Back to belonging

Chris McAlinden

Group Operations Director

First and foremost, the people – for me, that’s huge. People are why you stay where you are.

How long have you been with Dale Farm? Tell us about your journey.

I have been with Dale Farm since 2008. I was originally the Cheese Factory Manager at our Dunmanbridge site, reporting into the Site Manager.

When the Site Manager retired, a colleague and I took over the management of the site for six months until I officially applied for the Site Manager role. I was Site Manager at Dunman for five years before I became our Operations Director.

What did you do before Dale Farm?

I studied Chemical Engineering at Queen's University Belfast, graduating in 2002 and then moved into a graduate role at a poultry producer. During my grad scheme, the site's production manager retired so I took a chance and was successful with that role just one year into my career.

As an Operations Director, what exactly does your role entail?

I’m responsible for overseeing all manufacturing and production at Dale Farm, all our group projects and capital spend, and all group compliance. I also have responsibility for Quality & Technical and Innovation across the group.

Read more testimonials