Laboratory Technologist

Job Description

Purpose of the Role:

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

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).

Key Accountabilities

1. 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 ISTA training. Oversee the installation and proper configuration of testing equipment. Validate methodologies across Diageo’s diverse brand portfolio. Develop SOPs.
2. COMPLIANCE: Support and contribute to the compliance agenda of the laboratory, encompassing health and safety regulations, financial protocols, and environmental standards.
3. COMPONENT TESTING & PACKAGING MATERIALS KNOWLEDGE: Demonstrate expert knowledge of packaging materials utilized in the beverage alcohol industry and familiarity with packaging test methodologies, equipment maintenance, and method development. Execute Packaging component testing in the laboratory, applying the principles of Diageo's Design for Quality. Carry out statistical analysis of results and present recommendations. Comprehend the application of components within Diageo’s processes, particularly concerning component interactions and machinery interfaces. Maintain awareness of packaging risk management and test method innovation. Exemplify positivity, curiosity, and a strong sense of ownership.
4. PROJECT MANAGEMENT: Manage complex projects effectively to ensure timely completion while adhering to budget targets. Develop and maintain a comprehensive project management plan that encompasses timelines and resource allocation. Exhibit comfort in navigating ambiguity and translating it into achievable project milestones. Prepare and monitor the Design of Experiments (DOE) to facilitate effective ISTA testing methodologies.
5. BUSINESS COMMUNICATION: Translate scientific concepts into compelling and influential communications for stakeholders. Exhibit ownership and awareness of the business implications, including benefits, risks, and opportunities. Prepare and deliver a summary presentation upon the completion of testing methodology validation, thereby educating relevant teams on the outcomes and their implications.

Entry Level Requirements – Capabilities, Skills & Experience:

1. QUALIFICATIONS: As a minimum at entry level, the jobholder should be degree qualified in packaging technology, a scientific or engineering discipline. Alternatively, a minimum of 5 years’ experience in materials production or a suitable laboratory.
2. EXPERIENCE: Extensive experience of production and testing of materials used in food and drink packaging. Experience of testing novel/emerging materials and methods would be beneficial.
3. FOOD SAFETY: Good working knowledge of hygiene standards including HACCP.
4. AUDITING: Lead ISO9001 audit qualification and experience would be beneficial.
5. NETWORK: Good and active network in the material science industry.

Excellence in Supply Chain

1. Develop and Uphold Standards: The role holder will be expected to embrace the standards, champion, and apply them effectively in their role and always adhere to them.
2. Performance Management: The role holder will understand the importance of KPIs in driving performance and in embedding the sustainability ambition.
3. Continuous Improvement: The role holder will be expected to be flexible and embrace change, continually looking for ways to improve everything they do. They will use various continuous improvement tools and techniques to solve problems and scan for opportunities.

Leadership Capabilities

1. Win Through Execution: Makes objective decisions and generally pushes these forward in the face of disagreement or criticism. Moves urgently to action with a focus on output. Maintains drive in most situations without support from others.
2. Shape the Future: Produces new ideas to gain commercial advantage within the strategic plan. Uses sound analytical decision making to identify what is commercially right.
3. Inspire through Purpose: Maintains integrity and generates trust across a range of situations. Emotional Energy demonstrates a strong personal commitment to vision through their actions. Positively motivated to make a difference within and outside of their own area. Responds to change in a positive and flexible manner. Has a sound understanding of their own impact and modifies actions accordingly. Works hard to understand what is important to others. Uses well-developed interpersonal skills to build credible relationships.
4. Invest in Talent: Positive and proactive attitude to own development and growth of others. Generally able to adapt when faced with new challenges.

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.