Sensory Technical Development

Diageo; United States; On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Diageo is seeking a Sensory Specialist for a 12-month contract starting July 2027 at the Plainfield Tech Centre. You will join the Technical Development Program (TDT) and gain hands-on experience with our sensory work, receiving coaching and mentorship from senior staff.

You will design and execute sensory tests, train panelists, manage lab inventory, and ensure accurate data entry to support global product development.

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.
• Must be of legal drinking age (21) by start of employment.
• Diageo will not sponsor individuals for U.S. work authorization; unrestricted U.S. work authorization required.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Problem solving

Data analysis

Independent work

Adaptability

21+ years old

Education

Bachelor’s degree in food science

Statistics

Chemical engineering

Related field

Job description

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.

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.

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

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.

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 Additional Locations : Job Posting Start Date : 2026-08-31

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