Duty Manager - Taw Valley (Devon, GB)

Review of the Duty Manager Opportunity at Taw Valley Site

Are you an experienced operations leader looking to make a significant impact in a dynamic manufacturing environment? This Duty Manager role at our Taw Valley site presents a compelling opportunity for individuals driven by excellence in safety, quality, and operational performance. This is more than just a management position; it's a chance to be at the forefront of ensuring a complex factory operates seamlessly around the clock.

Advantages for Candidates:

• Leadership & Autonomy: As the key contact for the Taw Valley site, you will have significant responsibility in setting direction across all critical operational areas – intake, process, production, and despatch. This role offers the chance to lead by example and truly shape the site's performance.
• Impactful Role: You will play a crucial part in maintaining high-quality standards and driving operational excellence. Your leadership will directly influence the success of the site and contribute to the company's overall objectives.
• Development & Growth: The company emphasizes strong career development and training opportunities, both internal and external. This, coupled with a "steep learning curve," suggests a supportive environment for professional growth and skill enhancement.
• Purpose-Driven Culture: Arla Foods highlights a purpose-driven and safety-first culture, with a strong commitment to quality and sustainability. This offers the chance to work for an organization with a clear mission and values.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Beyond a competitive salary and annual pay review, the package includes a robust pension scheme, life assurance, flexible benefits allowing for additional leave, and a reward gateway for retail discounts.

Key Considerations for Candidates:

• Shift Pattern: The role operates on a 4 on 4 off, 12-hour rolling nights and days pattern. Candidates should carefully consider if this demanding schedule aligns with their lifestyle and personal preferences.
• Data-Driven Operations: Success in this role requires a strong familiarity with data-driven tools and continuous improvement practices, including SPC, MDE, SAP, MES, OEE, and basic statistics. A solid understanding and willingness to leverage these tools are essential.
• Leadership Style: The description emphasizes the need for a clear, calm leader who can set direction, challenge constructively, and maintain team morale. Candidates should reflect on their leadership style and how it aligns with these expectations.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: This role demands effective collaboration with various departments, including production, maintenance, logistics, and engineering. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are vital for seamless coordination.
• Safety & Quality Focus: A paramount requirement is a strong safety and quality mindset, coupled with a thorough understanding of food safety standards and compliance.

Career Path Guidance:

This Duty Manager position is an excellent stepping stone for ambitious operations professionals. It offers a comprehensive operational overview, from raw material intake to final despatch, providing a holistic understanding of manufacturing processes. The emphasis on data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement will equip candidates with highly transferable skills. For those aspiring to senior leadership roles within manufacturing or operations management, this role provides the foundational experience, leadership exposure, and strategic understanding necessary to advance their careers.

If you are a seasoned leader who thrives in a fast-paced, results-oriented environment and are eager to contribute to a leading global dairy company committed to sustainability and quality, this opportunity at Taw Valley is certainly worth exploring.