Global Laboratory Senior Specialist - Microbiology

About the Function:

Our Supply Chain and Manufacturing team are problem-solvers, sourcing, producing, and delivering our much-loved brands to delight customers around the globe. Over half of Diageo’s 30,000+ people work in Supply Chain and Manufacturing. It’s an intricate and sophisticated operation that’s the product of logistical, manufacturing, and technical collaborations.

Our teams in 100 sites in over 30 countries cover production facilities, supplier relationships, customer collaborations and third-party agreements. We’re committed to realising our ‘Society 2030: Spirit of Progress’ goals, to protect the environment and support our farmers and suppliers. Whatever your skills and experience, we’ll help you to thrive in our inclusive culture.

Purpose of the role:

This Global Laboratory Senior Specialist role provides subject matter expertise and leadership of the group Microbiology laboratory (managing team of 3 direct reports), which is regarded as the Diageo Global Centre of Excellence.  This role reports into the Integration & Laboratories Manager, Science & Technology, Global Technical and based in Dublin

The scope includes (but not limited to) the following areas:

• Subject Matter Expertise: Scientific expert for the Group covering all relevant matters.

• Service Analysis: Ownership and delivery of microbiology innovation trial release, yeast library and proficiency schemes.

• Business Support: Analysis and problem-solving for quality, compliance, and innovation across the Diageo portfolio, globally.

• Strategic Projects: Delivery of strategic projects benefitting Diago’s business model, material/product/process quality, compliance, productivity, innovation and sustainability agendas.

• Research & Development: Horizon scanning and pipeline development to ensure cutting-edge technology being developed and deployed at Diageo.

Key Accountabilities:

• Team Leadership: effective leadership of a team of microbiologists including capability development, engagement, and performance management.

• Strategy: develop the strategy and execution roadmap for global industry microbiology standards and relevant future science & technology capabilities.

• Operations management: Leadership of the Global laboratory delivering microbiology standards and services to the organisation, ensuring timely delivery of results and insights through effective and efficient processes, on time and in full to meet Diageo internal customers’ needs. All processes to uphold the Health and Safety of our consumers, customers, and employees, and the quality and compliance of our products and services. Work in a way that upholds the tenets of our Diageo Code of Business conduct, managing emerging risks and opportunities.

• Scientific Intelligence delivery: Enable delivery of microbiology insights to lead and deliver strategic projects, including investigative science, method development, results interpretation, and delivery of effective technical recommendations.  

• External engagement: Represent Diageo in industry bodies contributing to the development of standards and best practices: Maximise relationships with existing partners and build relationships with new partners, internally and externally, to maximise value for Diageo.

• Diageo Expert: Key contact for the Legal, Corporate Relations teams and other relevant requirements.

Capabilities, Skills & Experience required:

• Microbiology technical professional who has developed within their area of expertise and has evidence of delivering business value.

• Minimum degree qualified in Microbiology or equivalent.

• Relevant Microbiology laboratory leadership experience.

• Experience of Brewing and / or distilling and / or Food / beverage manufacture.

• Thought leadership/ strategic vision/ externally connected/ future orientated.

• High energy, curious to learn and develop, and able to engage and inspire team members and stakeholders.

• Strong working knowledge of food safety and relevant legislations around microbiology.

• Expert practical knowledge of classical and molecular microbiology techniques.

• Ability to support and coach team in effective experimental design and problem solving. Preferably Six Sigma trained.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively interact with and influence key stakeholders internally and externally, including senior leaders.

• Strong and active industry network in microbiology to support a global centre of excellence.

Working with us:

Flexibility is key to success in our business and many of our people work flexibly in many ways, including part-time, compressed hours, flexible location. Please talk to us about what flexibility means to you and don’t let anything stop you from applying.

We offer a highly competitive rewards and benefits package including:

• Contemporary work life balance policies and wellbeing activities  

• Comprehensive health insurance  

• Annual bonus  

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

We believe the most diverse and inclusive culture makes for a better business and a better world. We know that for our business to thrive and for Diageo to realise its ambition, we depend on having diverse talent with a range of backgrounds, skills and capabilities in each of the countries in which we operate and to reflect our broad consumer base.

Around the world we have a number of inclusive Business and Employee Resource Groups known as BRGs and ERGs. These influential groups, made up of our people, represent various viewpoints, experiences and communities who generate thought-provoking work to enhance our business and workplace, creating a sense of belonging and opportunities for all.

Join us, and you'll be part of an organisation that embraces 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 — an inclusive culture that celebrates people of different gender, ethnicity, ability, age, sexual orientation, social class, educational backgrounds, experiences, approaches, and more. And you'll help us champion inclusion and diversity across our entire business: with our employees, our suppliers, across our brands, and within the communities in which we operate.

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