Science & Innovation – Global Technical, Supply Chain & Procurement Graduate Programme 2026 at Diageo

Our Programme

Our graduate programmes put you at the heart of a global business, with hands-on experience and tailored learning for curious, driven minds. Start your journey to a career you’ll be proud of today.

The Global Technical function at Diageo is a dynamic and integral part of our operations, focusing on innovation, research & development, quality and compliance, and efficiency across our vast network of operations and inspirational product lines. This team is responsible for:

• H&S, Environment, Quality and Regulatory Assurance: Upholding the highest standards of quality and safety for all operations and products.
• Brand Change and Innovation: Leading initiatives that refresh and evolve our brand portfolio, ensuring relevance and appeal in a dynamic marketplace.
• Research and Development: Leading cutting-edge research in science & technology, from grain to glass, in the beverage industry
• Margin Enhancement Initiatives: Implementing strategic changes in purchasing or operational methods to improve gross margins through cross-functional collaboration

Your mission is to innovate and grow while safeguarding our people, brands, and the environment. You'll develop tomorrow's product pipelines for some of the world's most beloved brands like Johnnie Walker, Guinness, Captain Morgan, Baileys, and Tanqueray. In translating insights into actionable ideas and visions, you'll shape the future of our brands—putting them at the heart of celebrations everywhere

By working within the Global Technical function, you will gain exposure to industry-leading strategies that are crucial for maintaining Diageo's leadership in the spirits industry.

Suggested amends to existing:

What to Expect: building a career across Global Brand Change & Innovation, Science & Technology, Governance and Strategic Margin Enhancement opportunities

Year 1: Building Foundations

• Immerse yourself in the core principles of the Global Technical function.
• Experience diverse rotations such as:
  • Laboratory & Process Development Specialist
  • Compliance & Governance Specialist
  • Project Manager

Year 2: Expanding Horizons

• Enhance your expertise by exploring various Global Technical areas.
• Contribute to medium-scale projects that drive team initiatives with roles like:
  • Pack Specialist
  • Category Project Manager

Year 3: Mastery and Leadership

• Develop profound functional knowledge while showcasing versatility through collaborative projects across Diageo Supply Chain & Procurement.
• Lead large-scale projects, applying business insight and technical judgment in roles such as:
  • Global Project Manager
  • Futures Programme Leader

Who are we looking for?

Key Behaviours for Success: To thrive in this programme and function effectively within Diageo's Technical function, graduates should embody:

• Be an analytical thinker: Analyse data to make informed decisions and identify patterns
• Be obsessed with the details: Focus on precision to ensure accuracy in all tasks.
• Enjoy problem solving find innovative ways to address challenges and find effective solutions.
• Have a continuous improvement approach: always seek ways to enhance processes.
• Be proactive and take initiative
• Be a great communicator and show great leadership: Inspire & collaborate with others and lead by example.

On the qualification side, you’ll need to have acquired or be expecting to obtain an academic degree. For the Technical Graduate Programme, we are particularly interested to hear from graduates with degrees in fields such as STEM or a related discipline including Food Science, Environmental Science, and Environmental Sustainability as well as Brewing & Distilling and Project Management and expect to be graduating in 2026 or have graduated within the last 2 years. You must be proficient in English, and with opportunities across Europe you must be mobile and prepared to relocate geographically during the programme. 

We’re looking for curious, flexible, self-motivated teammates who turn ideas into action—and who bring integrity, respect, and a passion for learning every day. As we shape the future of our Supply Chain & Procurement, we especially welcome applicants with a passion for data and analytics.

Most importantly be you. Bring your ideas, your ambition, and your unique talent. We’ll celebrate it and empower you to reach your full potential.

To be eligible for our graduate programmes, all candidates must have the continuous right to work in (UK & IOI) and any offer of employment is conditional upon this requirement being satisfied. Diageo (UK & IOI) do not provide sponsorship to undergraduates and graduates trying to obtain the right to work in the UK.

What are the rewards? 

With everything you can learn here, and the long-term opportunities we have to offer, the Technical Graduate Programme could be the best decision you’ve ever made. 

Join us and you can also expect to receive a highly competitive salary (salary is dependent on the location of your rotations, as an example your year one salary based within the UK will be in the region of £38,000), along with an annual bonus opportunity and industry leading benefits package.