Area Specialist - Stourton

Area Specialist
Days based role
Arla Foods Stourton Dairy, LS10 1AX

Are you a proactive and detail‑oriented person with a passion for driving operational excellence? Do you want to support continuous improvement and ensure high standards across the LCO area? Then don’t miss this opportunity! We are looking for an Area Specialist to join us at our Stourton Dairy

How Will You Make An Impact?

As an Area Specialist, you will play a key role in driving performance, maintaining high operational standards, and supporting continuous improvement within the LCO area. You will use data‑driven insights, structured problem‑solving, and close collaboration with the Line Teams to optimise processes, strengthen capabilities, and ensure a safe and efficient working environment.

Key responsibilities include;

• Responsible for operational standards in LCO Area


• Responsible for reduction of planned downtime and increase line speed through systematic CI work


• Responsible to enable and coach operators and technical operators in operational standards


• Contribute to a healthy, inclusive and safe work environment and role model our character mindset


• Support quality and food safety within LCO area

Benefits

• Competitive salary (salary discussed at application)


• Annual Pay review


• Employer pension matched up to 6% (12% total contributory)


• 4 x annual life salary assurance


• Flexible Benefits- buy additional annual leave, reward gateway scheme- discounts with various retailers via my benefit platform.


• People agenda commitment to training and development


• Access to discounted Arla products


• Most importantly- a cheese hamper at Christmas!

What you’ll need in order to be successful in the role

The ideal candidate will have;

• Basic understanding of food manufacturing/FMCG


• Knowledge of Lean Principles (Six Sigma qualification) would be preferred.


• Previous experience within an FMCG or dairy industry would be advantageous but not essential as training will be provided.


• SE Food Production, DK Dairy Operator KOLD, EDEN or equivalent experience


•  Skilled technical education and/or equivalent experience

Things we’d love to tell you about our Stourton site

• Site takes in 2.2 million litres of Milk daily


• Produces around 660 million litres of the nation’s favourites per year from 16 automated filling lines.


• Producing over 225 SKU within 10 different product groups such as Cravendale & BOB filtered milk, Flavoured milk, Creams, alcohol cream, custards and cottage cheese are supplied from Stourton.


• Site has received c.£315 million in investment since 2004, with a further major investment of c.£50 million soon to begin

Things We’d Love To Tell You About Arla

• We are a farmer- owned cooperative. That means we are committed to partnering with farmers so they are guaranteed a fair price for their milk.


• We experimented with poo powered trucks (google it- you won’t regret it), and built the world’s first ever 100% carbon neutral dairy. All as part of our ongoing commitment to combatting climate change.


• We are the producer of Lurpak, one of the world’s most iconic butter brands.


• We are a Danish business, operating across the UK, Europe, Asia, The Middle East, North America, South America and other regions across the globe.

Next steps

Please apply using the link or reach out to Jess Thwaite, Talent Partner at Arla Foods. The closing date for applications is 9th  March 2026. 

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.

#LI-JESTH

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