Senior R&D Liquid Scientist

Diageo; Bishop's Stortford; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Diageo, a world leader in beverages with brands across 180 countries, seeks a technical leader for complex liquid development. You will mentor teams, shape formulation strategies and drive development that meets technical, manufacturing and commercial needs.

You will collaborate with Sensory, Packaging, Supply and Manufacturing to deliver scalable, innovative solutions across markets, contributing to consumer experiences and brand growth.

Qualifications

• Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or equivalent.
• Significant experience developing beverages or liquid products within FMCG or related industry.
• Expertise in liquid formulation, commercialisation and technical problem solving.
• Experience mentoring technical colleagues and leading complex technical workstreams.
• Proven ability to influence technical decisions across cross-functional teams.
• Accountable for H&S responsibilities outlined in the H&S site policy.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and optimisation of complex liquid formulations, applying science and formulation capabilities to deliver consumer and business outcomes.
• Develop formulation strategies, experimental plans and learning programmes that accelerate technical understanding and optimise product performance.
• Provide technical leadership across multidisciplinary project teams, coaching developers and technologists.
• Build partnerships with Sensory, Packaging, Supply, Manufacturing and external suppliers for robust, scalable product delivery.
• Drive innovation and continuous improvement by identifying emerging ingredients, technologies and formulation approaches.

Skills

Liquid formulation

Commercialisation

Technical leadership

Mentoring colleagues

Cross-functional influence

H&S responsibilities

Education

Degree in Food Science

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

Innovation is where new ideas take shape, and where we challenge what our brands can become next. From evolving existing products to creating something entirely new, this team works across markets and disciplines to push boundaries and turn fresh thinking into real experiences. It’s a space for people who are curious, open to experimentation and comfortable with trying, learning and refining as they go. If you’re excited by the idea of shaping what comes next, and seeing it brought to life, you’ll feel at home here.

About the role

Provides technical leadership across complex liquid development programmes, creating innovative formulations that deliver superior consumer experiences while meeting technical, manufacturing and commercial requirements. Acts as a recognised technical expert within project teams, mentoring colleagues and influencing formulation strategy, technical decisions and development approaches.

Key Accountabilities

Lead the design and optimisation of complex liquid formulations, applying science, advanced formulation capabilities to deliver exceptional consumer and business outcomes. Develop formulation strategies, experimental plans and learning programmes that accelerate technical understanding and optimise product performance. Provide technical leadership across multidisciplinary project teams, coaching developers and technologists while resolving complex formulation and commercialisation challenges. Build strong partnerships with Sensory, Packaging, Supply, Manufacturing and external suppliers to ensure robust, scalable and commercially successful product delivery. Drive innovation and continuous improvement by identifying emerging ingredients, technologies and formulation approaches that strengthen organisational capability.

Key Competencies

Technical Leadership: Provides recognised formulation expertise, guiding technical direction and supporting the development of colleagues across complex programmes.

Innovation & Scientific Problem Solving: Creates innovative liquid solutions through scientific curiosity, rigorous experimentation and sound technical judgement.

Strategic Collaboration: Influences multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders to deliver integrated technical solutions that meet consumer and business objectives.

Experience/skills required

• Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or an equivalent scientific discipline.
• Significant experience developing beverages or liquid products within FMCG or a related industry.
• Demonstrated expertise in liquid formulation, commercialisation and technical problem solving.
• Experience mentoring technical colleagues and leading complex technical workstreams.
• Proven ability to influence technical decisions across cross-functional teams.
• Accountable for H&S responsibilities outlined in the H&S site policy.

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. We recognise and value performance, offering our people a highly competitive 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.

Ready to bring your best? This could be your opportunity. If you require a reasonable adjustment, please ensure that you capture this information when you submit your application.

Worker Type :Regular Primary Location:Bishops Stortford Additional Locations : Job Posting Start Date : 2026-11-06

DRINKiQ What's your DRINKiQ? Take our quiz to understand how alcohol is made and explore the effects of drinking. You can discover everything you need to know at DRINKiQ