Area Technician - Lockerbie Dairy

Monday – Friday, Days 37.5 hours, 8am – 4pm

Are you a technically skilled problem-solver who enjoys improving equipment reliability, reducing downtime, and helping others develop their technical capability?

We’re looking for an Area Technician to join our Dairy Milk Reception, Process and Production department at Arla Lockerbie. In this key role you’ll act as the technical expert within your designated Line-Centred Organisation (LCO) area, driving equipment reliability, eliminating recurring losses, and supporting high levels of operational performance.

Working closely with Operations, Engineering, Maintenance and Quality teams, you’ll combine hands-on technical expertise with data analysis, coaching and continuous improvement to deliver sustainable improvements across the production area.

How you will make an impact

As an Area Technician/Engineer will be responsible for delivering operational standards in their area, responsible for reduction of unplanned downtime and increased line efficiency through systematic CI work. The Area Technician will also enable and coach Operators on technical standards as well as leading structured problem-solving activities, support continuous improvement programmes, and ensure technical standards are consistently maintained across your area.

Key responsibilities include:

• Ensures that their department complies with Arla’s standards in terms of Food Safety, H&S, Environment and carry’s out internal process confirmation to ensure compliance.


• Leads weekly CI meeting related to unplanned stops and top losses applying structured LEAN problem solving tools and PDCA.


• Actively work with the teams on CI improvement activities. Ensures improvement activities are quantified and reflected in improvement benefits trackers.


• Owns and tracks data for their area and actioning deviations including preventative maintenance.


• Owns Operator Asset Care standards and competence development for teams.

The Core team gets support from all site functions including Planning, Maintenance & Engineering, QEHS and Operational Support for daily operations and improvement activities.

What will make you successful

We’re looking for someone with a strong technical background who enjoys identifying improvement opportunities, solving complex problems and influencing others to achieve sustainable results.

You will have significant experience working within a manufacturing environment. Experience within food, dairy, FMCG or other high-volume production environments would be highly advantageous.

You’ll bring:

• 5 years’ experience in a similar or equivalent role.


• Strong knowledge of equipment reliability, maintenance principles and fault-finding techniques.


• Experience using data and performance analysis to drive technical improvements and reduce losses.


• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement and structured problem-solving methodologies.


• Experience using SAP PM or similar maintenance management systems.


• Excellent communication skills with the ability to coach, support and influence colleagues across multiple functions.

What do we offer?

At Arla, you’ll join a collaborative and highly skilled Operations team focused on delivering world-class manufacturing performance. You’ll work alongside experienced colleagues who are passionate about continuous improvement, technical excellence and developing people.

We’re committed to helping our employees grow, providing opportunities to expand your technical expertise, develop new skills and build a rewarding long-term career. You’ll be empowered to make a real impact while contributing to the production of high-quality dairy products enjoyed by consumers across the UK and beyond.

Would you like to join us?

The closing date for applications is 21st August 2026.

For additional information, please contact Tony Clapham, Talent Acquisition Partner

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.

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