Head of Operational Technology

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 to-wards 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. About the Role: As Head of Operational Technology (OT), you will lead the strategy, development and governance of industrial technology across Dale Farm, ensuring manufacturing systems are secure, reliable and aligned to the Group’s wider Digital Transformation agenda. Working closely with IT, Engineering and Operations teams, you will drive process automation, operational efficiency and data-led decision making while building the technology foundations required to support future growth, resilience and innovation across our production sites. Reporting to the Director of Group IT, in this exciting role some of the key responsibilities will include:

• Define and lead the group OT and automation strategy, providing technical direction for significant group-wide decisions.

• Establish and govern standards for PLC, SCADA, HMI, industrial data, reporting and manufacturing systems.

• Set the strategic direction for SCADA, including operator control, alarm management, engineering tools, operational reporting and management dashboards.

• Ensure new projects align with existing site systems while supporting progressive standardization across the group.

• Define technical requirements for system integrators, OEMs and automation suppliers, and review proposed solutions to ensure they meet agreed OT standards and project objectives.

• Shape the future use of OEE, MES and other manufacturing systems within the wider OT architecture.

• Direct and coordinate engineering delivery through internal automation teams, contractors and specialist suppliers.

• Develop internal automation capability through technical leadership, mentoring and structured training.

• Degree in Information Technology, Engineering, Business, or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant professional experience.
• Significant experience in manufacturing, operational technology, engineering, or digital transformation environments, including experience leading teams, projects, or strategic initiatives within a manufacturing industry
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and technology solutions.
• Excellent leadership and team management skills.
• Proficiency in data analytics, automation, and IoT technologies.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills., * Experience in the dairy or food manufacturing industry.
• Knowledge of industry-specific regulations and standards.
• Certification in project management or relevant technology fields.

The Person:

• Ability to develop and guide a business in executing on strategies.
• Ability to collaborate with multiple stakeholder groups across the business.
• Ability to communicate at all levels.
• Able to identify risks and define plans to control or remediate these risks.
• Experience working in complex manufacturing environment.
• Experience in data visualisation and report development.
• Experience in understanding business processes.
• Strong organisational and time management skills.
• Good communicator - able to communicate technical information to non-technical audiences.
• Ability to effectively plan and prioritise workloads.
• Self-motivated and proactive.
• Demonstrates close attention to detail.

In return, the successful candidate can embark on this excellent opportunity for both career and personal development. The company also provides an excellent benefits package including competitive salary, pension, and life assurance. To learn more about the company and to apply for this position please visit