Apprentice Shift Leader

Apprentice Shift Leader – Manufacturing Manager Degree Apprenticeship

Salary: £23,000 in year one, rising to £27,000 in year two,  plus shift allowance & benefits listed below! 
Function: Supply Chain
Location: Tadcaster Brewery
Contract: 48-month fixed-term apprenticeship
Closing date: 9th March 2026 (may close early)
Start date: Tuesday, 1st September 2026

As a major player in the international drinks industry and home to around 2,400 pubs across the UK, we’re a place where passion meets purpose, careers are crafted with care and enjoyment of life is part of the job.

We’re recruiting an Apprentice Shift Leader to join our Tadcaster Brewery. This role is ideal for those finishing A-Levels (or equivalent) or considering a career change. It offers the chance to gain practical leadership experience while working towards a degree-level qualification with a recognised university and a global organisation.

About the role

This four-year structured programme is designed to develop future operational leaders. Delivered in partnership with an industry leading university, it combines formal study with hands-on experience across our operations.

You’ll attend three one-week study blocks each year and rotate across departments including brewing, packaging, quality, logistics and engineering. The programme blends academic learning with practical responsibility, helping you build leadership capability and operational understanding.

Throughout the apprenticeship, you’ll receive ongoing support, coaching and development while gaining experience across key areas of the business.

Key responsibilities

• Complete apprenticeship requirements on time, participate in performance reviews and proactively work on personal development areas.


• Proactively promote behavioural safety, hazard spotting and hazard completion in order to ensure safe practices and site targets are delivered.


• Deliver the KPI targets to ensure optimum performance of the department.


• Create an environment that truly drives high performance through effective performance management and development planning.


• Ensure effective communications with all team members and stakeholders to achieve committed performance and output targets.


• Build strong collaboration with TPM stakeholders to ensure the correct application of principles and methodology.


• Ensure effective participation and ownership of AM activities to achieve high levels of sustained performance, for example, through leading and participating in loss reduction teams.


• Continuously develop the capability of team members through effective training plans and assessment processes.

Who we’re looking for

We’re seeking motivated people who are safety-focused and ready to build a career in leadership and manufacturing operations.

You should have:

• Three A-Levels (grades 6,6,5) or equivalent.


• The right to work in the UK for the duration of the apprenticeship.


• UK residency for at least three years by 1 September 2026.


• Be aged 18 or over by 1 September 2026.


• A positive attitude and willingness to learn.


• Flexibility to work 12-hour shifts on rotating day and night patterns.


• An interest in developing leadership and manufacturing skills.

Why join us?

Our people shape the future of our business. From day one, You’ll be supported, included and backed with trust to deliver. This is an exciting time to join as we continue to innovate, invest in communities and build a more sustainable future.

It’s a brilliant time to join as we continue to innovate, invest in communities, and work towards a more sustainable future. We’re known for all the right reasons - strong ideas, fresh ways of thinking and doing, and being right at the heart of the action, from global sport in F1 & UEFA Women’s Champions League, to major cultural moments. Be part of what’s next.

We offer strong career development, ongoing learning and the opportunity to build a meaningful career within a well-established organisation.

Benefits

• £23,000 starting salary


• Shift allowance circa £6,000 - £9,000 per year (dependant on production line) starting when shift work begins


• Double-matched pension scheme


• Accommodation costs fully funded when at college


• Food allowance during study blocks


• Hands-on training and career development


• Access to colleague networks supporting inclusion and diversity

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.

Application process

To apply, submit your CV and a cover letter – without a cover letter, applications will not be accepted. We are committed to communicating responsibly, which means our careers site can only be accessed by adults aged 18 and above.

If at the time of applying you are aged under 18, please ask for help from a parent or legal guardian to access our site, navigate to this vacancy and support you in completing your application.

We've put together a few tips to get you started for your covering letter:

• Why would you be great for the role?


• Why do you want to join HEINEKEN as an apprentice?


• Tell us what sets you apart from other applicants?


• Try to write no more than five paragraphs


• Try not to repeat what you’ve included in your CV

If adjustments are required to support your application, please contact [email protected]. We’re more than happy to make any adjustments that will help bring out your best self.

We've more than 150 years of brewing history and are proud of this legacy. Yet we're sure our best days are ahead of us.  Every one of our colleagues has a role to play as we dream big, set bold ambitions and push the boundaries.

Apply today to discover Your Future, Untapped.