Automation Engineer - Westbury

Do you have strong electrical and controls fault‑finding experience and thrive in a fast‑paced, highly automated environment? Are you ready to help keep one of the UK’s largest dairy sites running 24/7? At Westbury you’ll work with cutting-edge process and packing technology, solving problems at pace and driving continuous improvement that keeps our site safe, efficient and reliable.

How you will make an impact:

• Based at our Westbury site (BA13 4WD) on a day shift pattern (12-hour days), 2 days on, 2 days off, 3 days on, 2 days off.
• You’ll support a well-invested plant producing household favourites like Anchor butter and Arla milk powders.
• You’ll carry out reactive, planned and preventive maintenance, using data and problem-solving tools to reduce downtime and improve performance.
• Responsible for troubleshooting controls and instrumentation challenges on packaging and process equipment and oversee PLC interrogation and code changes.
• Execute reactive, planned and preventative maintenance across processing, packing and utilities assets.
• Lead structured problem solving and continuous improvement to enhance OEE and minimise downtime.
• Use CMMS (SAP PM) and reporting suites to plan work, capture data and drive actions.
• Support site projects, including non-capex modifications and CAPEX installations and commissioning.

This is a newly created permanent position within the Site Engineering team at Arla Westbury, reporting to the Engineering Manager.

What will make you successful:

• You will bring a time-served apprenticeship or NVQ Level 3/ONC/HNC/HND (or proven equivalent experience), along with your background as a multiskilled maintenance or engineering technician in electrical or controls disciplines.
• You will have experience working in fast-paced, automated, and safety-critical manufacturing environments, ideally within FMCG.
• You will be computer literate, confident using SAP and Microsoft Office, Siemens PLCs and familiar with SCADA, HMIs, and Trend systems.
• Personally, you will be ambitious and driven, taking a proactive approach to learning and continuous improvement; you will demonstrate strong problem-solving skills, approaching challenges methodically and analytically, and remaining calm under pressure.
• You will be a team-focused communicator, prioritising safety and keeping stakeholders informed with clear updates.

As part of our supportive team, you will experience a steep learning curve, face meaningful challenges, and benefit from colleagues who are eager to help you succeed and make you feel welcome.

What do we offer?

• We’re committed to your growth and development, offering internal and external training opportunities.
• You’ll enjoy a competitive salary, 24 days holiday, matched pension contributions up to 6%, life assurance, and flexible benefits.
• At Westbury, you’ll join a team proud of its high job satisfaction and steep learning curve, with plenty of challenges and support to help you succeed.

Would you like to join us? If you want to make an impact and help shape the future of dairy, apply as soon as possible. We process applications on a continuous basis and will close recruitment once the right candidate is found.

For additional information, please contact Chris Wakefield at chwak@arlafoods.com.

Please note we are not partnered with any recruitment agencies for this role. We kindly ask that agencies do not submit speculative CVs; these will not be recognised under agency ownership and will be accepted as a gift. Please apply directly through our official channels.

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.