Associate Production Manager- Arla Food Ingredients, Taw Valley (Devon, GB)

```html

Opportunity Review: Associate Production Manager at Arla Foods Ingredients (AFI), Taw Valley

This review provides a professional assessment of the Associate Production Manager role at Arla Foods Ingredients (AFI) in Taw Valley, offering insights for prospective candidates to navigate their career path and understand this exciting opportunity.

The Opportunity: Shaping the Future of Dairy Production

Arla Foods Ingredients (AFI) is at the forefront of transforming whey into high-quality food ingredients, playing a crucial role in the global food supply chain. As an Associate Production Manager, you will be instrumental in this process, contributing to the annual production of approximately 18,000 tons of permeate powder and 3,000 tons of whey protein concentrate. Leveraging advanced manufacturing technologies, AFI is committed to the highest standards of quality, safety, and consistency, making this a significant role within a reputable organization.

Advantages for Your Career Path:

• Impactful Contribution: This role offers the chance to "feed the world" by contributing to essential food ingredients. You'll be part of a company dedicated to making good food choices that improve lives.
• Leadership Development: Reporting to the Head of AFI, you will have direct responsibility for driving operational performance, strategic direction, and team inspiration. This is an excellent platform to hone your leadership and management skills.
• Technical Exposure: You will gain hands-on experience with advanced membrane filtration, evaporation, and drying technologies, as well as management systems like LIA, SAP, VIW, and COUPA.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: The position emphasizes collaboration with Engineering, Finance, and EHS teams, providing valuable exposure to different facets of the business and fostering a holistic understanding of operations.
• Commitment to Growth: Arla's "People agenda" explicitly commits to training and development, indicating a strong focus on employee growth and skill enhancement. This is a key advantage for candidates looking to advance their careers.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package: Arla Foods Ingredients offers a competitive salary, generous holiday allowance, annual pay reviews, a matched pension contribution, life assurance, and access to discounted products. The inclusion of flexible benefits and a reward gateway further enhances the overall compensation and employee experience. The festive cheese hamper is a delightful bonus!

Key Considerations for Candidates:

• Experience Requirements: The role demands solid FMCG (Fast-Moving Consumer Goods) experience and the ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. Candidates without this background may find the transition challenging.
• Leadership Track Record: Proven leadership skills, specifically in building, developing, and motivating high-performing teams, are essential. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate this through their application and interview.
• Interpersonal Skills: Strong communication and interpersonal abilities are crucial for fostering collaboration and a positive working culture. A team-oriented mindset is paramount.
• Resilience and Autonomy: The job description highlights the need for resilience, autonomy, and energy to drive results. Candidates who prefer highly structured or less independent environments may want to consider this aspect.
• System Knowledge: While not strictly mandatory, knowledge of SAP or similar systems is listed as an advantage. Familiarity with such systems can significantly streamline the onboarding process and contribute to immediate effectiveness.
• Global Impact: Arla is a global leader in the dairy industry. For candidates seeking to contribute to a large, internationally recognized organization with a strong sustainability ethos, this role is particularly appealing.

In conclusion, the Associate Production Manager position at Arla Foods Ingredients, Taw Valley, presents a significant opportunity for driven professionals to make a tangible impact in the food industry, develop their leadership capabilities, and grow within a supportive and forward-thinking organization. Candidates who possess strong FMCG and leadership experience, coupled with a collaborative spirit and a desire for continuous improvement, will find this role a rewarding step in their career progression.