Operations Team Leader - Oswestry (Shropshire, GB)

Review: Shift Team Leader Opportunity at Arla Foods, Oswestry

Arla Foods is actively seeking a dedicated Shift Team Leader to join their dynamic Operations team at the Oswestry Cheese Packaging Facility in Shropshire. This role offers a significant opportunity for individuals looking to step into a leadership position within the fast-paced food manufacturing sector, specifically within a leading global dairy cooperative.

Advantages for Potential Candidates:

• Career Growth and Development: Arla Foods demonstrates a strong commitment to its people agenda, with a clear focus on training and development. This suggests a supportive environment for career advancement, enabling you to hone your leadership skills and expand your expertise within the industry.
• Impactful Role: As a Shift Team Leader, you will play a crucial role in managing performance, ensuring safety and quality standards, and driving cost savings. You will directly contribute to the site's business plan and operational success, offering a tangible sense of accomplishment.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package: Arla Foods offers a competitive benefits package, including an annual pay review, a generous employer pension scheme (matched up to 6%), life assurance, and a flexible benefits platform that includes options to purchase additional annual leave and access to a reward gateway scheme with various retailer discounts. Access to discounted Arla products is also a nice perk for dairy enthusiasts.
• Exposure to a Leading Global Brand: Working with Arla Foods provides the opportunity to be part of a globally recognized organization committed to sustainability and innovation. The Oswestry site, in particular, is a best-in-class cheese packaging facility with a significant international reach, offering exposure to diverse markets and products.
• Supportive Team Environment: While managing a team of 10-20 direct reports, you will also report into a Core Team Leader, indicating a structured reporting line and potential for mentorship.

Key Considerations for Your Career Path:

• Shift Work: The role is shift-based, operating on a 3 on, 3 off pattern, encompassing both days and nights. Candidates should be comfortable and prepared for this demanding but often rewarding schedule. This type of structure can offer a predictable work-life balance for those who adapt well to it.
• Leadership Experience: While a background in food manufacturing or FMCG is preferred, the role specifically requires experience managing teams in a fast-paced environment. Candidates with strong people management skills, enthusiasm, and a positive attitude towards change and problem-solving will be well-suited.
• Lean Principles: A knowledge of Lean Principles is highly valued, and a Six Sigma qualification is considered a strong advantage. This indicates that the role will involve continuous improvement initiatives, making it an excellent opportunity for those interested in process optimization and efficiency.
• Problem-Solving and Adaptability: The role involves resolving day-to-day issues, escalating points, and controlling emergency situations. This requires a proactive, adaptable, and solutions-oriented mindset.
• Industry Fit: Previous experience within the FMCG or dairy industry is advantageous but not essential, as Arla Foods emphasizes their commitment to providing training. This makes the role accessible to ambitious individuals from related sectors looking to transition into the dairy industry.

In Summary:

This Shift Team Leader position at Arla Foods Oswestry presents a compelling opportunity for motivated individuals seeking to advance their leadership careers within the food industry. The combination of a supportive work environment, competitive benefits, and the chance to contribute to a globally recognized and responsible organization makes this a role worth serious consideration for those looking to make a significant impact and shape their future in dairy.