Manufacturing Operative

Manufacturing Operator - 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.  

Applications are invited for the above position that will be based at our Newtownards Site. 

The opportunity: 

As a Manufacturing Operative at our Newtownards site, you will play a key role in our powder production team and will support, Material movements, Goods in and warehouse operations also producing of high-quality dairy ingredients. 

Working as part of a supportive and collaborative team, you will help deliver production targets safely, efficiently, and to the highest quality standards. You will be responsible for operating and monitoring equipment, following established processes, and ensuring compliance with all Quality, Food Safety, Health & Safety, and operational procedures.  

This is an excellent opportunity to join a fast-paced manufacturing environment where teamwork, continuous improvement, and personal development are highly valued. 

What success will look like: 

• Operate and become fully trained across a range of manufacturing equipment within the Powder Department, ensuring flexibility and efficiency across operations. 

• Safely achieve production targets while maintaining the highest standards of quality, food safety, and health & safety compliance. 

• Demonstrate flexibility by working across departments, shift patterns, and overtime requirements to support business needs. 

• Work collaboratively with colleagues and cross-functional teams, particularly Engineering and Quality Assurance, to ensure smooth and effective operations. 

• Support the delivery of key site performance measures, including customer service, quality, cost, sustainability, and health & safety objectives. 

• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives by actively supporting Operational Excellence and process improvement activities. 

• Accurately complete all production records, documentation, and reporting requirements in line with company standards and regulatory expectations. 
• Act as a positive ambassador for the Newtownards site by maintaining professional standards, embracing new technologies, and leading by example in all aspects of work. 

What will you bring? 
The successful candidate will ideally have previous experience working within a manufacturing environment and will be able to demonstrate a strong track record of reliability, attendance, and commitment to high standards. They will be driven by performance, quality, and health & safety, with a proactive and flexible approach that enables them to adapt effectively to changing production priorities and business needs. 

We are looking for a motivated and dependable individual with strong communication and numerical skills who thrives in a collaborative environment. Working across our Powder Department and the wider Newtownards site, you will be actively involved in supporting operations and achieving team objectives. The role involves manual handling duties and requires flexibility to work primarily Monday to Friday, with weekend and night shift cover to support business needs. 

Please note candidates must be willing to complete a Level 3 food and drink manufacturing apprenticeship in conjunction with CAFRE College and attain a valid forklift licence if not already held. 

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 complete our online application process by no later than Monday 9th November 2026. 

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 careers@lakelanddairies.com. 

We are committed to equality and believe in building a diverse organisation that is representative of and responsive to the needs of our customers and stakeholders.

A NOTE FOR RECRUITMENT AGENCIES:

We prefer to hire people directly, but we do have a preferred supplier list for when we need a helping hand. We'll be in touch directly if we need you!

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