Manufacturing Production Leader (Days)
Newtownards
Lakeland Dairies Co-operative Society Limited (The Group) is the second largest dairy processor on the island of Ireland. The business is complex and ambitious with a milk supply pool of 2 billion litres of milk, drawn from over 3,200 family farms across 16 counties.
With the most modern dairy manufacturing facilities in 8 locations on a cross-border basis, the Group supplies to a broad customer base including some of the world’s foremost ‘blue chip’ companies across the dairy food ingredients, foodservice and consumer food channels on a domestic Ireland, UK, European and global basis. Internationally we export some 240 different products to over 100 countries worldwide.
The Group’s Agribusiness Division (Lakeland Agri) operates a state-of-the-art Animal Feed Manufacturing Facility and is a leading and innovative provider of the highest quality feeds and agricultural inputs to dairy, beef, and sheep farmers across the north and south of Ireland.
Applications are invited for the above position that will be based at our Newtownards Site in County Down.
The Role:
As a key member of our production operations, the successful applicant will lead our production staff in various areas including Powder, Weigh Up, UHT material movements and Milk Intake. A strong communicator, the successful applicant will ensure they are focused on delivering on safety, quality and output standards and aiming to continually improve in all areas.
Leading by example, demonstrating the highest personal standards in the performance of all duties and responsibilities to include (Not limited to):
* Lead teams and be present on the factory floor to ensure standards are being met and providing coaching when applicable.
* Work in a collaborative manner with all functions on site, with particular focus being with Engineering, Planning, QA and Warehouse.
* Work closely with finance and material movements to ensure materials are consumed and returned accurately.
* Lead the Powder and WUP team to deliver schedule adherence in a safe and cost-effective manner and will strive to streamline processes to reduce cost whilst maintaining (or improving quality)
* Lead the Milk intake and separation team to ensure hygiene and quality standards are continually improved and ensure we are efficiently processing all milk on time.
* Lead and support process improvement activities and continuous improvement activities with formal and informal teams, utilising business improvement techniques such as 3Cs and A3.
* Provide weekend cover on a rota basis for milk movements and develop team in decision making around milk activity.
* Be responsible for the team's delivery of site KPIs, (customer service, quality, cost, housekeeping and H&S).
* Promote and enable positive employee engagement and an engaging working environment to support the achievement of manufacturing objectives and maintenance of high morale.
* Manage team holidays and absence to ensure operational objectives are delivered. Carry out timely return to work meetings, escalating cases and liaising with HR when necessary.
* Ensure that company policies & procedures are adhered to by team members and, where necessary, carry out appropriate disciplinary procedures in line with the company’s disciplinary policy.
The person:
Our team are seeking an individual that possesses.
* Supervisory/Management experience from within a production related role.
* Financially astute and cost competitive.
* Excellent communication skills both verbal and written.
* Knowledge of Health and Safety practice within a production environment.
* Confident in the use of Microsoft Office packages including Word and Outlook.
* Experience in food production, dairy production and our project work would be desirable.
If you have the necessary skills and attributes to meet this exciting opportunity in a dynamic, high volume and fast-moving business, we would be delighted to hear from you.
Application Process: To apply or for further information, please submit a copy of your CV by no later than Monday 10th November 2025.
Lakeland Dairies Ltd is committed to having an inclusive workplace where every employee feels they belong. If you require accommodations to be made during the recruitment process or have questions relating to accessibility, please contact us at .
Skills:
* Production
* Manufacturing
* Supervisor
* Manager
* Food production
Benefits:
* Pension
* Free parking
* Staff canteen
* Health and wellbeing programme
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