Quality Team Lead

Diageo•Shelbyville, TN

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Diageo is a global leader in alcoholic beverages, home to iconic brands sold in nearly 180 countries. The Supply Chain & Manufacturing function is responsible for making, moving, and delivering these brands worldwide. This role is within the Supply Chain & Manufacturing function, specifically focused on managing quality and food safety for two distilleries. The Quality Team Lead will ensure the production of high-quality distillates that meet consumer demands and Diageo's stringent quality standards, both chemically and sensorially. This position involves leading a team of Quality Specialists, ensuring compliance with Diageo standards and regulatory requirements, and overseeing laboratory testing related to fermentation, distillation, and maturation. The role also includes managing the ISO 9001/FSSC 22000 Quality & Food Safety system, developing and managing the Quality budget, identifying business risks, and driving continuous improvement through root cause problem-solving. The company emphasizes flexibility, diversity, and employee well-being, fostering a culture of learning, improvement, and mutual support.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in related field (e.g. Science, Engineering etc.).
3+ years in Distillation, Brewing, Food & Beverage, Manufacturing Industry.
Shown leadership and employee engagement skills.
Project management skills.
HACCP supervisory/managerial level qualified.
ISO 9001 or ISO 22000 lead auditor qualified.
Experience working with suppliers and ICIX Harford Superuser.
Excellent knowledge of document control and Management of Change.
Excellent verbal and written skills.
Financial and budgeting experience.
Excellent problem solving skills.

Responsibilities

Manage quality and food safety for two distilleries ensuring quality distillate to meet consumer demands.
Safely lead and handle the Quality Specialists and ensure compliance with Diageo standards and regulatory requirements.
Ensure high quality products are produced that satisfy Diageo quality ratings from a chemistry and sensory perspective.
Lead laboratory and application of test procedures relating to fermentation, distillation, and maturation.
Manage ISO 9001/FSSC 22000 Quality & Food Safety system compliance ensuring certification.
Develop and effectively run the Quality budget and optimize capital investments and expenditures.
Deliver against cost targets.
Identify business risks and complete required change to achieve performance results.
Effectively lead and develop direct reports.
Control costs and drive Quality/Food Safety benchmarks through continual improvement and root cause problem solving.
Deliver Quality plan - ensure high quality distillates and by-product production.
Optimize quality standards through manufacturing excellence and quality driven business systems.
Maintain accurate document control for the site.
Drive the quality engagement platform and a continuous improvement culture.
Build & leverage relationships within Diageo supply sites and the broader NA business.
Ensure that project opportunities are aligned with the NA Quality Strategy.