Programme Manager - Distilling

Job Description :

Job Title: Programme Manager - Distilling

Job Location: Scotland

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 at every stage. From sourcing ingredients to getting products into customers’ hands, you’ll play a role in delivering the brands people know and love.

About the role  

Global Technical: Science and Technology (S&T) provides technical leadership for Diageo’s Whisky, Spirits and Beer business globally. This role is primarily based at Menstrie, Scotland, with regular operational responsibilities at the Pilot Distillery in Leven. Within Science and Technology, the Menstrie based S&T team functions in the following areas;

• Distilling centre of excellence, leading process development & transformation across distilling, driving efficiencies and process agility

• Liquid Innovation, providing technical solutions to support and enable brand innovations

• , providing technical solutions in and around distilling to help achieve the Diageo 2030 ambition.

• Quality improvement to address the fundamentals to enable flavour improvement and successful innovations. With special focus on yeast, fermentation and maturation.

• Within the Global Technical Science & Technology function- this role sits within the S&T: Distilling team in Menstrie, led by the PCAF Distilling manager. The team brings together a wide range of complementary expertise and practical capability- including analytical chemistry and a multifunctional pilot distillery.

• Candidates will be required to travel globally for up to 3 weeks at a time for project delivery, as required

The Programme Manager – Distilling will:

1. Support the technical role of the S&T team within the global supply business.

2. Contribute to the business and build the reputation of the S&T team as trusted technical partner.

3. Deliver R&D projects in areas including -

• innovation,

• margin enhancement,

• ,

• capacity release,

• process optimisation,

• quality improvement,

• concentrate development,

• manufacturing support

 Key Accountabilities

• Manage and run the distilling team, providing direction and support to best enable delivery of business benefit

• Key member of the S&T team helping to define and deliver business benefit.

• Role will vary from Project Management to Workstream Leadership to Supporting role depending on the scale and nature of the project.

• Liaise with suppliers and external agencies to organise and co-ordinate trials externally or in our production sites to evaluate processes, technologies, process aids, ingredients.

Pilot Distillery Leadership & Test & Prove Delivery

• Lead and coordinate the Pilot Distillery team to safely plan, implement and deliver Test & Prove activities aligned with agreed project objectives, timelines and technical requirements.

• Develop trial plans, coordinate resources, evaluate technical results and submit reports and recommendations to internal customers and stakeholders, supporting technology scale-up and business value delivery.

• Support Pilot Distillery operations at Leven, including shift-based working on a needs' basis to meet trial requirements, operational priorities and continuous-operation.

Entry level requirements – skills and experience

• Distilling, Science / Engineering degree or equivalent experience.
• A core competency in Distilling, practical/analytical capabilities and problem solving.
• 3-5 years practical experience in a relevant Technical role; line management preferred
• Breadth and depth of knowledge of liquid / manufacturing processes desirable.
• Problem solver and communicator with good analytical and planning skills.

Excellence in Supply Chain:

• Upholds Standards – The role holder will be expected to embrace Diageo standards, champion, and always apply them effectively.

• Performance Management – The role holder will understand the importance of benchmarks in driving performance and in embedding the ambition.

• Continuous Improvement – the role holder will be expected to be flexible and embrace change, continually looking for ways to improve everything they do.  They will use various continuous improvement tools and techniques to solve problems and look for opportunities.

Leadership Capabilities:

• Win through Execution - Lead bold execution in a fast- moving world.

• Inspire through Purpose - Amplify our purpose internally and externally.

• Shape the Future - Create focus and ownership for shaping Diageo’s future ambition.

• Invest in Talent - Harness the full extent of Diageo’s talent and diversity.

This role requires flexibility to undertake shift-based duties (Day/Night) at the Pilot Distillery, as and when reasonably required to meet operational and business needs. This includes supporting pilot distillery operations, experimental trials, commissioning and other technical activities, subject to appropriate training, competency, health and safety requirements, and agreed working arrangements.

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:

International Supply Technical Centre – Menstrie

Additional Locations :

Job Posting Start Date :

2026-11-13