Be part of a growing team as part of the exciting £179m expansion going on at our Taw Valley site in Devon. This role will focus on milk and whey processing while also identifying risks within processes, equipment and proposing mitigation. The Area Specialist will report to the Area Lead – Liquid Process and work closely with the projects integration team for the new Mozzarella plant. This role is pivotal in overseeing all process areas from milk intake through to cheese milk out and whey processing, collaborating with CAPEX, NPD, and Production teams to commission new equipment, and ensuring processes and technologies are implemented to the highest standards.
How you will make an impact
The Area Specialist will provide technical expertise, support productivity improvements, and troubleshoot technical issues, while also maintaining operational standards and driving continuous improvement. Additionally, this role involves coaching team members, promoting a safe and inclusive workplace, and ensuring compliance with quality and food safety requirements.
- Oversee all process areas from milk intake to cheese milk out and whey processing.
- Collaborate with CAPEX, NPD, and Production teams to commission and optimize new equipment and processes.
- Maintain operational standards in the Line Centric Organization (LCO) Area, including SOPs and GMP standards, and drive continuous improvement.
- Enable and coach operators in operational standards and support the implementation of new digital tools and ways of working.
- Champion a healthy, inclusive, and safe work environment, ensuring compliance with quality and food safety requirements.
What will make you successful
To be successful in this role, the ideal candidate will have at least five years of relevant experience, particularly in designing and scoping full manufacturing lines and systems. A strong background in machine safety requirements, including safety circuit design and classification, as well as expertise in good manufacturing practices and hygienic equipment design, is essential. Applied knowledge of equipment PCIS/control systems, along with hands‑on experience working with production and cross‑functional teams, will be highly valued. The candidate should also demonstrate cost consciousness, excellent communication skills, and the ability to foster positive relationships across management and technical disciplines to effectively deliver projects on demanding schedules. Experience with SCADA/PLC systems, familiarity with LEAN principles and data management, and knowledge of milk and whey processing will be considered advantageous.
What do we offer?
- Competitive salary (salary discussed at application stage)
- 26 days holiday & Bank Holidays
- Pension contribution matched up to 6%
- 4 x annual salary life assurance
- Access to discounted products in our Staff Shop
- People agenda commitment to training and development
- Flexible Benefits – buy up to 5 days additional annual leave, reward gateway scheme – discounts with various retailers via my benefit platform.
- Most importantly – Cheese hamper at Christmas!
For more information please contact James Westwood, Recruitment & HR Coordinator at Arla Foods. The closing date for this position is the 19th of July 2026 and only official applications via the career website will be considered.
Ref. 109421
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