4
Are you a technically skilled problem-solver who enjoys improving equipment reliability, reducing downtime, and helping others develop their technical capability?

Mon – Fri Days 37.5 hours 8-4
Are you a technically skilled problem-solver who enjoys improving equipment reliability, reducing downtime, and helping others develop their technical capability?
We’re looking for an Area Technician to join our Operations team at Arla Lockerbie, working in the dairy department. In this key role you’ll act as the technical expert within your designated Line-Centred Organisation (LCO) area, driving equipment reliability, eliminating recurring losses, and supporting high levels of operational performance.
Working closely with Operations, Engineering, Maintenance and Quality teams, you’ll combine hands‑on technical expertise with data analysis, coaching and continuous improvement to deliver sustainable improvements across the production area.

How You Will Make An Impact

As an Area Technician, you will play a vital role in improving asset reliability and operational performance while developing technical capability within frontline teams. You’ll lead structured problem‑solving activities, support continuous improvement programmes, and ensure technical standards are consistently maintained across your area.
Key responsibilities include

• Leading initiatives to reduce unplanned downtime and technical losses through root cause analysis and continuous improvement activities.
• Analysing equipment performance data and developing improvement plans to enhance reliability and asset performance.
• Owning and maintaining technical standards and Operator Asset Care (OAC) processes across the production area.
• Coaching and developing operators and technical operators to strengthen fault‑finding skills equipment ownership and technical capability.
• Supporting the implementation of new technologies, systems and technical improvement projects while collaborating with internal and external stakeholders.

The role sits within the Operations function and works closely with Maintenance, Engineering, Quality and Continuous Improvement teams.

What Will Make You Successful

We’re looking for someone with a strong technical background who enjoys identifying improvement opportunities, solving complex problems and influencing others to achieve sustainable results.
You will hold an HNC/HND qualification, or equivalent, in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering and have significant experience working within a manufacturing environment. Experience within food, dairy, FMCG or other high-volume production environments would be highly advantageous.
You’ll bring

• 5 years’ experience in a similar or equivalent role.
• Strong knowledge of equipment reliability, maintenance principles and fault‑finding techniques.
• Experience using data and performance analysis to drive technical improvements and reduce losses.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement and structured problem‑solving methodologies.
• Knowledge and experience with automation processes and procedures, particularly around equipment/kit.
• Experience using SAP PM or similar maintenance management systems.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to coach, support and influence colleagues across multiple functions.

What do we offer?

A competitive salary + benefits.
At Arla, you’ll join a collaborative and highly skilled Operations team focused on delivering world‑class manufacturing performance. You’ll work alongside experienced colleagues who are passionate about continuous improvement, technical excellence and developing people.
We’re committed to helping our employees grow, providing opportunities to expand your technical expertise, develop new skills and build a rewarding long‑term career. You’ll be empowered to make a real impact while contributing to the production of high‑quality dairy products enjoyed by consumers across the UK and beyond.

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.
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