Liquid Scientist at Diageo

Purpose of the role:

To make innovation the driver for organic growth and build shareholder value by creating highly differentiated new products (Liquids), which satisfy consumer and customer needs. To drive competitive advantage through commercially focused technological innovation informed by consumer & strategic science activity. To deliver new product and technical solutions, ensuring delivery of goals within budget.

Responsibilities:

• Once direction is clear, demonstrates a high degree of organizational impact and influence across functions to deliver business objectives.
• With guidance, designs, prioritizes and executes experiments to achieve the best business results. Aligns strategy with marketing, Sensory and manager in timely manner.
• Applies knowledge of industry trends and internal/external developments to improve individual/group performance and applies own and others’ creativity to develop powerful solutions in concept development sessions.
• Builds and nurtures relationships within and across functions creating a culture of openness and information sharing.
• Understands and adheres to the appropriate legal and regulatory requirements of the region and seeks creative solutions within regulations.
• Shows tenacity in solving problems and raises issues with appropriate context; successfully identifies, analyses and solves problems with minimal guidance.
• Communicates effectively - Caters messages to audience and can simplify complex technical issues into key messages and recommendations.
• Consistently demonstrates excellent project management and follow-through on project commitments.
• Demonstrates degree of independent judgment, even in times of tight deadlines and reaches conclusive decisions after fully researching alternatives.

Top Accountabilities:

• Actively initiates creative ways of working and fosters a climate where creative thinking flourishes.
• Translates creative ideas into tangible business opportunities, leveraging deep consumer insights in liquid development work - catering the brief and scope to the consumer opportunities.
• Consistently creates exceptional liquids across categories that meet internal standards for quality, cost and consumer testing hurdles – enjoys creative work on the bench top and brings creative culinary/mixology flair to development, constantly evolves as a liquid developer.
• Seeks out new ingredients/ methods for advanced outputs (even if they involve risk/ complexity); holds to the highest standards in delivering industry-leading liquids.
• The individual demonstrates deep accountability for the end-to-end project execution and where required; seeks out and advises on commercial solutions to ensure project delivery.

Experience we're looking for:

• Bachelors degree in Chemistry, Engineering, Food Science, or related field required. Additional certifications including Masters or PhD a plus.
• Experience of relevant project and/or research experience (food or beverage) including doctoral or post-doctoral research.
• Experienced in leading project teams; proven record of managing technical projects through to execution.
• Brewing, Spirits and/or Wine Development experience preferred.