Distillation and Commercialization Specialist

Recognizing the importance of product innovation in growing new markets like LA&C, dedicated liquid & packaging specialist teams with LA&C been created with the mandate to develop new product innovations from initial concept through to full production. The Role is within the LAC Technical and Brand Change team and will provide thought leadership in the area of spirit distillation.  As someone with very strong functional skills in the area of distilling this person will lead the development of Process Optimization/Development and Commercialization Strategies which support the LA&C Innovation and Brand Change Agendas.  In addition to being a SME in the area of distillation and spirit processing this person will also assume the leadership of a team of technologists in the technical centre ensuring that the building blocks are in place for the creation of a high performing and sustainable liquid technical team in the region.  In addition this person will be responsible for the robust commercialization of liquids across a category of products including rums, vidka, cocktails, RTDs and other locally produced alcoholic beverages.  This role works closely with Innovation Managers and Brand Change Supply Managers, ensuring that product innovation/ renovation/ BVE projects are Delivered on Time, On-Budget and in Compliance with both Diageo and the Market’s legal requirements.  Key relationships: Internal - role provides the link between Innovation & Supply teams; Marketing; Trade Marketing; Sales; Import & Export; Legal; NA Brand Technical Centre. External – Third-party producers, vendor suppliers, research agencies.

Top3-5 Accountabilities:

•           As a SME , lead and Identify Alcohol Process Development and Optimization for LA&C, focusing on Neutral Spirit Distillation and Filtration Processes, meeting project timelines, cost, quality and compliance targets

•           Lead and Manage Commercialization of Innovation, BVE and Renovation agendas, meeting project timelines, cost, quality and compliance targets related with product which require Neutral Alcohol

•           Manage and Communicate Risks, Mitigations, and Contigencies

•           Lead Distillation process training for local technical team in each cluster

•           Technical support for Supply and Procurement  Alcohol and Neutral Spirits sourcing projects

Experience Required: 

oMinimum: Bachelor degree in a Technical / Science discipline (Chemistry, Engineering, Biology, Food Science, etc.) or equivalent experience. 

oMinimum 7-10 years experience in new products development and quality assurance from either consumer goods or pharmaceutical industries with alcoholic drinks inductry experience being an advantage.

oSensory Assessment Skills strongly Developed with a specialization in Rum

oGood track record in liquid development

oExperience in manufacturing or purchasing an advantage.

oLanguages: Fluent English and Spanish (required), intermediate Portuguese .

Barrier to Success:

  •         Inability to operate independently on own initiative, including being unable to engage senior managers.

•Inability to fully engage with customer base to define, prioritize and deliver projects successfully.

•           Unavailability for frequent local international travel.

Distillation and Commercialization Specialist