Programme Manager - Distilling

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

Job summary

Diageo in Scotland seeks a Programme Manager – Distilling to lead and coordinate the Distilling centre of excellence and pilot activities. Based at Menstrie with regular duties at Leven Pilot Distillery, you will drive process development, transformation, and manufacturing support across global supply chains.

The role demands travel and strong collaboration with cross-functional teams. The ideal candidate has a science/engineering background, 3–5 years in a technical role, and a proven ability

Qualifications

• Distilling, science/engineering degree or equivalent.
• Core competency in Distilling, practical/analytical capabilities and problem solving.
• 3-5 years practical experience in a relevant Technical role; line management preferred.
• Breadth and depth of knowledge of liquid / manufacturing processes desirable.

Responsibilities

• Support the technical role of the S&T team within the global supply business.
• Contribute to the business and build the reputation of the S&T team as trusted technical partner.
• Deliver R&D projects in areas including - innovation, margin enhancement, sustainability, capacity release, process optimisation, quality improvement, concentrate development, manufacturing support.
• Uphold Diageo standards and drive continuous improvement across the function.
• Lead with execution and collaboration to deliver project objectives and value.

Skills

Distilling

Problem solving

Analytical thinking

Project management

Education

Science / Engineering degree

Job description

Job Description : Job Title: Programme Manager - Distilling Job Location: Scotland

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

Global Technical: Science and Technology (S&T) provides technical leadership for Diageo's Whisky, Spirits and Beer business globally. This role is primarily based at Menstrie, Scotland, with regular operational responsibilities at the Pilot Distillery in Leven. Within Science and Technology, the Menstrie based S&T team functions in the following areas; Distilling centre of excellence, leading process development & transformation across distilling, driving efficiencies and process agility Liquid Innovation, providing technical solutions to support and enable brand innovations Sustainability, providing technical solutions in and around distilling to help achieve the Diageo sustainability 2030 ambition. Quality improvement to address the fundamentals to enable flavour improvement and successful innovations. With special focus on yeast, fermentation and maturation. Within the Global Technical Science & Technology function- this role sits within the S&T: Distilling team in Menstrie, led by the PCAF Distilling manager. The team brings together a wide range of complementary expertise and practical capability- including analytical chemistry and a multifunctional pilot distillery. Candidates will be required to travel globally for up to 3 weeks at a time for project delivery, as required.

The Programme Manager – Distilling will:

• 1. Support the technical role of the S&T team within the global supply business.
• 2. Contribute to the business and build the reputation of the S&T team as trusted technical partner.
• 3. Deliver R&D projects in areas including - innovation, margin enhancement, sustainability, capacity release, process optimisation, quality improvement, concentrate development, manufacturing support

Key Accountabilities

Manage and run the distilling team, providing direction and support to best enable delivery of business benefit. Key member of the S&T team helping to define and deliver business benefit. Role will vary from Project Management to Workstream Leadership to Supporting role depending on the scale and nature of the project. Liaise with suppliers and external agencies to organise and co‑coordinate trials externally or in our production sites to evaluate processes, technologies, process aids, ingredients. Pilot Distillery Leadership & Test & Prove Delivery Lead and coordinate the Pilot Distillery team to safely plan, implement and deliver Test & Prove activities aligned with agreed project objectives, timelines and technical requirements. Develop trial plans, coordinate resources, evaluate technical results and submit reports and recommendations to internal customers and stakeholders, supporting technology scale‑up and business value delivery. Support Pilot Distillery operations at Leven, including shift‑based working on a needs' basis to meet trial requirements, operational priorities and continuous-operation.

Entry level requirements – skills and experience

• Distilling, Science / Engineering degree or equivalent experience.
• A core competency in Distilling, practical/analytical capabilities and problem solving.
• 3-5 years practical experience in a relevant Technical role; line management preferred.
• Breadth and depth of knowledge of liquid / manufacturing processes desirable.
• Problem solver and communicator with good analytical and planning skills.

Excellence in Supply Chain

Upholds Standards – The role holder will be expected to embrace Diageo standards, champion, and always apply them effectively. Performance Management – The role holder will understand the importance of benchmarks in driving performance and in embedding the sustainability ambition. Continuous Improvement – the role holder will be expected to be flexible and embrace change, continually looking for ways to improve everything they do. They will use various continuous improvement tools and techniques to solve problems and look for opportunities.

Leadership Capabilities

• Win through Execution - Lead bold execution in a fast- moving world.
• Inspire through Purpose - Amplify our purpose internally and externally.
• Shape the Future - Create focus and ownership for shaping Diageo’s future ambition.
• Invest in Talent - Harness the full extent of Diageo’s talent and diversity.

This role requires flexibility to undertake shift-based duties (Day/Night) at the Pilot Distillery, as and when reasonably required to meet operational and business needs. This includes supporting pilot distillery operations, experimental trials, commissioning and other technical activities, subject to appropriate training, competency, health and safety requirements, and agreed working arrangements.

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.

Rewards and Benefits package including

Our purpose is crafting iconic drinks chosen for life's moments. And it's our people, with their different experiences, perspectives and talents, who make that possible.

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. Together, we're constantly learning and improving, combining the strength of our people, capabilities and iconic brands to raise the bar, grow and win. Wherever you join us, you'll have the opportunity to contribute, make an impact and play your part in making life's moments mean a little more.

Worker Type :Regular Primary Location:International Supply Technical Centre - Menstrie Additional Locations : Job Posting Start Date : 2026-11-13

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.