Sensory Technical Development

Women of the Vine & Spirits; Plainfield (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Women of the Vine & Spirits is seeking a Sensory Specialist for the Diageo Technical Development Program (TDT) as a 12-month contract with full-time hours. You will gain hands-on experience on projects that impact the business, receive coaching from your manager and cross-functional mentors, and engage with senior management through events.

Anticipated start date July 2027. Based at Plainfield Tech Centre, IL.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (food science, statistics, chemical engineering or related).
• Sensory background/experience required.
• Strong interpersonal/communication skills.
• Strong problem-solving skills and data analysis.
• Ability to work independently and drive projects.

Responsibilities

• Gain industry sensory knowledge and assist Diageo Sensory Team projects.
• Prepare and execute sensory tests of beverages to support objectives.
• Prepare samples for specialty panels (e.g., vodka).
• Conduct sensory panelist accreditation and training.
• Maintain and supply inventory of the sensory lab.
• Manage data entry and specifications.

Skills

Sensory testing

Data analysis

Independent work

Communication skills

Problem solving

Adaptability

Legal work in US age 21+

Education

Bachelor's in a relevant science

Job description

Women of the Vine & Spirits Corporate Member Job Board

The Women of the Vine & Spirits (WOTVS) Job Board features WOTVS Corporate Members only. The Job Board is accessible by all, WOTVS Members and the public. Women of the Vine & Spirits (WOTVS) is the leading mission-driven global membership organization comprised of women and men committed to empowering and advancing women in the beverage alcohol industry. By championing women in the workplace, WOTVS is dedicated to shaping the beverage alcohol industry where the talents and perspectives of all women are not only valued but serve as a driving force for success and growth.

Job Description

Sensory Specialist, TDT

Please note that this is a 12 month Contract position that will offer full time hours and an opportunity to join Diageo upon completion in a Full Time position.

Anticipated start date will be July 2027

About Us

With over 200 brands sold in nearly 180 countries, we're the world's leading premium drinks company. Bring your passion and use your curiosity as you explore, collaborate, and innovate to build brands consumers love. Together with passionate people from all over the world, you'll test new ideas, learn and grow, and unlock a brighter, more exciting future.

Join us to build a career worth celebrating.

Which company will you join?

From Arthur Guinness to Johnnie Walker, our business was founded on people of outstanding character, and in 250 years, nothing has changed. We're the world's leading premium alcohol company! Our brands are industry icons including Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, Bulleit and Buchanan's whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray and Guinness. Our success is thanks to the strength of our people, in every role. It's why we trust them with our legacy and why we reward them with the career-defining opportunities that they deserve. Our ambition is to build the best performing, most trusted and respected Consumer Products Company in the world. To achieve these, we need the very best people!

At Diageo, our purpose is to celebrate life everywhere, every day. To do that, you will join an organization that is passionate about customers and consumers, and proud of what they do. Diageo teams constantly set high goals and then try hard to exceed them. We are also an incredibly diverse organization, and we value each and every one's talent and personality.

Note: This is a 12-month contract position beginning July 2027

Crafting iconic drinks chosen for life's moments. Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands across spirits and beer, including Crown Royal, Ciroc, Johnnie Walker, Guinness, Tanqueray, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Smirnoff, Bulleit, Ketel One and Don Julio. Did you want to be a part of this exceptional company?

Sensory Specialist

As a member of the Technical Development Program (TDT), you will get first-hand experience with our work, our people, our values, and our culture. TDT contractors are given real responsibilities and challenges with projects that have an immediate impact on the business. Throughout the year, you are given multiple opportunities to engage with senior management through both their project work as well as informative and cultural events. All contractors also receive individual coaching and training from their immediate manager and cross-functional mentor. You will be encouraged to perform to our high standards and are given the same kind of performance feedback we give our full-time employees.

During the 12-month contract, you will:

• Gain industry sensory knowledge and experience while supporting Diageo Sensory Team projects
• Prepare and execute sensory tests of alcoholic beverages to support project objectives
• Prepare samples for specialty panels (i.e. vodka)
• Conduct sensory panelist accreditation and training
• Maintain and supply inventory of the sensory lab
• Manage data entry and specifications

Key Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in food science, statistics, chemical engineering, or other relevant degree.
• Sensory background/experience required
• Strong interpersonal/communication skills
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to gather and analyze data
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and drive projects to conclusion
• Confidence, adaptability, and resiliency in challenging situations and a fast-paced environment
• Must be of legal drinking age (21) by start of employment
• Diageo will not sponsor individuals for U.S. work authorization in connection with this program. Applicants must have unrestricted U.S. work authorization that does not now or in the future require sponsorship

Flexible Working Statement

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 & Benefits Statement

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

Diversity statement

Our purpose is to celebrate life, every day, everywhere. And creating an inclusive culture, where everyone feels valued and that they can belong, is a crucial part of this.

We embrace diversity in the broadest possible sense. This means that you'll be welcomed and celebrated for who you are just by being you. You'll be part of and help build and champion an inclusive culture that celebrates people of different gender, ethnicity, ability, age, sexual orientation, social class, educational backgrounds, experiences, and more.

Our ambition is to create the best performing, most trusted and respected consumer products companies in the world. Join us and help transform our business as we take our brands to the next level and build new ones as part of shaping the next generation of celebrations for consumers around the world.

Feel inspired? Then this may be the opportunity for you.

If you require a reasonable adjustment, please ensure that you capture this information when you submit your application.

Worker Type

Regular

Primary Location

Plainfield Tech Centre

Job Posting Start Date

2026-08-31