Technical Operator - Packaging

HEINEKEN UK; Hereford; On-site; GBP 41,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Pension (double-matched)

Annual leave 253 hours + publichols

Life assurance

Free ciders and beers

Retail discounts

Wellbeing support

Career development

Colleague Networks

Job summary

HEINEKEN UK Hereford is recruiting a Technical Operator for our high‑speed packaging lines. You’ll own your area with a lean mindset, run machinery safely, perform quality checks, and use SAP for stock control and traceability.

The role focuses on TPM driven improvements, First Time Right quality, and proactive problem solving to prevent recurrence. It’s a permanent position with Panama 12‑hour rotating shifts (days & nights) in a fast-paced FMCG environment.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Ensuring the running of 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.
• Deliver First Time Right on quality and process.
• Help drive continuous improvement through TPM programme.

Skills

FMCG production environment

Machinery operation

SAP ERP usage

Tools

SAP ERP

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 - Rotating 12-hour Shift Pattern (Days & Nights), 4-week repeating cycle

Closing Date: 18th November 2026 (Please note: We may close vacancies early where we receive a high number of applications, so don’t delay!)

Who we are

With 2,100 colleagues, a nationwide pub network and a portfolio of brilliant brands proudly made in the UK, we combine pioneering spirit with real scale. We’re also a certified Great Place to Work®, a recognition of the culture and colleague experience we build every day 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 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 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:

• 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.

Why join us?

We’re the people behind some of the world’s most iconic beers and ciders, steeped in history and energised for what’s next. From pioneering low and no alcohol to backing the great British pub, we’re building something that matters.

Every career here starts with the same three words: Pioneer. Grow. Together. From day one, you’ll be valued, included and supported, with the opportunity to go further than you thought possible. Because when you win, we all win.

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!

Visit our Flexa profile to explore our wider benefits and rewards.

Please note: Some benefits are taxable and may be based on employee contributions. We’re happy to discuss further throughout the application process.

If you need any reasonable adjustments to support your application (for example, information in a different format or any other accessibility needs), please reach out to [e-mail].

Please note that you must have the legal right to work in the UK.