Liquid Technologist

Diageo; Bishop's Stortford; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading premium alcohol company is seeking an entry-level liquid developer to support innovation projects. You will manage lab operations while creating new beverage products that meet consumer demands. Ideal candidates will possess creativity and a foundational science background, ready to bring their ideas to life.

Qualifications

• Entry-level candidates with a degree or proven equivalent experience are desired.
• 1+ years relevant project or research experience in food or beverage is required.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day running of the lab while supporting scientists.
• Create differentiated liquids aligned with consumer needs and budget goals.
• Deliver high-quality products within timelines and standards.

Skills

Creativity

Technical expertise

Consumer insight understanding

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Engineering, Food Science, or related discipline

Job description

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This role supports Scientists across a variety of Innovation projects, as well as personally managing 2-3 liquid development projects per year under the supervision of a more senior specialist or line manager. The role will have a financial impact of a minimum of 1M GBP per year for the Innovation pipeline. A significant part of the role involves managing the day-to-day running of the lab.

The successful individual will be motivated, self-confident, creative, and eager to grow and learn. They will demonstrate energy and passion for creating new drinks, understanding consumers, and the flair to sell their ideas and bring them to life. Leveraging commercial and consumer insights, the individual will serve as a source of technical and creative expertise on their cross-functional project teams.

Purpose of Role

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

Top 3-5 Accountabilities

• Actively initiates creative ways of working and fosters a climate where creative thinking flourishes.
• Seeks to understand consumer insights and consults colleagues during development.
• Creates high-quality liquids on brief, within timeline standards for quality, cost, and consumer testing hurdles—enjoys creative work on the bench top and brings culinary/mixology flair to development, constantly evolving as a liquid developer.
• Explores new ingredients and methods for advanced outputs, even if they involve risk or complexity; maintains high standards in delivering industry-leading liquids.
• Demonstrates deep accountability for end-to-end project execution.

Qualifications and Experience Required

Education: Diploma or Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Engineering, Food Science, or a related discipline, or proven equivalent experience.

This is an entry-level position.

Experience: Requires 1+ years of relevant project and/or research experience (food or beverage), including doctoral or post-doctoral research. Brewing, spirits, wine, and/or beverage development experience is preferred.

Barriers to Success in Role

Lack of experience working in a lab environment.

Working in silos without leveraging the liquid development knowledge and experience of peers.

Inability to work on ambiguous briefs.

About Us

From Arthur Guinness to Johnnie Walker, our business was founded on great character, and in 250 years, nothing has changed. We’re the world’s leading premium alcohol company. Our brands are industry icons, and our success is thanks to our people in every role. We trust them with our legacy and reward them with career-defining opportunities.

Our ambition is to create the best performing, most trusted, and respected consumer products company in the world. To achieve this, we need the very best people.

We’re looking for people with creativity, boldness, and purpose to take Diageo and our timeless brands to the next level!

Then, this may be the opportunity for you!