Fresh Jobs at Diageo

Purpose of Role: 

• The role is accountable for ensuring that Diageo SA and is compliant to local legislation and/or equivalent Diageo codes of practice.
• Develop Implement and maintain a Quality Culture
• Facilitate and advise on the integration of Quality Systems into each relevant department
• Ensure Quality KPI’s are available and up to date for reporting purposes
• Partner the Risk Manager with the Formalizing of the SHE Agenda
• Accountable for the Internal Auditing Process
• Lead the compliance program with third party partners and key suppliers/customers
• Improve Service Levels in respect quality Assurance Program with Internal Customers

Role Responsibilities: 

• The role is also accountable to ensure the protection of Diageo Brands, Ensuring Brand Equity
• Provide leadership in successful management of ensure that operational and business risks are identified and managed; and appropriate levels of control are identified, introduced, audited and reviewed
• Ensure compliance to the relevant local regulatory acts and legislation, compliance to Trade and Metrology act (quantity compliance); and compliance to the Liquor Products Act and the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectant Act.
• Drive Supplier Quality Systems and monitor their ability to conform and comply to Company requirements
• Drive capability development of staff in the Quality Team
• Maintain open communications with the Diageo Global departments.

Experience / skills required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology or equivalent Tertiary Qualification, a with at least 5 years management experience in a multi-discipline food manufacturing or Quality environment (Lead Auditor/Assessor Certification will be advantageous)
• A sound knowledge of the Food Safety legislation of SA such as ISO 9001:2000 and/or SANS 10330: 2006
• Strong Functional/Technical Knowledge in the areas of Quality Management and Auditing, Hygiene and Food Safety (HACCP), Food Defence / Security,  Food Microbiology / Chemistry and Production process and associated risks
• Proven ability in the implementation, maintenance and administration of management systems which will minimize Quality and food safety risks
• Skilled in the normal business software tools such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and other PC Based systems
• Previous SAP Experience would be beneficial
• A good understanding of Diageo Global Risk Management Standards (Or Other) is an added advantage
• Effective problem-solving skills
• Energetic & driven to perform at the highest capabilities
• Good communicator - able to communicate with all levels of staff, Diageo Global Governance Team, suppliers, standards and legislative organizations.
• Demonstrates assertiveness to maintain high standards, capable of challenging others and comfortable with being challenged.
• Exhibits appropriate Behaviour in line with Diageo's Values at all times.
• Displays high level of integrity and openness, generates trust and confidence when dealing with people
• Able to cope with high levels of demand

Barriers to Success in Role

• Skill set and training levels of employees
• Ability to develop and coach employees effectively
• Ability to influence colleagues, senior management and other stakeholders,
• Ability to work across cultures and ability to displace entrenched practices with a Compliance culture

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About the role:

• To deliver, through management of personnel and assets, quality product for bottling according to business requirements, and, to achieve or exceed the Quality, Cost, Delivery, Safety and Morale (QCDSM) targets of DIAGEO. The Blending manager is responsible for all activities in the blending department.
• Production & Planning: Oversee daily blending operations, ensuring compliance with formulas and production schedules. Manage ingredient inventory and optimize material usage.
• Quality & Compliance: Ensure all blended liquids/materials meet quality standards and specifications. Perform root cause analysis for non-conformances. Maintain hygiene and safety standards.
• Leadership & Management: Lead and develop blenders  and Blending team. Coordinate training, manage attendance, and facilitate performance reviews.
• Process Improvement: Utilize data analytics (e.g., Excel or Power BI etc) to improve operational efficiency, minimize waste, and implement continuous improvement initiatives.
• Maintenance: Coordinate with asset care team  to ensure equipment reliability and minimize downtime
• Sensory Evaluation: Excellent ability to taste and smell for quality assurance in spirits, matured spirits, and base liquids.
• Blending & Filtration: Deep understanding of alcohol blending, proofing down, filtration techniques (activated charcoal, sand), and liquid maturation processes.
• Compliance & Safety: In-depth knowledge of Quality Management Systems (FSSC 22000), Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) principles, and excise regulations.
• Water Management: Experience with Water Treatment Plants (WTP) and water balancing

Role Responsibilities:

• Deliver capability agenda throughout department - Set team and individual goals through effective P4G process, incorporating team development plans
• Deliver assured supply from blending department to Isipingo packaging & to 3rd party sites as required within the scope of Diageo’s way of manufacturing excellence.
• Ensure alignment of situational, systemic and strategic activities through formal Level 2 and Level 3 reviews.
• Define and implement departmental strategy, aligned to Manufacturing Excellence, using MMS tools to meet improvement targets
• Full compliance to Diageo policy and procedures; with systems compliance embedded across the department (QMS, Environment, H&S, asset care etc.)
• Define and manage personnel, revenue and capital budgets for the department.
• Optimise productivity to assure supply through full year.
• Work with planning to ensure all raw materials inputs are available to execute the production plans.
• Local Incident Committee (LIC) and Crisis Management Committee member.
• Liaison with SA Customs Service officials to ensure legal compliance.

Experience / skills required:

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, Food Science, Microbiology, or related science/engineering fields.
• 3-5 years' experience in alcoholic beverage industry specifically within blending, distillation environment, specifically  in bottling  or Fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG)  
• Technical certificates  i.e. General Certificate in Distilling (GCD) from the Institute of Brewing & Distilling (IBD) are significant advantages.
• Operational systems : Proficiency in SAP for managing blend bill of materials (BOM) , SKU codes , inventory movement ,Sound Computer Literacy  (Microsoft office ,Word , Excel, office etc.) Ability to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools (e.g. CHATGPT, Copilot etc.) to automate routine paperwork, generate daily reports etc will be advantageous.
• Technical proficiency in Liquid and blending processes, strong communication, and the ability to manage teams and shift schedules. Strong general management and coaching skills.
• Sound understanding of operational excellence principles

Detailed knowledge of:

• Manufacturing environment ways of working, GMP etc
• Policies and procedures
• SHEQ policies and procedures
• Budget experience
• Able to apply principles of change management.