Reliability Engineer - Lockerbie Dairy

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

Job summary

Arla Foods Lockerbie is seeking an Area Technician to improve asset reliability and production performance within the dairy department. You will lead problem-solving, analyse performance data and support continuous improvement across shifts.

You will mentor operators, maintain technical standards and collaborate with Maintenance, Engineering and Quality teams to deliver sustainable improvements across the production area.

Qualifications

• HNC/HND in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering required.
• 5 years' experience in a similar manufacturing role.
• Experience in food/dairy/FMCG environments advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead initiatives to reduce unplanned downtime and losses.
• Analyse equipment performance data to drive improvements.
• Maintain Operator Asset Care (OAC) standards.
• Coach operators to improve fault-finding and ownership.

Skills

Equipment reliability

Data analysis

Problem solving

Communication

Lean Manufacturing

Education

HNC/HND in Mechanical/Electrical Eng

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?

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.

Would you like to join us?

The closing date for applications is 23 September 2026.

For additional information, please contact James Paisley, Recruitment Coordinator [e-mail]

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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