At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead daily operations in a dynamic dairy factory, ensuring safety and quality standards.
- Company: Join Arla, a global leader in the dairy industry with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, flexible benefits, and strong career development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a team of 450 at Arla's most complex UK site.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a complex site while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in manufacturing operations and a strong focus on safety and quality.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Are you ready to lead by example and keep a complex factory running smoothly around the clock, ensuring safety, quality, and performance targets are met? In this role, you’ll be the key contact for our Stourton site, setting direction across intake, process, production and despatch.
How you will make an impact? As a Duty Manager, you will be responsible for the day-to-day running of the site, setting targets and actions, optimising performance, and managing a cross-site team. You will champion safety, quality and compliance, drive resource optimisation, and collaborate with operations and support teams to meet site KPIs and budget.
- Lead daily site operations across intake, process, production and despatch, setting targets and actions to optimise performance.
- Promote a healthy, inclusive and secure working environment; ensure adherence to H&S standards/Cornerstone and manage non-compliance via LIA reporting.
- Safeguard quality and food safety across the site, ensuring compliance with Arla standards, policies and legal requirements.
- Drive continuous improvement and efficiency using APS, data-driven decision-making (SPC, MDE, SAP, MES, OEE, basic statistics) and support LCO teams.
- Coordinate resources and staffing with Area Team Leaders; coach and develop team members based on Our Leadership and Our Character.
What will make you successful? You will bring experience leading operations in a manufacturing or plant environment, with a strong safety and quality mindset. You understand how to work within defined frameworks and budgets, and you’re confident using data-driven tools such as SPC, MDE, SAP, MES and OEE to guide decisions and improve performance. To thrive in this role, you’ll be a clear and calm leader who sets direction, challenges constructively and maintains team morale. You’ll work as a collaborative partner, building strong relationships across production, maintenance, logistics and engineering. At the same time, you’ll bring an organised, solutions-focused approach, able to prioritise effectively and make sound, data-driven decisions.
What do we offer? You’ll join the Powerhouse of the North — Arla’s most complex site in the UK — with 15 filling lines, 190 SKUs and up to 600 million litres of raw milk intake each year. With recent investments totalling €80m and a team of 450 colleagues, Stourton offers a dynamic environment where you can grow, develop and make a real impact.
- Competitive salary
- Annual pay review
- Employer pension matched up to 6% (12% total contributory)
- 4x annual salary life assurance
- Flexible benefits including the option to buy up to 5 days’ annual leave and access to Reward Gateway discounts
- Strong career development and training opportunities (internal and external)
Would you like to join us? If you want to lead operations and keep a complex site performing at its best, please apply as soon as possible as we will process applications on a continuous basis and close the recruitment once the right candidate is found.
For additional information, please contact Jess Thwaite jesth@arlafoods.com.
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.
Duty Manager - Stourton Dairy employer: Arla
Arla is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work environment at the Stourton Dairy site, where you can lead operations in one of the UK's most complex dairy facilities. With a strong focus on safety, quality, and employee development, Arla provides competitive salaries, generous pension contributions, and robust career growth opportunities, ensuring that every team member feels valued and empowered to make a meaningful impact. Join us to be part of a global cooperative that prioritises collaboration and innovation in shaping the future of dairy.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Duty Manager - Stourton Dairy
✨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, 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!
We think you need these skills to ace Duty Manager - Stourton Dairy
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 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
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Arla, 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 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.
