Area Specialist; Continuous Improvement Engineer

Lockerbie DG11

Mon – Fri Days 37.5 hours 8-4

Are you passionate about continuous improvement, data analysis, operational excellence and developing high‑performing teams in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment?

We’re looking for an Area Specialist to join our Operations team at Arla Lockerbie, where you’ll play a critical role in improving equipment performance, reducing losses and developing operational capability across your Line‑Centred Organization (LCO) area.

As the operational expert within your area, you’ll work closely with operators, technical operators, maintenance teams, and site leadership to deliver sustainable improvements in safety, quality, productivity, and efficiency. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who enjoys using data to drive decisions while coaching others to achieve operational excellence.

As an Area Specialist, you’ll lead continuous improvement activities across your operational area, ensuring equipment performance, operational standards and team capability continue to develop. You’ll combine technical expertise, analytical thinking and people development to deliver measurable business improvements.

• Leading weekly Continuous Improvement meetings focused on equipment performance, downtime reduction and OEE improvement.
• Analysing production and asset performance data to identify losses, determine root causes and implement sustainable improvements.
• Developing and maintaining operational standards, SOPs and Operational Asset Care processes to ensure consistent performance.
• Coaching and developing operators and technical operators to build capability and strengthen team performance.
• Supporting the implementation and adoption of new digital tools, systems and technologies across the production area.

The role sits within the Operations function and works closely with Maintenance, Continuous Improvement and Site Leadership Teams.

We’re looking for someone who enjoys solving problems, influencing others and driving continuous improvement through both people and process. You will ideally hold a technical, dairy, food production or engineering‑related qualification, or have equivalent experience within a manufacturing environment. Experience with in food, dairy or FMCG manufacturing would be highly advantageous.

• At least 5 years’ experience in a similar role.
• Lean six sigma green belt or above is highly desirable.
• Strong analytical skills with experience using production performance data to drive operational improvements.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles, Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) and Continuous Improvement methodologies.
• Experience using systems such as SAP, Power BI, Excel or similar performance reporting tools.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to coach, engage and influence colleagues at all levels.
• Experience supporting process improvements, operational excellence initiatives or digital transformation projects.

At Arla, you’ll join a collaborative and supportive Operations team committed to achieving world‑class manufacturing performance. You’ll work alongside experienced colleagues who are passionate about continuous improvement and helping each other succeed.

We’re committed to helping our people grow, providing opportunities to expand your technical expertise, develop new skills and build a rewarding long‑term career. You’ll work alongside experienced colleagues who will support your development while giving you the opportunity to make a real impact from day one.

The closing date for applications is 24 July.