Automation Engineer
Function: Supply Chain - Packaging
Location: Hereford
Salary: up to £50,000 per annum dependant on experience, plus amazing benefits listed below!
Contract: Permanent
Shift pattern: Days based, Monday – Friday
Who we are
As the UK’s leading beer, cider and pub business, we’re home to some of the world’s best-loved beers and ciders, and a leading player in the international drinks industry.
We're the name behind a host of brilliant brands, from Inch’s to Birra Moretti and many more. And with around 2,400 pubs to our name in the UK, our Star Pubs business is all about putting pubs at the centre of community life.
But we’re more than just great beers and ciders – we’re a place where passion meets purpose, careers are crafted as carefully as our brews, and enjoyment of life is part of the job.
About the role
As the Automation Engineer, you will be working within a team directly reporting to the Engineering Manager, supporting on automation and electrical activities within the Packaging line of production. This role is responsible for maintaining the site’s automation systems, both hardware and software, to improve plant efficiency, reliability, and cost.
At the Hereford site, our automation systems cover Utilities, Cider Production & Packaging, using Rockwell and Siemens PLCs with SCADA systems including ProLeit BrewMaxx and AVEVA InTouch, alongside various OEM HMIs. The automation network is fully resilient and includes over 100 PLCs ranging from older Allen Bradley models to modern Rockwell ControlLogix and Siemens S7-300/400/1500 systems. Communication is primarily via EthernetIP or ProfiNet, with additional networks such as ASi, Profibus DP, DeviceNet, and ControlNet.
Key Responsibilities include:
- Monitoring, updating control systems and optimising PLC code.
- Providing technical support and mentoring to maintenance technicians to strengthen automation capabilities across the site.
- Programme and troubleshoot PLC systems; conduct root cause analysis on equipment issues.
- Use structured problem-solving techniques (e.g., 5 Whys, Kaizen) to drive improvements.
- Maintain PLC backups and keep automation documentation up to date.
- Lead automation aspects of equipment integration and commissioning.
About the team
Helping millions of consumers enjoy our beers and ciders is a real team effort. As a Supply Chain colleague, you’ll be part of the biggest function in HEINEKEN UK!
From barley to bar, our Supply Chain produces high-quality beers and ciders, prioritising safety, sustainability and innovation to keep our operations running smoothly.
You’ll be based within the broader packaging team, focused on keeping our bottling, canning and other lines running smoothly and efficiently. Your role contributes to ensuring machinery is reliable, well-maintained and safe, while also anticipating future needs and driving fresh, innovative improvements to increase the site’s overall output.
Who we’re looking for
We’re looking for someone who enjoys working as part of a team and finds the best solutions by sharing ideas and collaborating with others. Possessing strong communication skills and the ability to influence decisions will help you in driving site improvements and efficiency in wider operations.
As well as the above, the ideal candidate will have:
- A recognised Electrical Engineering qualification such as an NVQ Level 3, HNC/HND level is mandatory. Mechanical experience is ideal but
- Prior experience in a packaging automation or fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG)environment is highly desirable.
- Strong working knowledge of PLC systems, particularly Rockwell and Siemens platforms.
- Network architecture standards and ideally have a understanding of ISA-95 automation standard
- Familiarity with SCADA systems; ability to interpret and work with automation interfaces.
- Practical experience in PLC programming, diagnostics, and fault finding.
- Awareness of Process Control Design (PCD) and cybersecurity practices in an industrial setting.
- Ability to apply structured problem-solving and cyber-safe techniques in automation systems.
If you want to grow and develop your skills, gain hands-on experience with a wide range of technologies and sharpen your problem-solving abilities, we want to hear from you.
Why join us?
We're all about brewing the Joy of True Togetherness, and that starts with our people.
We believe in bringing everyone together, making sure you feel supported, valued, and included from day one – because every one of our colleagues has a role to play in shaping the future of beer, cider, pubs and beyond.
It’s a brilliant time to join us. We’re pioneering in low and no alcohol products, continuing to wow the world with creative marketing campaigns, investing into pubs and brewing a better world for people and the planet.
We're a place where you can build a meaningful career, with plenty of opportunities for continuous learning and development. Our Upskill-Reskill programme makes sure you have the capabilities you need both now and in the future, while our in-house platform, UBrew, is packed with learning resources. For those just starting out or looking for a change, our apprenticeships let you earn valuable qualifications while you work. And for our managers and leaders, our LEAD talent programme provides the tools and guidance to inspire drive long-term success.
This is your chance to step up, raise the bar and brew a great career.
Check out the hashtag #LifeAtHEINEKENUK on LinkedIn to hear directly from our people.
Our benefits
Here’s a flavour of what we offer:
- Annual bonus
- Double-matched pension (up to 10%)
- 32 days’ holiday, plus three listed public holidays (Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year's Day – if any of these fall on a weekend, you'll get the following weekday off instead)
- Life assurance (subject to policy terms)
- Critical illness insurance – comprehensive cover for you and your family
- Free ciders and beers (including low and zero alcohol options)
- Retail discounts
- Wellbeing support, including Mental health champions, free Counselling, access to Colleague Networks.
- Comprehensive opportunities to develop
- Option to join our Colleague Networks to connect, share and build inclusion
…and much more!
Please note: Rewards and benefits can vary from role to role. Some benefits are taxable and may be based on employee contributions. We’re happy to discuss further throughout the application process.
The application
If you’re interested in this opportunity, please apply before the closing date listed above.
You might not meet every single requirement for the roles listed above, and that’s okay – we all need the opportunity to develop and untap our full potential. If this advert’s piqued your interest, we’d encourage you to apply rather than ruling yourself out. We’re committed to finding great talent who can grow with us—no matter who you are or where you’re from.
If you need any adjustments made to support your application (for example, if you require information in different formats, or if you have any accessibility issues), we’re more than happy to review our processes – please feel free to get in touch with us as [email protected].
Apply today to discover Your Future, Untapped.
