Technical Operator

HEINEKEN UK; Manchester; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary bonus

Pension (double-matched)

32 days holiday

Life assurance

Free beverages

Wellbeing support

Learning & development

LEAD programme

Job summary

HEINEKEN UK in Manchester is seeking a Technical Operator to join the Supply Chain - Packaging team. You’ll run high-speed packaging machinery with a lean mindset, ensuring safe, efficient operation while taking ownership of your area.

Key duties include quality checks, SAP stock control, identifying root causes, and driving TPM improvements. The role offers a 12-month contract, shifts 4 on 4 off, probation uplift, and a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Qualifications in Maths & English GCSEs.
• Good understanding of IT Systems.
• Previous experience with packaging machinery preferred (not essential).
• Passion to learn.

Responsibilities

• Ensuring the running of our high-speed packaging machinery efficiently, effectively & safely.
• Performing quality checks & taking swift corrective actions.
• Managing stock levels accurately 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.

Skills

IT Systems Understanding

Packaging Machinery Experience

Passion to learn

Education

Maths & English GCSEs

Tools

SAP

Job description

Function: Supply Chain - Packaging

Location: Manchester

Salary: from £31,808 per annum rising to £35,342 (upon successful probation period) with shift allowance of £9,373 & amazing benefits below!

Contract: 12 Month Fixed Term Contract

Shift pattern: 4on 4off (2 days, 2 nighs, 4 off)

Closing Date: 15th 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 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.

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™.

About the role

As the Technical Operator, you’ll approach the production 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 accurately 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.

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

• Qualifications in Maths & English GCSE’s.
• Good understanding of IT Systems.
• Previous experience with packaging machinery preferred (not essential).
• Passion to learn!

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.

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:

• Discretionary 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)
• Life assurance (subject to policy terms)
• 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

…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.