At a Glance
- Tasks: Deliver high-quality maintenance and improve asset reliability in a dynamic dairy environment.
- Company: Join Arla, a global leader in the dairy industry with a strong commitment to sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 24 days holiday, matched pension, and flexible benefits.
- Other info: Collaborative culture focused on continuous improvement and safety-first approach.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on dairy production while growing your skills in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in maintenance or technical engineering, ideally with Level 3 qualification.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
Are you a skilled maintenance professional looking to make a real impact on asset reliability and performance? At Arla Stourton Dairy, we’re looking for a Shift Engineer to join our process department and play a key role in improving maintenance execution and reducing unplanned downtime. This role sits within the Stourton Process Engineering team who work 12 hour shifts, 4 on 4 off (no nights).
How you will make an impact
In this role, you will take ownership of delivering high‑quality maintenance across our process area. You’ll work collaboratively with operations and engineering colleagues to strengthen our maintenance culture, enhance technical standards, and support continuous improvement across the site. Your key responsibilities will include:
- Execute planned and preventative maintenance activities across process assets, including pasteurisers, heat exchangers, valves, pumps and instrumentation equipment, driving reliability and minimising downtime through effective planning and execution.
- Using SAP CMMS and FastWork to record maintenance activities and support top‑loss reviews and action closure.
- Ensuring OEE is realised through data analysis and effective CI work, including leading RCAs and maintaining technical standards such as SOPs, SMPs and work instructions.
- Acting as an ambassador for safety and food quality, championing LOTO, Permit to Work and other site protocols.
- Providing technical input to CAPEX projects.
What will make you successful
You are a proactive, technically skilled maintenance professional who takes ownership and enjoys driving improvements. You bring strong problem‑solving abilities and the confidence to collaborate across departments. You will ideally have completed a Modern Advanced Level Apprenticeship to Level 3 in Engineering Maintenance or an equivalent qualification, supported by proven experience in a maintenance or technical engineering position within a fast‑paced production environment. Familiarity with maintenance methodologies such as CBM, RCA, FMECA and the use of CMMS systems—including SAP PM—is also desirable. To thrive in this role, you will be someone who naturally supports knowledge sharing across both operations and engineering teams. You’ll bring a curious, continuous‑improvement mindset and be motivated by finding better ways of working. Above all, you will have a strong safety‑first approach that guides every task you undertake.
What do we offer?
We’re committed to your growth and development, offering internal and external training opportunities. You’ll enjoy a competitive salary, 24 days holiday, matched pension contributions up to 6%, life assurance, and flexible benefits. At Stourton, you’ll join a team proud of its high job satisfaction and steep learning curve, with plenty of challenges and support to help you succeed.
Would you like to join us?
If this sounds like the right opportunity for you, we’d love to hear from you. Please apply via the link provided or contact Chris Wakefield, at chwak@arlafoods.com for further information.
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.
Shift Engineer - Process 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 Shift Engineer - Process
✨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 Shift Engineer - Process
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.
