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Diageo
Diageo

Laboratory Technician

Menstrie On-site 5-10 yrs exp Beverage Manufacturing 33,918 employees
ISTA TestingTransit SimulationPackaging Materials KnowledgeData AnalysisSOP Development

Requirements

Candidates need a degree in packaging technology, science, or engineering, or at least 5 years of relevant laboratory experience. Proficiency in transit simulation equipment, data logging technologies, and knowledge of HACCP or ISO9001 auditing is highly valued.

Job Description

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. Together, as one outstanding team, we keep learning, improving and raising the bar for our brands, our business and each other.

Join us and play your part in making life’s moments mean a little more. [Diageo Ext...t 2026 (1) | Word]

About The Function

Global Technical: Science and Technology (S&T) provides technical leadership for Diageo’s Whisky, Spirits and Beer business globally.

About The Team

The role is based at the Packaging Technology laboratory at the Diageo Technical Centre, Menstrie. The role holder will be expected to communicate with sites around the world and occasionally travel. This role reports to the Global Laboratory Senior Specialist – Packaging (Packaging Laboratory Manager).

About The Role

The Laboratory Technologist for Packaging plays a critical role in ensuring that packaging solutions meet global standards for safety and performance. This position is responsible for implementing and validating the International Safe Transit Association (ISTA) testing protocols, which are recognized worldwide as the best-in-class methodologies for assessing package performance and protecting contents during transit.

The role holder should have knowledge of existing Diageo packaging test methods and will be expected to support the standard packaging agenda where required.

In addition, the role requires successful completion of ISTA training, proficiency in operating transit simulation equipment, including incline impact tester, vibration table, and drop tester, and knowledge of shock loggers and the ability to analyse data outputs from such devices.

Role Responsibilities

Implementation and Validation of ISTA Testing

Implement and validate ISTA testing procedures to evaluate the performance of packaging, ensuring adherence to industry standards and best practices.

Undertake and complete ISTA training.

Operate and maintain transit simulation equipment, including incline impact tester, vibration table, and drop tester.

Deploy and interpret shock loggers, conducting thorough data analysis to evaluate transit-related hazards.

Oversee the installation and proper configuration of testing equipment.

Validate methodologies across Diageo’s diverse brand portfolio.

Develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

Compliance and Lab Safety

Support and contribute to the compliance agenda of the laboratory, encompassing health and safety regulations, financial protocols, and environmental standards.

Component Testing & Packaging Materials Knowledge

Demonstrate expert knowledge of packaging materials used in the beverage alcohol industry and familiarity with packaging test methodologies, equipment maintenance, and method development.

Execute packaging component testing, applying the principles of Diageo’s Design for Quality.

Carry out statistical analysis of results and present recommendations.

Understand component applications within Diageo’s processes, particularly regarding component interactions and machinery interfaces.

Maintain awareness of packaging risk management and test method innovation.

Exhibit positivity, curiosity, and a strong sense of ownership.

Project Management

Manage complex projects to ensure timely completion within budget constraints.

Develop and maintain a project management plan covering timelines and resource allocation.

Demonstrate comfort navigating ambiguity and translating it into achievable milestones.

Prepare and monitor Design of Experiments (DOE) for ISTA methodology development.

Business Communication

Translate scientific concepts into compelling and influential communications for stakeholders.

Exhibit ownership and awareness of business implications, including risks and opportunities.

Prepare and deliver a summary presentation upon the completion of testing methodology validation.

Experience / Skills Required

We'd love to work with you if you have:

Extensive experience with production and testing of materials used in food and drink packaging.

Experience with testing novel or emerging materials and methods is beneficial.

Technical proficiency in transit simulation equipment and data logging technologies, including shock logger interpretation.

Food Safety: Good working knowledge of hygiene standards including HACCP.

Auditing: Lead ISO9001 audit qualification and experience beneficial.

Network: Active network in the material science industry preferred.

Standards: Embrace, champion, and apply standards effectively, consistently adhering to them.

Performance Management: Understand the role of KPIs in driving performance and supporting sustainability ambitions.

Continuous Improvement: Embrace change and seek opportunities for improvement through continuous improvement tools and techniques.

Education

Degree in packaging technology, scientific, or engineering discipline; alternatively, minimum 5 years’ experience in materials production or a suitable laboratory environment.

Additional Beneficial Qualifications

HACCP knowledge.

Lead ISO9001 auditing.

Engagement in material science networks.

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.

Diversity Statement

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.

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.

As a temporary contractor, you'll be employed by our Managed Service Provider, Magnit Global, who manage most of our temporary contract hiring, you will not be employed by Diageo.

Education

Bachelor Degree

Skills

ISTA TestingTransit SimulationPackaging Materials KnowledgeData AnalysisSOP DevelopmentProject ManagementHACCPISO9001 AuditingDesign of Experiments (DOE)Statistical AnalysisShock Logger InterpretationLab Safety Compliance

About Diageo

Diageo's official LinkedIn account. We're a global leader in premium drinks, across spirits and beer, a business built on the principles and foundations laid by the giants of the industry. With over 200 brands sold in 180 countries, our portfolio has remarkable breadth. From centuries-old names to exciting new entrants, and global giants to local legends, we're building the very best brands out there, and with over 30,000 talented people based in over 135 countries, we're a truly global company. With such diversity, we're able to truly represent our broad consumer base and think differently about the future. To maintain our position as leaders in the alcoholic beverage market, we always invest in the future and are mindful of the impact we have. Because just like the legends of our past, we're here to raise the bar – for people as well as the planet.

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