Location : Cookstown
Job Ref: UDF/2026/732
Employment : Full-Time Permanent
Closing Date : 22 September 2026 05:00 pm
Dale Farm Cooperative is a UK dairy farmer co-operative owned by over 1200 dairy farmers who supply us with fresh milk. Dale Farm has operations throughout the UK and Ireland producing and distributing a wide range of dairy products which it sells across the UK and Ireland as well as exporting to over 45 countries worldwide.
At Dale Farm virtually every career discipline is represented in our workforce, from production, engineering and distribution, to sales & marketing and food technology/quality assurance, to Finance, HR and IT through to general management. Our standards are high and when we recruit we are looking for those with energy and drive, who are keen for responsibility and motivated to succeed with a record of achievement and with the potential to develop as the company grows.
CULTURE
Our culture is based on setting best in class standards, working towards and delivering on committed objectives, striving for constant improvement and involving everyone in the company. We strive to develop our people and harness everyone's contribution to deliver a winning team.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES
The company is an Equal Opportunities employer and is committed to a safe, inclusive and relationship-based workspace.
BENEFITS
In return, we offer a high degree of responsibility, plenty of challenge, good opportunities for learning and personal development and rewarding benefit packages, all within a fast-moving and results-oriented environment.
As an integral member of the Engineering Team, you will be supporting the efficient operation and continuous improvement of our large-scale cheese manufacturing facility. The role is designed to provide broad exposure across engineering functions, including operational support, reliability improvement, capital and continuous improvement projects, and energy optimisation initiatives.
Working closely with engineering and production teams, you will contribute to maintaining and improving site performance through data-driven decision-making, problem-solving, and project delivery. Through structured development and hands-on experience across multiple engineering disciplines, the role will provide a strong foundation for future progression within the engineering function.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Support the Engineering Team in the day-to-day operation of the manufacturing facility, ensuring engineering activities are aligned with production requirements and business objectives.
- Assist with the delivery of reliability improvement initiatives, using data analysis and root cause investigation techniques to reduce equipment downtime and improve asset performance.
- Participate in continuous improvement activities focused on increasing Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), reducing waste, and enhancing manufacturing performance.
- Support the planning, management, and delivery of engineering projects, ranging from minor process improvements to larger capital investment programmes.
- Lead assigned improvement projects from concept through to implementation, ensuring projects are delivered safely, on time, and within budget.
- Analyse production, maintenance, and utility performance data to identify opportunities for operational, reliability, and energy efficiency improvements.
- Support the Energy, Utilities and Services function in monitoring site energy consumption and delivering energy optimisation projects.
- Assist with the review and continuous development of preventative maintenance strategies and procedures to improve equipment reliability and performance.
- Support the management of engineering documentation, technical records, drawings, maintenance procedures, and asset information systems.
- Assist in the assessment, specification, and procurement of equipment, components, and critical spare parts.
- Work collaboratively with production, quality, maintenance, and external contractors to deliver engineering solutions and improvements.
- Promote and maintain high standards of safety, food safety, quality, and environmental compliance across all engineering activities.
SPECIFIC SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
Required
- Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Manufacturing Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret technical and operational data.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary teams.
- Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Self-motivated with a proactive approach to learning and professional development.
- Strong attention to detail and a commitment to delivering high-quality work.
Desirable
- Project management experience gained through academic, placement, or extracurricular activities.
- Previous industrial placement, internship, or work experience within a manufacturing or engineering environment.
- Knowledge of reliability engineering principles, root cause analysis, or preventive maintenance methodologies.
- Experience using data analysis tools, SCADA systems, CMMS systems, or manufacturing reporting platforms.
- Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, Six Sigma, or related improvement methodologies.
- Awareness of energy management and utility systems within an industrial environment.
Sectors
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Location : Cookstown
Job Ref: UDF/2026/732
Employment : Full-Time Permanent
Closing Date : 22 September 2026 05:00 pm
Dale Farm Cooperative is a UK dairy farmer co-operative owned by over 1200 dairy farmers who supply us with fresh milk. Dale Farm has operations throughout the UK and Ireland producing and distributing a wide range of dairy products which it sells across the UK and Ireland as well as exporting to over 45 countries worldwide.
At Dale Farm virtually every career discipline is represented in our workforce, from production, engineering and distribution, to sales & marketing and food technology/quality assurance, to Finance, HR and IT through to general management. Our standards are high and when we recruit we are looking for those with energy and drive, who are keen for responsibility and motivated to succeed with a record of achievement and with the potential to develop as the company grows.
CULTURE
Our culture is based on setting best in class standards, working towards and delivering on committed objectives, striving for constant improvement and involving everyone in the company. We strive to develop our people and harness everyone's contribution to deliver a winning team.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES
The company is an Equal Opportunities employer and is committed to a safe, inclusive and relationship-based workspace.
BENEFITS
In return, we offer a high degree of responsibility, plenty of challenge, good opportunities for learning and personal development and rewarding benefit packages, all within a fast-moving and results-oriented environment.
As an integral member of the Engineering Team, you will be supporting the efficient operation and continuous improvement of our large-scale cheese manufacturing facility. The role is designed to provide broad exposure across engineering functions, including operational support, reliability improvement, capital and continuous improvement projects, and energy optimisation initiatives.
Working closely with engineering and production teams, you will contribute to maintaining and improving site performance through data-driven decision-making, problem-solving, and project delivery. Through structured development and hands-on experience across multiple engineering disciplines, the role will provide a strong foundation for future progression within the engineering function.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Support the Engineering Team in the day-to-day operation of the manufacturing facility, ensuring engineering activities are aligned with production requirements and business objectives.
- Assist with the delivery of reliability improvement initiatives, using data analysis and root cause investigation techniques to reduce equipment downtime and improve asset performance.
- Participate in continuous improvement activities focused on increasing Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), reducing waste, and enhancing manufacturing performance.
- Support the planning, management, and delivery of engineering projects, ranging from minor process improvements to larger capital investment programmes.
- Lead assigned improvement projects from concept through to implementation, ensuring projects are delivered safely, on time, and within budget.
- Analyse production, maintenance, and utility performance data to identify opportunities for operational, reliability, and energy efficiency improvements.
- Support the Energy, Utilities and Services function in monitoring site energy consumption and delivering energy optimisation projects.
- Assist with the review and continuous development of preventative maintenance strategies and procedures to improve equipment reliability and performance.
- Support the management of engineering documentation, technical records, drawings, maintenance procedures, and asset information systems.
- Assist in the assessment, specification, and procurement of equipment, components, and critical spare parts.
- Work collaboratively with production, quality, maintenance, and external contractors to deliver engineering solutions and improvements.
- Promote and maintain high standards of safety, food safety, quality, and environmental compliance across all engineering activities.
SPECIFIC SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
Required
- Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Manufacturing Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret technical and operational data.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary teams.
- Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Self-motivated with a proactive approach to learning and professional development.
- Strong attention to detail and a commitment to delivering high-quality work.
Desirable
- Project management experience gained through academic, placement, or extracurricular activities.
- Previous industrial placement, internship, or work experience within a manufacturing or engineering environment.
- Knowledge of reliability engineering principles, root cause analysis, or preventive maintenance methodologies.
- Experience using data analysis tools, SCADA systems, CMMS systems, or manufacturing reporting platforms.
- Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, Six Sigma, or related improvement methodologies.
- Awareness of energy management and utility systems within an industrial environment.
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