At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead production teams to achieve operational goals and ensure a safe, inclusive environment.
- Company: Join Arla Foods, the UK's largest dairy, known for beloved brands like Cravendale and Lurpak.
- Benefits: Be part of a sustainable future with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative culture focused on continuous improvement and sustainability.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the dairy industry while promoting healthy food choices.
- Qualifications: Experience in food manufacturing and strong leadership skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Arla Foods Stourton have an exciting opportunity for an Operations Team Leader to join the team. The dairy, located in south Leeds, is one of the largest in the UK with the capacity to produce 750 million litres of milk per year. Arla is the UK’s largest dairy, farmer owned and the creator of household favourite brands such as Cravendale, Anchor, Lurpak & Castello plus many more.
How will you make an impact?
- Responsible for delivering operational plans and setting day-to-day team objectives or acts independently to deliver the business policies and programmes in the Creamery production department.
- Ensures a healthy, inclusive and safe working environment, and safety mindset.
- Ensure quality and food safety within own area of responsibility, and quality and food safety mindset.
- Leads and manages the Production teams with an LCO mindset to jointly improve performance (using LEAN tools, APS, SPC, OEE), and is accountable for Continuous Improvements within the department.
- Responsible for KPI development including safety, quality, delivery, productivity & sustainability.
What do you need to succeed?
- Experienced Team Leader within a food manufacturing environment.
- Lean tools and techniques.
- Problem solving.
- Effective communication skills.
- Planning & Organising of workloads.
- Cost awareness / performance requirements.
If you have any questions please reach out to Senior Talent Partner Rachel McDaid at ramci@arlafoods.com. The closing date for applications is Thursday 30th July 2026.
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.
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.
Production 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 Production 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 Production 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.
