Function: Supply Chain - Packaging
Location: Ledbury
Salary: £45,000 £50,000 per annum plus amazing benefits listed below!
Contract: Permanent
Shift pattern: N/A
Closing Date: 15th October 2025
Please note: We may close vacancies early where we receive a high number 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 Ledbury site, automation systems cover Apple Mill, Utilities, Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP), 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 Ethernet/IP or ProfiNet, with additional networks such as ASi, Profibus DP, DeviceNet, and ControlNet.
Key Responsibilities
* Monitoring, updating control systems and optimising PLC code
* Providing technical support and mentoring to maintenance technicians to strengthen automation capabilities across the site
* Programming and troubleshooting PLC systems; conducting root cause analysis on equipment issues
* Supporting and upskilling packaging technicians through technical guidance
* Using structured problem‑solving techniques (e.g., 5 Whys, Kaizen) to drive improvements
* Maintaining PLC backups and keeping automation documentation up to date
* Leading automation aspects of equipment integration and commissioning
* Upholding automation standards and managing critical spares
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.
* A recognised Electrical Engineering qualification such as an NVQ Level 3, HNC/HND level is mandatory
* 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 experience and ideally 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
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 the world beyond. It’s a brilliant time to join us. We’re pioneering low and no‑alcohol products, investing into pubs, and brewing a better world for people and the planet.
We offer a place where you can build a meaningful career, with plenty of opportunities for continuous learning and development. Our Upskill‑Reskill programme ensures you have the capabilities you need now and in the future, while our in‑house platform, UBrew, is packed with learning resources. Apprenticeships let you earn valuable qualifications while you work, and our LEAD talent programme gives managers the tools and guidance to inspire long‑term success.
Our Benefits
* Annual bonus
* Double‑matched pension (up to 10%)
* 32 days holiday, plus three listed public holidays
* 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)
* 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
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 role, and that’s okay – we all need the opportunity to grow and untap our full potential. If this advert piqued your interest, we 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 to support your application (e.g., information in different formats or accessibility issues), we’re more than happy to review our processes. Feel free to get in touch with us.
Apply today to discover your future, untapped.
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