Packaging Development Lead

Diageo; Menstrie; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Diageo is seeking a Packaging Development Lead to drive the creation and deployment of packaging solutions across global markets. Based at a Diageo Technical Centre or an agreed location, you will partner with Procurement, Supply Chain, Manufacturing and Brand teams to deliver sustainable, high‑quality packaging that supports brand growth.

Your experience in packaging technology and project leadership will help balance consumer, technical and commercial priorities while managing risk and

Qualifications

• Degree qualified in Packaging, Engineering, Materials Science or related field.
• Significant experience in packaging development or related technical leadership.
• Proven track record delivering complex packaging projects.
• Strong knowledge of packaging materials, processes and supplier management.
• Ability to influence stakeholders in a matrix organisation.

Responsibilities

• Lead development, qualification and deployment of packaging solutions across initiatives.
• Ensure packaging meets brand, quality, sustainability and operational needs.
• Provide packaging expertise to support strategic priorities and decision making.
• Drive continuous improvement and risk management in packaging.
• Collaborate with procurement and suppliers to enhance value creation.

Skills

Packaging leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Technical problem solving

Project delivery

Education

Degree in Packaging, Engineering, or Materials Science

Job description

About us

With over 200 brands sold in nearly 180 countries, Diageo is home to some of the world’s most iconic drinks. From Johnnie Walker and Guinness to Tanqueray, Smirnoff and Don Julio, we craft brands chosen for life’s moments - from everyday connections to landmark celebrations. Bring your talent, curiosity and ambition, and strive for your personal best alongside people who challenge, support and learn from each other. Together, as one outstanding team, we keep learning, improving and raising the bar for our brands, our business and each other. Join us and play your part in making life’s moments mean a little more

About the Function

Supply Chain & Manufacturing is where our brands are made, moved and delivered to the world. With over half of our people working across more than 100 sites, this is a complex, large-scale operation that brings together production, logistics, engineering and supplier partnerships. It’s fast-paced and hands-on, with teams working together to ensure quality, efficiency and sustainability at every stage. From sourcing ingredients to getting products into customers’ hands, you’ll play a role in delivering the brands people know and love.

About the role

The Packaging Development Lead operates within the Global Technical Organisation and plays a critical role in delivering Diageo's growth, sustainability and productivity ambitions through packaging. The role works across a complex global supply network, partnering with Procurement, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Suppliers and Brand Change teams to develop and implement packaging solutions that enhance brand equity, improve operational performance and create sustainable value. The role requires the ability to balance consumer, technical, operational and commercial priorities, while managing risk and driving execution across multiple markets, categories and packaging technologies.

Leadership Responsibilities / Key Stakeholders

The role leads through expertise, influence and strategic partnership rather than direct line management. Key stakeholders include:

• Procurement and Supplier Relationship Management
• Brand Change and Innovation Teams
• Manufacturing and Supply Chain Functions
• Quality and Regulatory Teams
• Packaging Material Suppliers and External Partners
• Global and Regional Technical Teams

Purpose of Role

To provide technical leadership for the development, qualification and implementation of packaging solutions that support brand growth, operational excellence, quality, sustainability ambitions and value creation across Diageo's global packaging portfolio. The role is accountable for ensuring packaging solutions are robust, scalable and commercially effective while driving continuous improvement and managing risk.

Key Accountabilities

Packaging Development & Deployment Lead the development, qualification and implementation of packaging solutions across innovation, renovation, supply continuity and value creation programmes.

Ensure packaging solutions meet brand, consumer, quality, sustainability and operational requirements.

Provide packaging expertise to support strategic business priorities and technical decision making.

Value Creation & Risk Management

Identify and deliver opportunities to optimise packaging cost, performance, quality and sustainability. Anticipate, assess and mitigate technical, supply and operational risks. Support supply resilience through robust packaging and supplier risk management practices.

Supplier & Procurement Partnership

Develop strong partnerships with suppliers and Procurement to improve capability, performance and long-term value creation. Support supplier selection, qualification and performance improvement activities. Leverage supplier innovation and technical expertise to enhance packaging solutions and future capability.

Operational Excellence

Partner with Manufacturing and Supply teams to improve packaging performance, line efficiency and product quality. Lead resolution of complex packaging-related challenges and drive continuous improvement. Ensure effective deployment of packaging standards, specifications and governance processes.

Sustainability & Future Capability

Accelerate delivery of Diageo's sustainability commitments through packaging innovation and material optimisation. Evaluate emerging materials, technologies and packaging formats. Contribute to the development of future packaging capability and technical excellence across the organisation.

Qualifications and Experience Required

• Qualifications Degree qualified in Packaging, Engineering, Materials Science or a related technical discipline.
• Experience Significant experience in packaging development, packaging technology or a related technical leadership role.
• Proven track record of delivering complex packaging projects from development through commercialisation.
• Strong knowledge of packaging materials, manufacturing processes and supplier capability management.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver value through technical innovation, optimisation and risk management.
• Experience influencing cross-functional stakeholders and delivering outcomes within a matrix organisation.
• Strong commercial awareness and ability to balance business, consumer and technical priorities.

Location / Flexible Working Options

Based at a Diageo Technical Centre or agreed business location, operating within Diageo's flexible working framework. Travel may be required to manufacturing sites, suppliers and project locations to support business priorities. International Supply Technical Centre - Menstrie.

Experience/skills required (TE)

Working with Us Flexibility is key to our success. Talk to us about what flexibility means to you so that you’re supported to manage your wellbeing and balance your priorities from day one.

Benefits and Rewards

We recognise and value performance, offering our people a highly competitive Rewards and Benefits package including:

DEI Statement

We value diversity in its broadest sense and want everyone to feel they can belong, contribute and strive for their personal best. You’ll work alongside people with different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives - challenging, supporting and learning from one another as one outstanding team.

Recruitment Scam Warning

Protecting candidates is very important to us. All communications regarding your application will come from an email address ending in @diageo.com. In our recruitment process, we’ll never ask for money.

Additional Company Information

With more than 200 brands sold in over 180 countries, we are home to a diverse portfolio of drinks enjoyed around the world. Every day, our talented colleagues bring creativity, expertise and passion to the brands people know and love. From established favourites to exciting new launches, the brands we build are shaped by culture, connected to local communities and made for life’s moments. By understanding our consumers and building strong, trusted relationships with our customers, we help our brands remain relevant, distinctive, and accessible. Our founders, including Arthur Guinness, John Walker and Charles Tanqueray, were visionary entrepreneurs whose ambition and ingenuity helped shape the drinks industry. Today, that pioneering spirit lives on through our people. Join us and you’ll work alongside talented colleagues from around the world, bringing together different perspectives, experiences and specialist skills. Together, you’ll challenge convention, explore new possibilities and help shape a more inclusive and sustainable future. You’ll be empowered to learn, grow, thrive, and make a lasting impact.

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