Area Specialist - Taw Valley

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 propose 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 PC&IS/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?

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 organization 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?

• 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!

 

Why join us?

At Arla, we do so much more than make some of the world’s favorite dairy products. We make healthy taste delicious, mornings worth getting up for and family dinners unforgettable. Arla®, Castello® and Lurpak® – brands like these make us a vital, natural part of modern life in over 100 countries around the world.

For more information please contact James Westwood, Recruitment & HR Coordinator at Arla Foods. The closing date for this position is the 19^th of July 2026 and only official applications via the career website will be considered.

 

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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