Assistant Manager - Research & Development

Job Title: Assistant Manager - Research & Development

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.

About the role:

This role is responsible for executing and managing analytical R&D projects related to alcoholic beverages. It includes conducting precise chemical and instrumental analysis of raw materials, intermediates, and finished liquids in alignment with defined test methods, Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), and ISO 17025 requirements. The position also supports senior analysts in innovation and research initiatives and contributes to technical capability building across stakeholders through training and knowledge sharing.

Role Responsibilities:

Key Technical Responsibilities:

• Conduct and support analytical R&D projects for product and process development

• Perform chemical analysis on raw materials, intermediates, and finished liquids using validated methods

• Ensure compliance with GLP and ISO 17025 in all laboratory operations

• Assist in method development, verification, and validation

• Train internal teams and stakeholders on analytical techniques and data interpretation

Core Technical Competencies:

Instrumental Techniques:

• Proficient operation and data interpretation of:

  • GC-FID / GC-ECD/GC-MS – For volatile compounds, congeners, fusel oils

  • HPLC– For organic acids, polyphenols, flavor-active compounds

  • UV-Vis Spectroscopy – For color, % transmittance, phenolic profiling

  • Strong hands-on experience in general laboratory instrumentation:

  • pH meter, Conductivity meter, Turbidity meter, etc.

Classical Wet Chemistry Techniques:

• Titration for acidity, sulfur content, etc.

• Alcohol content analysis using pycnometer, hydrometer, or digital density meter

Analytical Methodology & Validation:

• Sound knowledge of:

  • Method development, verification, and validation

  • Instrument qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ)

  • Calibration and measurement uncertainty

  • Determining LOD/LOQ

  • Chemometric tools and application of statistical techniques (e.g., ANOVA, control charts)

Data Handling & Reporting:

• Understanding of data analytics and statistical tools for research applications

• Clear, structured reporting and presentation of analytical findings

• Accurate and timely documentation of results as per regulatory and internal standards

Leadership & Behavioral Expectations:

• Organizational Impact: Understands role priorities and delivers as per direction from manager. Supports team-level goals and process improvements.

• Decision-Making & Problem Solving:
  Anticipates analytical challenges and recommends practical, data-based solutions. Integrates technical knowledge with insights to improve outcomes.

• Communication & Collaboration:
  Clearly articulates scientific findings in verbal and written form. Engages cross-functional teams through knowledge sharing and training initiatives.

• Self-Management & Ownership:
  Independently plans workload and seeks guidance when needed. Demonstrates accountability, precision, and curiosity in laboratory work.

Experience / skills required:

• Education: PhD or MSc in Analytical Science / Chemistry / Organic Chemistry

• Experience: Minimum 5 years of experience in chemical and instrumental analysis in the food and beverage or allied industries

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.