Automation & Digital Systems Trainee

The HEINEKEN Company; Hereford; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading beverage manufacturer in Hereford is seeking an Automation & Digital Systems Trainee for an 18-month fixed-term contract. This role offers a chance to apply automation and computer engineering skills, with opportunities for learning and development in a support-driven environment. Candidates should have a relevant degree and a keen drive to learn. The position comes with competitive benefits including an annual bonus and extensive holiday.

Benefits

Annual bonus

Double-matched pension (up to 10%)

32 days’ holiday

Life assurance

Optional Private Medical Insurance

Free ciders and beers

Retail discounts

Qualifications

• Theoretical and some project experience within computing/computer science.
• Foundational knowledge of software-hardware integration or data science/analytic principles.

Responsibilities

• Support the automation team to deliver innovative solutions.
• Report to the Site Automation & Electrical Engineer.
• Collaborate with Digital & Technology teams.

Skills

Problem solving

Analytical thinking

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science or equivalent

Tools

SQL

Job description

Automation & Digital Systems Trainee

Function: Supply Chain

Location: Hereford

Salary: up to £30,000 per annum with benefits listed below!

Contract: 18 month Fixed Term Contract

Shift pattern: N/A

Closing Date: 21st October 2025.

Please note: We may close vacancies early where we receive a high number of applications, so don’t delay!

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 an Automation & Digital Systems Trainee, this is an exciting opportunity to build and apply your automation and computer engineering skills by delivering innovative solutions to support our cidery operations. You’ll report to the Site Automation & Electrical Engineer and work closely with the automation team to support daily activities.

The role involves hands-on problem solving, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement of site processes. You'll be supported throughout, as we work together to ensure the site runs efficiently, sustainably, and in line with lean principles.

If you're looking for a strong development opportunity and a first step into the industry, here's what your time with us could look like:

• Learning about our site’s automation infrastructure and condition-based monitoring techniques to further support our Technicians, Maintenance Development Engineers on the shopfloor.
• Gaining a wide variety of exposure to systems such as Manufacturing Execution Systems(MES), Middleware, PLC, SCADA, Brewmaxx, Networks and Virtual LANS.
• Utilise SQL code by writing & improving queries for full data comprehension and organisation.
• Providing support in the full lifecycle of sitewide Automation, Network infrastructure, Digital Systems & Data capture.
• Developing & maintaining systems to enhance overall data availability, visibility, capture and accessibility for real time data visibility across the site.
• Collaborating with our Digital & Technology (D&T) teams and onsite digital engineer to support on industry 4.0 initiatives.
• Working in a continuous improvement environment to foster a sustainable and operational performing site.

What’s in it for you?

This is a brilliant opportunity for you to gain practical experience with various professionals in automation, digital & manufacturing fields whilst also putting your own theoretical skills acquired from your studies to the test.

Our colleagues are primed to help support you throughout your journey with us, providing you with the tools and knowledge to help you succeed with your work. In return, not only will you receive several ways to learn and develop within the field of automation & digital engineering, but you’ll also be able to contribute to our site’s environmental & sustainability goals and be part of real change within the site.

You’ll be able to network through various members of our colleagues on site and across our other sites, enabling you to build a holistic understanding of automation engineering within FMCG and to flex your digital development.

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 in the Automation & Electrical Engineering team, whose job is to monitor the Site’s production infrastructure which effectively control the utilities, cider production and packaging lines, by ensuring the site runs efficiently, assets are reliable and well maintained.

Who we’re looking for

We’re seeking an individual with a strong drive to learn and thrives in the unknown! Whilst we don’t expect you to have experience, we would expect theoretical and some project experience within computing/computer science and foundational knowledge of software-hardware integration or data science/analytic principles.

As well as the above, the ideal candidate will have:

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science or equivalent
• Utilisation of data management tools such as SQL
• Exposure & Knowledge of Industry 4.0 concepts and digital technologies
• Ability to problem solve and think analytically
• Collaborating within a team environment and various stakeholders- this is key to be able to provide ideas, solutions and identify challenges to overcome as a team.

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 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
• Life assurance (subject to policy terms).
• Optional Private Medical 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.

The application

If you’re interested in this opportunity, please apply before the closing date listed above.

Equal Opportunities

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all qualified candidates.