Arla Foods Ltd
M&E Technician - Oakthorpe

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M&E Technician, Arla – Oakthorpe
Are you an electrical or mechanical engineer who thrives in a fast-paced, highly automated environment - and ready to keep one of the UK’s largest dairy sites running 24/7?
At Lockerbie you’ll work with cutting-edge process and packing technology, solving problems at pace and driving continuous improvement that keeps our site safe, efficient and reliable.
How you will make an impact
Based at our Oakthorpe site on continental rotating shifts (12-hour days and nights), you’ll support a well-invested plant producing household. You’ll carry out reactive, planned and preventive maintenance, using data and problem-solving tools to reduce downtime and improve performance.
- Execute reactive, planned and preventative maintenance across processing, packing and utilities assets
- Lead structured problem solving and continuous improvement to enhance OEE and minimise downtime
- Use CMMS (SAP PM) and reporting suites to plan work, capture data and drive actions
- Support site projects, including non-capex modifications and CAPEX installations and commissioning
- Maintain and optimise a wide range of equipment (e.g. pasteurisation, homogenisers, separators, evaporators, dryers, fillers, palletisers, conveyors, robots, vision/X-ray systems, HVAC, boilers, chillers, compressors, CHP)
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
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Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
What will make you successful
You will bring a time-served apprenticeship or NVQ Level 3/ONC/HNC/HND (or proven equivalent experience), along with your background as a multiskilled maintenance or engineering technician, whether in mechanical or electrical disciplines.
You will have experience working in fast-paced, automated, and safety-critical manufacturing environments, ideally within FMCG, and you will be computer literate, confident using SAP and Microsoft Office, and familiar with SCADA, HMIs, and Trend systems.
Personally, you will be ambitious and driven, taking a proactive approach to learning and continuous improvement; you will demonstrate strong problem-solving skills, approaching challenges methodically and analytically, and remaining calm under pressure.
You will be a team-focused communicator, prioritising safety and keeping stakeholders informed with clear updates. As part of our supportive team, you will experience a steep learning curve, face meaningful challenges, and benefit from colleagues who are eager to help you succeed and make you feel welcome.
What do we offer


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We’re committed to your growth and development, offering internal and external training opportunities. You’ll enjoy a competitive salary, 24 days holiday, matched pension contributions up to 6%, life assurance, and flexible benefits. At Oakthorpe, you’ll join a team proud of its high job satisfaction and steep learning curve, with plenty of challenges and support to help you succeed.
Would you like to join us?
Please apply as soon as possible as we will process applications on a continuous basis and close the recruitment once the right candidate is found.
For additional information, please contact Chris Wakefield our Engineering Talent Partner at chwak@arlafoods.com
Shape the Future of Dairy
Arla is a global leader in the dairy industry, committed to enabling good food choices that make life better, providing people with natural, sustainable nourishment, while taking care at every step to ensure Arla is a choice they can feel good about. If you are looking to shape the future with an ambitious global cooperative that truly cares about your growth, where everyone feels valued and empowered, and collaboration is the core of culture, Arla is a choice you can feel good about.
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