At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team in a fast-paced dairy production environment, driving performance and safety.
- Company: Join Arla, a global leader in sustainable dairy manufacturing.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, pension contributions, life assurance, and flexible benefits.
- Other info: Collaborative culture focused on growth and sustainability.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in dairy production while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in team management within manufacturing and a passion for people development.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 45000 £ per year.
Shift based role | 3 on 3 off | Days and nights
Ready to lead a team of up to 20 colleagues and take ownership of performance, safety and continuous improvement within one of Europe's leading dairy manufacturers? This role offers the opportunity to lead a dedicated production team within one of Arla's cheese packaging facilities. You'll play a key role in driving performance, safety and continuous improvement, while helping your team achieve their full potential.
How you will make an impact
As a Shift Manager, you will join our Operations team at Arla Foods Oswestry and report into the Core Team Leader. You will be responsible for leading a team of 10-20 colleagues, ensuring the safe, efficient and high-quality delivery of production plans while driving performance, engagement and continuous improvement across your area. You will work closely with cross-functional teams to maintain operational excellence and support the site business plan.
- Lead, coach and support production colleagues to help them achieve individual and team objectives.
- Drive safety, quality and operational performance while ensuring compliance with GMP, food safety, health and safety and environmental standards.
- Manage resources effectively, including direct reports, investigations and performance management, to support cost-efficient production.
- Work closely with the M&E Team Leader and other stakeholders to resolve issues quickly and maintain alignment on performance.
- Lead continuous improvement activity, daily direction setting meetings, walking tours, process confirmation and implementation of departmental objectives.
What will make you successful
We are looking for an experienced people leader who enjoys creating high-performing teams and maintaining standards within a manufacturing environment. You will bring strong communication and problem-solving skills alongside a genuine passion for developing others and delivering results.
- Experience managing teams within a manufacturing, FMCG or production environment.
- A strong understanding of operational performance, safety and quality standards.
- Experience working in a fast-paced environment with responsibility for people and performance management.
- Knowledge of Lean principles would be beneficial, with Six Sigma knowledge considered advantageous.
The three qualities that will help you thrive in this role are:
- Strong leadership and people development capability.
- A positive and proactive approach to problem solving and change.
- The ability to collaborate effectively and build relationships across teams.
At Arla, we believe in supporting each other's development. You'll join a collaborative environment where colleagues work together to solve challenges, share expertise and continuously improve. We are committed to helping our people grow and succeed, no matter where they are in their career journey.
What do we offer?
Joining Arla means becoming part of a global dairy cooperative and a market leader committed to producing nutritious dairy products in a sustainable way. At our Oswestry site, you'll work in a cheese packaging facility that covers 8 acres of land and packages approximately 350 different types of products, supplying branded and private-label products to customers in the UK and internationally.
- Annual pay review.
- Employer pension matched up to 6% contribution.
- Life assurance cover of 4x annual salary.
- Flexible benefits, including the option to buy additional annual leave and access discounts through the Reward Gateway scheme.
- Commitment to training and development as part of our people agenda.
- Access to discounted Arla products.
Our positive and collaborative culture will bring out the best in you. You'll join an organisation committed to developing talent, promoting from within and creating opportunities for growth.
Would you like to join us? If you are ready to lead a team, drive performance and help shape the future of dairy manufacturing, we would love to hear from you. Please apply as soon as possible as applications may be reviewed on an ongoing basis. The initial closing date is the 4th of August 2026.
We have a purpose for Good. At Arla, we strive to unlock the highest potential in each other while working together to create a sustainable future of dairy. We call it Stronger People Stronger Planet and it is deeply anchored in our organisation and founded on our commitment to respecting human rights, increasing access to healthy dairy nutrition, inspiring good food habits, and improving the environment for future generations. In order to succeed we need to hire people with a sustainable mindset. Could this be 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.
Operations Team Leader 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 Operations Team Leader
✨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 Operations Team Leader
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.
