At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team as an Automation Engineer, enhancing production efficiency and reliability.
- Company: Be part of HEINEKEN, a leader in brewing and community-focused pubs.
- Benefits: Enjoy 32 days holiday, life assurance, free drinks, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Great opportunities for growth and continuous learning await you!
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Electrical Engineering qualification and experience with PLC systems required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 50000 £ per year.
Salary: up to £50,000 per annum dependant on experience, plus amazing benefits listed below!
Contract: Permanent
Latest closing date: Monday 8th June 2026. Please note: We may close vacancies early when we receive significant numbers of applications, so don’t delay!
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 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 an 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. 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.
Benefits include:
- 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).
- 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.
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 at recruitment@heineken.co.uk. Apply today to discover Your Future, Untapped.
Automation Engineer employer: Heineken
At HEINEKEN UK, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that values collaboration and innovation. As an Automation Engineer at our Hereford site, you'll enjoy competitive benefits, including 32 days of holiday, comprehensive wellbeing support, and opportunities for continuous learning through our Upskill-Reskill programme. Join us to be part of a team that not only brews great products but also fosters personal and professional growth in a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Automation Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees on LinkedIn or at industry events. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to automation and problem-solving. We recommend using the STAR method to structure your answers – it’s all about showcasing your skills!
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for the role! When you get the chance, share your ideas on how you can contribute to the team and improve processes. It’ll make you stand out as a candidate who’s ready to jump in!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are keen to join us directly!
We think you need these skills to ace Automation Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Automation Engineer role. Highlight your relevant experience with PLC systems, SCADA, and any automation projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about automation and how you can contribute to our team. Don't forget to mention any specific experiences that relate to the job description.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:Since structured problem-solving is key in this role, be sure to include examples of how you've tackled challenges in past positions. We love seeing candidates who can think critically and drive improvements!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you're serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Heineken
✨Know Your Automation Systems
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of PLC systems, especially Rockwell and Siemens platforms. Be ready to discuss your practical experience with programming, diagnostics, and fault finding, as this will show your technical expertise.
✨Showcase Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to share specific examples of how you've applied structured problem-solving techniques like the 5 Whys or Kaizen in past roles. This will demonstrate your ability to tackle challenges effectively and improve plant efficiency.
✨Communicate and Collaborate
Since teamwork is key in this role, think of instances where you successfully collaborated with others to drive improvements. Highlight your strong communication skills and how they helped influence decisions within your team.
✨Understand the Company Culture
Familiarise yourself with the company’s values and mission, particularly their focus on community and sustainability. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs, showing that you're not just a fit for the role but also for the company culture.
