Liquid Development Associate

Who are we?

While the name Diageo may be unfamiliar to you, our brands have most likely been with you while you create unforgettable moments of connection and celebration. Imagine crafting the future some of the most well-loved spirits brands across the world, including Smirnoff, Johnnie Walker, Bundaberg Rum and building possibilities within growing brands such as Don Julio, Ciroc, Ello and Aviation Gin. By joining Diageo Australia, you will inspire an exceptional team around you, with offices and teams working from 8 locations across Australia, to build incredible performance and unleash your own potential.

What will your role be?

As a Liquid Associate at Diageo, you will play a pivotal role in bringing our next generation of world-class spirits and ready-to-drink innovations to life. Sitting at the intersection of R&D, Innovation, and Supply, you’ll ensure every liquid-related element of product development and commercialisation is executed flawlessly — from first concept through to full-scale production. You’ll be the connective tissue between our Liquid Innovation teams in Shanghai, Sydney and Bundaberg, our Australian Brand Innovation partners, and our manufacturing sites at Huntingwood and Bundaberg, ensuring each new product is crafted to Diageo’s exacting standards of quality, flavour and consistency.

While this role has no direct reports, your impact is felt through your ability to lead cross-functional teams and support sophisticated workstreams. You’ll build strong relationships with key partners across Quality, Operations, Planning, Procurement, Regulatory Affairs, Finance and Data Systems, guiding them through liquid development requirements and ensuring seamless alignment across every stage of the project lifecycle. You’ll also collaborate closely with external ingredient suppliers and co-packers, championing technical excellence and problem-solving to keep projects moving. This is a role for someone who thrives in the detail, communicates with clarity, and brings teams together to deliver innovations that delight consumers and strengthen Diageo’s iconic portfolio.

What does this role look like for you?

• Deepen your technical expertise by partnering closely with Liquid Technologists to validate and commercialise new liquids — from exploring new ingredients to supporting scale-up trials that bring innovation to life.
• Strengthen your data and systems capability as you create and maintain business-critical information across SAP and manufacturing systems, becoming a trusted custodian of our ingredient and recipe data.
• Drive value for the business by supporting cost-saving initiatives and efficiency improvements across ingredients, formulations and manufacturing processes, working hand-in-hand with Procurement and Supply teams.
• Build your mastery in liquid development processes as you document trials, specifications, sensory outcomes and shelf-life validations, ensuring every innovation meets Diageo’s thorough technical and regulatory standards.
• Elevate your commercial awareness by collaborating with Brand Innovation, Packaging and Artwork teams to ensure all liquid-related inputs meet requirements and seamlessly translate into finished product.
• Grow your cross-functional leadership skills through daily collaboration with R&D, Operations, Quality, Planning and external suppliers, learning how to influence without authority and guide complex projects to success.

What will you bring to the table?

• A degree or equivalent experience in Food Science or a related scientific field, giving you the technical foundation to thrive in liquid development and commercialisation.
• At least two years’ experience in a laboratory or testing environment, with a strong appreciation for precision, analytical thinking and quality standards.
• Familiarity with project management practices and continuous improvement principles, enabling you to navigate complex workstreams and identify smarter, faster ways of working.
• Strong partner engagement skills, with the confidence to influence suppliers and internal teams while providing functional leadership across cross-disciplinary projects.
• Exceptional attention to detail and organisational capability, allowing you to manage multiple priorities without losing sight of quality or timelines.
• A resilient mentality and calm approach in fast-paced or ambiguous environments, helping you stay focused as you solve challenges and support delivery of breakthrough innovations.

Why Join Us?

Experience competitive perks, flexible work options, and become part of a diverse team that celebrates global success. At Diageo, we craft products that are central to celebrations worldwide. Our vibrant culture reflects this spirit as we work flexibly around life commitments while continuously striving for growth!

Commitment to Inclusion & Diversity:

Diageo champions diversity as a catalyst for innovation. We actively promote employment opportunities for people with disabilities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, LGBTI communities, and other diverse groups. We ensure inclusivity through reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process.