At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a skilled team to operate and optimise advanced Anaerobic Digestion facilities.
- Company: Arla Foods, a global leader in sustainable dairy production.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 24 days holiday, pension contributions, and flexible benefits.
- Other info: Unique opportunity for career growth in a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainability and operational excellence in renewable energy.
- Qualifications: Technical curiosity, problem-solving skills, and experience in similar manufacturing operations.
The predicted salary is between 35806 - 43762 £ per year.
Are you ready to play a key role in one of Europe's most advanced Anaerobic Digestion facilities? Join Arla Foods Lockerbie Dairy and help support the future of sustainable energy and environmental operations at a highly invested manufacturing site. Working across our Anaerobic Digestion and Effluent Treatment Plants, you'll become a key member of a skilled operational team responsible for maintaining safe, efficient and compliant operations while driving continuous improvement.
How you will make an impact
- As an Operations Technician, you will provide technical and process expertise across our AD and ETP facilities, helping ensure safe, reliable and efficient performance.
- You'll work closely with engineering and production colleagues while playing an important role in supporting operational excellence and sustainability.
- Operate and monitor Anaerobic Digestion and Effluent Treatment Plant equipment to support gas-to-grid output and compliant discharge.
- Work closely with engineering teams to maximise plant availability and minimise downtime.
- Analyse plant performance and identify opportunities for optimisation and continuous improvement.
- Support departmental KPIs and contribute towards site operational targets.
- Champion a strong safety culture through accurate documentation, reporting and proactive observation activity.
This role sits within the Lockerbie Operations Team and is an onsite position working day shift / night shift 42 hour working week - 50/50 split between days and nights. Shift pattern – 5 on 4 off 4 on 5 off.
What will make you successful
- We're looking for someone with technical curiosity, strong problem-solving skills and a genuine commitment to safety and quality.
- Experience operating within an Anaerobic Digestion Plant, Effluent Treatment Plant, wastewater treatment facility, utilities environment, process plant or similar manufacturing operation would be highly beneficial.
- You will be comfortable working independently whilst collaborating effectively with wider operational and engineering teams.
- You will bring strong attention to detail, a methodical and analytical mindset, good IT capability and the ability to communicate effectively with colleagues across the site.
- Most importantly, you'll demonstrate a positive approach to safety, food quality and continuous improvement.
What do we offer?
At Lockerbie you'll join a highly automated manufacturing site undergoing significant investment, including a programme valued at approximately £39 million. Our Anaerobic Digestion facility is on course to become the largest in Europe, making this a genuinely unique opportunity for someone seeking to expand their technical expertise within sustainable manufacturing and renewable energy. We're committed to developing our people through internal and external training opportunities. Alongside a competitive salary, you'll receive 24 days holiday, pension contributions matched up to 6%, life assurance and a flexible benefits package. You'll also enjoy being part of a supportive team environment with high levels of engagement and career development opportunities.
Would you like to join us? If you're excited by the opportunity to work on one of Europe's most advanced Anaerobic Digestion facilities and want to make a meaningful contribution to sustainability and operational excellence, we'd love to hear from you. Please apply as soon as possible as applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis. For further information, please contact James Paisley, HR Recruitment Coordinator. Closing date for applications is the 23rd of September 2026.
Shape the Future of Dairy
Arla is a global leader in the dairy industry, committed to producing high-quality products while championing sustainability and innovation. We're passionate about people and our planet, striving to unleash the full potential in each of us. Our goal is to make healthy dairy nutrition and good food habits accessible to all. Join Arla Foods and become part of a worldwide cooperative dedicated to making a significant impact on the planet and steering the dairy industry towards a sustainable future. We are devoted to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. Diversity and collaboration are key to our success.
BEWARE! RECRUITMENT FRAUD
Arla Foods will never ask candidates to make payments, provide banking information during early-stage recruitment processes, or purchase equipment in order to secure employment. Candidates should only apply through official Arla recruitment channels.
Operations Technician - Lockerbie Dairy employer: ARLA
Arla is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at its state-of-the-art Aylesbury Dairy, one of Europe's largest dairies. With a strong commitment to employee growth through extensive training opportunities and a culture that values collaboration and innovation, Arla fosters a high-performance engineering team dedicated to maintenance excellence. Enjoy competitive benefits, including a generous holiday allowance, health cover, and a supportive atmosphere that prioritises job satisfaction and career development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Technician - Lockerbie 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 Operations Technician - Lockerbie 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.
