At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team as an Automation Engineer, optimising production systems and driving efficiency.
- Company: Be part of HEINEKEN, a leader in brewing and community-focused pubs.
- Benefits: Enjoy 32 days holiday, life assurance, free drinks, and comprehensive development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive culture that values inclusion and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on production while growing your skills in a dynamic environment.
- 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 & 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 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.
Benefits:
- 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 in Hereford 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 craft a meaningful career in a company that champions personal growth and community engagement, all while enjoying the perks of working with renowned brands in the heart of the cider industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Automation Engineer in Hereford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees or connections in the industry. A friendly chat can give you insider info about the company culture and maybe even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to automation engineering. Think about your past experiences with PLCs and SCADA systems, and be ready to share specific examples.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for the role! During interviews, express your enthusiasm for automation and how it can improve efficiency. Companies love candidates who are genuinely excited about their work.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to our amazing brands.
We think you need these skills to ace Automation Engineer in Hereford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Automation Engineer role. Highlight your experience with PLC systems, especially Rockwell and Siemens, and any relevant qualifications. 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 projects or experiences that relate to the job description.
Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills:We love candidates who can think on their feet! In your application, share examples of how you've used structured problem-solving techniques in past roles. This will show us you’re ready to tackle challenges head-on.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team. So, hit that apply button today!
How to prepare for a job interview at Heineken
✨Know Your PLCs
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Rockwell and Siemens PLC systems. Be ready to discuss your experience with programming, diagnostics, and fault finding. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the technology but can also contribute effectively from day one.
✨Structured Problem-Solving Techniques
Familiarise yourself with structured problem-solving techniques like the 5 Whys or Kaizen. Be prepared to share examples of how you've applied these methods in past roles to drive improvements. This will demonstrate your analytical skills and ability to enhance plant efficiency.
✨Team Collaboration is Key
Since this role involves working closely with maintenance technicians and other team members, think of examples where you’ve successfully collaborated in a team setting. Highlight your communication skills and how you’ve influenced decisions to improve operations.
✨Stay Updated on Industry Standards
Show that you’re proactive by staying informed about ISA-95 automation standards and cybersecurity practices in industrial settings. Discuss any relevant training or certifications you have, as this will reflect your commitment to continuous learning and development.
