Packaging Development Lead

Diageo Americas; Menstrie; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Diageo is seeking a Packaging Development Lead to drive the development, qualification and deployment of packaging solutions across innovation, renovation, supply continuity and value creation.

You will partner with Procurement, Supply Chain, Manufacturing and Brand Change teams to balance consumer needs with technical and commercial priorities, while managing risk and delivering scalable, sustainable packaging across global markets.

Qualifications

• Degree in Packaging, Engineering, Materials Science or related technical discipline.

Responsibilities

• Lead development, qualification and deployment 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.

Skills

Packaging development

Packaging technology

Technical leadership

Education

Degree in Packaging, Engineering, Materials Science or related technical discipline

Job description

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

The role is expected to build trusted relationships, influence technical direction and enable effective decision-making across a broad stakeholder network.

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 comme