Reliability Technician

Arla Foods; Lockerbie; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

Arla Foods Lockerbie is seeking an Area Technician to act as the technical expert in the Line-Centred Organisation area, driving equipment reliability, reducing downtime, and supporting frontline teams in developing technical capability.

You will hold an HNC/HND in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering, bring 5+ years in manufacturing, and be proficient with SAP PM, data analysis, and Lean/CI methodologies. The role offers a 37.5-hour week, Monday to Friday, with a starting salary around £40k.

Qualifications

• HNC/HND in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering or equivalent.
• 5+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience with SAP PM or similar maintenance systems.
• Strong communication and coaching skills.

Responsibilities

• Reduce unplanned downtime and losses via root cause analysis and CI activities.
• Analyse equipment performance data and develop improvement plans.
• Own and maintain technical standards and OAC processes across the area.
• Coach and develop operators to strengthen fault-finding and ownership.
• Support implementation of new technologies and improvement projects.

Skills

5+ years experience

Equipment reliability

Root cause analysis

Data analysis

Lean manufacturing

Operator coaching

SAP PM

Communication skills

Education

HNC/HND Eng (Mech/Elec)

Tools

SAP PM

Job description

Lockerbie DG11

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. 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.

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.
• 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 salary starting from £40k and rising depending on experience.

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 24th July.

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 natural, sustainable 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.