About the role
As a Shift Production Lead at Felinfach, you will play a key role in leading our production teams to deliver the manufacturing plan safely, efficiently and to the highest standards of quality and food safety. Reporting to the Shift Production Manager, you will supervise a team of operators, support day‑to‑day production activities, and help drive performance across the manufacturing operation.
You will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of production within your designated area, including health and safety, production targets, quality, yield, food safety, team development, problem‑solving, and continuous improvement. This is an exciting opportunity for someone looking to develop their leadership capability while making a direct impact on site performance.
About you
You are a natural leader who enjoys motivating and supporting others to achieve their best. You thrive in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment and are confident in making decisions, solving problems, and driving standards across your team.
You lead by example, communicate effectively with colleagues at all levels, and take ownership for both people and production performance. You're passionate about safety, quality and continuous improvement, and you enjoy finding better ways of working
Who we think will thrive
This role will suit someone who
- Enjoys leading and developing people in a manufacturing environment
- Has strong communication and people management skills
- Is passionate about health, safety and food safety standards
- Can confidently make decisions and solve problems under pressure
- Has a hands‑on approach and enjoys supporting operational teams
- Takes ownership of performance, quality and production outcomes
- Is driven by continuous improvement and operational excellence
- Enjoys building strong working relationships across departments
What youwill bring
- Strong leadership and people management skills
- Experience within a manufacturing, production or process environment
- A strong commitment to Health & Safety, Quality and Food Safety
- Effective communication, planning and organisational skills
- Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities, including root cause investigation
- Good reporting skills and confidence using Microsoft Office applications
- Experience supervising teams, managing performance and supporting employee development
- Responsible for keeping training records and work instructions up to date.
- Qualifications such as Intermediate HACCP, IOSH, ILM, or previous supervisory experience would be advantageous
Why join us
At Felinfach, we work Stronger Together. As a Shift Production Lead, you will have the opportunity to influence the performance of one of our manufacturing teams, develop your leadership skills and contribute directly to the success of the site.
You’ll work alongside experienced leaders, gain exposure to operational decision‑making, and play a key role in shaping a positive, high‑performing culture. If you're looking for a role where you can lead people, drive results and make a real difference every day, we'd love to hear from you.
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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Shift Production Lead (SPL) D Shift - Felinfach employer: Arla Group
Arla is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at our Felinfach Whey Processing Factory in West Wales, where technology and innovation drive production performance. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide access to both internal and external development opportunities, alongside competitive benefits such as 26 days' holiday and matched pension contributions. Join a collaborative team that values your contributions and supports your career progression in the thriving dairy industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Shift Production Lead (SPL) D Shift - Felinfach
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Arla Group, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Arla Group specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Arla Group
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Arla Group, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Arla Group value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
