At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop a large operational team in a fast-paced dairy production environment.
- Company: Join Arla Foods, a global leader in the dairy industry with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, annual pay reviews, pension contributions, and flexible benefits.
- Other info: Significant exposure to senior leadership and opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on performance, culture, and people development in manufacturing.
- Qualifications: Experience in FMCG or food manufacturing, strong leadership and continuous improvement skills.
Are you an experienced manufacturing leader who thrives on developing people, driving operational excellence and leading cultural transformation in a large-scale FMCG environment? Join Arla Foods at Westbury and become a key member of the site leadership team. As LCO Butter Core Team Leader, you'll play a pivotal role in driving our operational excellence journey, developing future leaders and helping one of the UK's largest dairy sites achieve world-class manufacturing standards. Working closely with functional teams across the UK and wider Arla network, you'll influence performance, capability and continuous improvement across the operation.
How you will make an impact
Reporting to the Operations Manager, you will lead the Butter production area and support the continued implementation of the Line Centric Organisation model while creating a high-performing, engaged and safety-focused culture. You will lead through others, develop leadership capability and deliver sustainable improvements across safety, quality, delivery, cost and people performance.
- Lead, coach and develop a large operational team through Shift Team Leaders and technical specialists.
- Drive Line Centric Organisation capability, ownership and accountability across the production area.
- Deliver improvements in safety, quality, service, waste reduction and operational performance.
- Use operational data and continuous improvement methodologies to drive decision making and problem solving.
- Collaborate across Production, Engineering, QEHS, Logistics, Finance and People teams to achieve site objectives.
What will make you successful
You are an established manufacturing leader with experience leading large operational teams in a fast-paced production environment. You have a proven track record of driving performance improvement, building capability and leading change through structured continuous improvement practices. Experience within FMCG, food manufacturing or other highly regulated manufacturing environments will be highly valued. Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, TPM, IL6S, IWS, APS or comparable systems will help you succeed. Strong stakeholder management, coaching capability and data-led decision making are core requirements. Personally, you are an engaging leader who develops others, influences effectively across functions and inspires teams through change while maintaining high standards for safety and performance.
What do we offer?
Alongside a competitive salary, you'll receive annual pay reviews, pension contributions matched up to 6%, life assurance, flexible benefits, discounted products and access to ongoing development opportunities. This role provides significant exposure to senior operational leadership and the opportunity to help shape the future of manufacturing within Arla. As a global dairy leader, we invest heavily in developing talent and promoting from within. You'll join a collaborative leadership team where continuous improvement, learning and innovation are genuinely embedded in the culture.
Would you like to join us?
If you're looking for a leadership opportunity where you can make a real impact on performance, culture and people development, 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 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.
LCO Butter Core Team Leader (Production Manager), Arla - Westbury employer: Arla
Arla Lockerbie is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and supportive work environment, where continuous improvement and operational excellence are at the forefront. Employees benefit from opportunities for professional growth, skill development, and the chance to make a meaningful impact in a fast-paced manufacturing setting. With a commitment to sustainability and a culture that values every team member, Arla is dedicated to helping you thrive in your career while shaping the future of dairy.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land LCO Butter Core Team Leader (Production Manager), Arla - Westbury
✨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 LCO Butter Core Team Leader (Production Manager), Arla - Westbury
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.
