Innovation Procurement Lead, North America

Diageo; Stamford (CT); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Diageo seeks a Procurement Category Manager, Innovation to embed procurement early in the product lifecycle for North America. You will shape sourcing strategies, manage supplier performance, and partner with Brand, Innovation and R&D to turn concepts into scalable supplier solutions.

You will lead cross-functional collaborations, drive value through supplier capabilities, and oversee governance for innovation initiatives across packaging and liquid categories.

Qualifications

• University degree in Business, Supply Chain, Finance, Engineering or equivalent.
• 6–8 years of experience in procurement, innovation, supply chain and/or R&D in a fast-paced, value-adding environment.
• Proven experience in packaging and/or liquid categories, with exposure to new product development or commercialization.

Responsibilities

• Own the creation and delivery of the Sourcing Innovation strategy for North America, linking the pipeline to a clear supplier capability roadmap.
• Lead supplier relationships across the North America portfolio for innovation and renovation projects, including business reviews and cost/capacity performance.
• Partner with Brand, Innovation and R&D leadership early in stage-gate processes to influence go/no-go decisions on cost and supplier readiness.
• Translate innovation priorities into category-level sourcing strategies for packaging and liquids, aligning with global category strategy.
• Design and drive supplier-enabled innovation events in collaboration with R&D and Brand.
• Shape cost models and identify savings opportunities through innovative sourcing strategies.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Negotiation

Analytical mindset

Storytelling

Change leadership

Curiosity about AI

Team player

Education

University degree in Business, Supply Chain, Finance, Engineering or equivalent

Tools

SAP

Power BI

Tableau

Job description

Diageo seeks a Procurement Category Manager, Innovation to embed procurement early in the product lifecycle for North America. You will shape sourcing strategies, manage supplier performance, and partner with Brand, Innovation and R&D to turn concepts into scalable supplier solutions.

You will lead cross-functional collaborations, drive value through supplier capabilities, and oversee governance for innovation initiatives across packaging and liquid categories.