Assistant Manager R&D (Sensory Scientist)

Job Title: Assistant Manager R&D (Sensory Scientist)

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.

Role Responsibilities:

Sensory Science

• Provide inputs into sensory training, involve in maintenance and training of descriptive and internal panels.

•Proficient in consumer guidance testing and can clearly communicate benefit and differences from CP with x-functional team.

• Provide sensory quality inputs into R&D projects, compatibility/shelf-life studies &  BAU.

• Develop and implement novel sensory and consumer research methodologies in support of innovation and product development.

• Proven skills in panel training including use of statistical and qualitative skills to identify potential issues early.                                                                      

• Support development of comprehensive TLPs and challenges ideas where appropriate.

• Maintain a strong network of external partners and colleagues to gather insights from.

• Will identify when current methods need modification.                                        

• Efficient in communication of results and proposals to the technical community.

•Perform sensory analyses for R&D projects, RMs, routine samples, NPD, innovation and export consignment samples and final output data of test results into Compusense, XLStat

Organizational Impact and Influence

• Effectively manages and prioritizes objectives to consistently achieve objectives and business results. 

• Works with leadership guidance to execute experiments to accomplish research/ project objectives within budget. 

• Applies knowledge of industry trends and internal/ external developments to suggest improvements in individual and group performance.

• Develops strong relationships within and across functions. 

• Identifies broader opportunities for their work and cultivates a search and spin atmosphere. 

• Understands and adheres to the appropriate legal and regulatory requirements of the region, and seeks opportunities within regulations.

• Supports the implementation of strategy and new processes in the organization. 

• Seeks out and demonstrates accountability for the use of beneficial new technologies, methods and/ or products. 

• Has sufficient understanding and use of marketing data to assess different technical solutions based on their suitability to the insight & concept.

Experience / skills required:

Qualification: MSc in Food Science / Sensory Science/Relevant industry

Experience:  3-5 Years of relevant project and/or research experience (food or beverage).  

Knowledge & skills: 

• Sound technical knowledge in R&D (Sensory science/NPD)

• Data management & interpretation skills.

• Experience in generating Consumer Insights

• Working knowledge on the use of statistics for data validation.

• Ability to interpret data and make conclusions. Use of statistical tools for data analysis.

• Presentation skills

Best Suited for someone who

• Has excellent communication skills and is a team player

• Has the natural ability of simplifying an apparently complex situation

• Well developed interpersonal skills, Numeracy skills, Commercial awareness, Communication skills, Team working skills

Decision Making / Problem Solving

• Shows commitment in dealing with complex time-consuming issues; successfully identifies, analyzes and solves problems with some guidance. 

• Anticipates key technical/ commercial issues and integrates data and knowledge to recommend timely, optimal business solutions. 

• Raises issues with appropriate context and views obstacles as solvable challenges. 

• Presents calculated risk mitigation plans to deliver exceptional results.  

• Incorporates new thinking to deliver smart, novel technical solutions.  Consistently demonstrates excellent follow-through on project commitments. 

Communication Skills

• Cultivates a culture of openness and information sharing.  Feeds timely information to keep sr. management well informed; caters message to audience with some guidance. 

• Can interpret and simplify complex technical issues into key messages and recommendations. 

• Understands when to manage technical/ business challenges independently and when to engage line manager/ technical mentor. 

• Engages with peers and stakeholders in a way that inspires trust and confidence.   

Independent Judgment

• Demonstrates sound independent judgment, even in times of tight deadlines and budget constraints. 

• Reaches conclusive decisions after fully researching alternatives. 

• Responds quickly and effectively to changes in project needs and priorities. 

• Prioritizes the delivery of the business/ project goals above personal technical achievements - will comfortably seek out peer/ management support when needed to achieve results. 

• Visibly and clearly applies both analysis and intuition equally into work. Participates effectively in ideation sessions and understands how to unlock and apply own creativity

Flexible Working Statement: Flexibility is key to our success. From part-time and compressed hours to different locations, our people work flexibly in ways to suit them. Talk to us about what flexibility means to you so that you’re supported from day one.

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, mindsets, and more.

Our ambition is to create the best performing, most trusted and respected consumer products companies in the world. Join us and help transform our business as we take our brands to the next level and build new ones as part of shaping the next generation of celebrations for consumers around the world.

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.