Technical Operator

The HEINEKEN Company; Hereford; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Pension (double-matched)

253 hours annual leave + holidays

Life assurance

Free ciders and beers

Retail discounts

Wellbeing support and networks

Career development opportunities

Job summary

The HEINEKEN Company is seeking a Technical Operator for the Hereford canning line. This permanent role requires operating high-speed packaging machinery with a lean mindset, delivering quality and continuous improvement on the plant floor.

You will perform quality checks, manage stock levels using SAP, and work to prevent recurring issues. The role emphasizes safety, cleanliness, and the pursuit of First Time Right in all processes.

Qualifications

• Experience with machinery in an FMCG production environment.
• Experience operating, cleaning and maintaining equipment in a fast-paced setting.
• Familiarity with SAP or ERP for inventory management.
• Understanding TPM principles and driving process improvements.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the high-speed packaging line runs safely, efficiently and reliably.
• Conduct quality checks and take swift corrective actions.
• Manage stock levels with SAP and maintain accurate records.
• Use process knowledge to identify root causes and prevent recurrence.
• Contribute to a Zero Accident culture through cleanliness and reliability on the plant.
• Help deliver First Time Right on quality and process, and drive TPM initiatives.

Skills

Machinery experience within FMCG

Operating and maintaining equipment

ERP / SAP inventory management

TPM principles and process improvement

Tools

SAP

Job description

Function: Supply Chain - Packaging

Location: Hereford

Salary: £32,099 per annum with shift allowance £9,299 & benefits listed below!

Contract: Permanent

Shift pattern: Panama

Closing Date: 6th October 2026

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 proud to be a certified Great Place to Work®, as well as being recognised as one of the UK's Best Workplaces in Manufacturing, Production & Transportation™. 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 Technical Operator, you'll approach the canning line with a lean mindset and positive attitude. We need motivated self-starters who will be proactive in taking ownership of their area. Your core responsibilities include:

• Ensuring the running of our high-speed packaging machinery efficiently, effectively & safely.
• Performing quality checks & taking swift corrective actions.
• Managing stock levels accruately with use of SAP.
• Use of process knowledge to identify root causes of problems and prevent recurrence.
• Actively contribute to our Zero Accident Culture by delivering high standards of cleanliness and reliability on our production plant.
• Deliver FTR (First Time Right) on quality and process.
• Help drive continuous improvement through our Total Productive Management (TPM) programme.

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 includes 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 seeking an individual familiarised with working in a production facility or an automated manufacturing environment.

• Exposure to Machinery within an FMCG environment.
• Previous experience in operating, cleaning and maintaining equipment in a fast paced environment.
• Use of SAP or ERP softwares for inventory management.
• Familiarity of TPM principles and implementing or introducing process improvements.

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. 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.

Our Benefits

• Annual bonus
• Double-matched pension (up to 10%)
• Annual Leave equivalent to 253 hours & three listed public holidays (Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year's Day)
• Life assurance (subject to policy terms)
• 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

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].