At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative packaging solutions that enhance brand value and sustainability.
- Company: Join Diageo, a global leader in iconic drinks with a diverse portfolio.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive rewards, flexible working, and a supportive team culture.
- Other info: Collaborate with diverse teams and grow your career in a fast-paced industry.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainability and brand growth in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in Packaging or related field; experience in packaging development required.
The predicted salary is between 56700 - 69300 £ per year.
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.
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.
About the role: The Packaging Development Lead operates within the Global Technical Organisation and plays a critical role in delivering Diageo's growth, sustainability and productivity ambitions through packaging. The role works across a complex global supply network, partnering with Procurement, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Suppliers and Brand Change teams to develop and implement packaging solutions that enhance brand equity, improve operational performance and create sustainable value.
Leadership Responsibilities / Key Stakeholders: The role leads through expertise, influence and strategic partnership rather than direct line management. Key stakeholders include:
- Procurement and Supplier Relationship Management
- Brand Change and Innovation Teams
- Manufacturing and Supply Chain Functions
- Quality and Regulatory Teams
- Packaging Material Suppliers and External Partners
- Global and Regional Technical Teams
Purpose of Role: To provide technical leadership for the development, qualification and implementation of packaging solutions that support brand growth, operational excellence, quality, sustainability ambitions and value creation across Diageo's global packaging portfolio. The role is accountable for ensuring packaging solutions are robust, scalable and commercially effective while driving continuous improvement and managing risk.
Key Accountabilities:
- Lead the development, qualification and implementation of packaging solutions across innovation, renovation, supply continuity and value creation programmes.
- Ensure packaging solutions meet brand, consumer, quality, sustainability and operational requirements.
- Provide packaging expertise to support strategic business priorities and technical decision making.
- Identify and deliver opportunities to optimise packaging cost, performance, quality and sustainability.
- Anticipate, assess and mitigate technical, supply and operational risks.
- Develop strong partnerships with suppliers and Procurement to improve capability, performance and long-term value creation.
- Partner with Manufacturing and Supply teams to improve packaging performance, line efficiency and product quality.
- Accelerate delivery of Diageo's sustainability commitments through packaging innovation and material optimisation.
Qualifications and Experience Required Qualifications: Degree qualified in Packaging, Engineering, Materials Science or a related technical discipline.
Experience: Significant experience in packaging development, packaging technology or a related technical leadership role. Proven track record of delivering complex packaging projects from development through commercialisation. Strong knowledge of packaging materials, manufacturing processes and supplier capability management. Demonstrated ability to deliver value through technical innovation, optimisation and risk management. Experience influencing cross-functional stakeholders and delivering outcomes within a matrix organisation. Strong commercial awareness and ability to balance business, consumer and technical priorities.
Location / Flexible Working Options: Based at a Diageo Technical Centre or agreed business location, operating within Diageo's flexible working framework. Travel may be required to manufacturing sites, suppliers and project locations to support business priorities.
Benefits and Rewards: We recognise and value performance, offering our people a highly competitive Rewards and Benefits package including:
DEI Statement: We value diversity in its broadest sense and want everyone to feel they can belong, contribute and strive for their personal best.
Recruitment Scam Warning: Protecting candidates is very important to us. All communications regarding your application will come from an email address ending in @diageo.com. In our recruitment process, we’ll never ask for money.
Packaging Development Lead in Menstrie employer: Diageo
Diageo is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Runcorn where you can lead a dedicated team in the bottling operation of some of the world's most iconic drinks. With a strong focus on employee development, diversity, and continuous improvement, you'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a supportive culture that values your contributions and well-being. Join us to craft memorable moments and grow your career in a globally recognised brand.
