**Job Description :** **Packaging Manager, Innovation R&D** Location: Stamford, CT (Hybrid 3 days / week) Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of over 200 brands in over 180 countries globally, including Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, Bulleit and Buchanan's whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray and Guinness. Our performance ambition is to be one of the best performing, most trusted and respected consumer products companies in the world. We are proud of the brands we make and the enjoyment they give to millions. We are passionate about alcohol playing a positive role in society as part of a balanced lifestyle. It is central to our purpose to celebrate life, every day, everywhere! **About the Function:** We’re visionaries, researching and developing the liquids, packaging and products\ that shape our industry and much-loved brands. Our founders were incredible entrepreneurs whose thoughtful minds helped shape the alcohol industry. Our Research and Development team continue this legacy, reimagining our brands for the world today. At our state-of-the-art research facilities around the globe, we have a collaboration of innovative minds working together to develop the products and solutions of tomorrow. We welcome your specialist skills and inspiring ideas and will support you to grow and develop in our inclusive culture. **About the Role:** We are looking for a creative and curious Packaging Innovation Manager to join our R&D team in Stamford, CT. This full-time, hybrid position (3 days onsite weekly) is ideal for a junior-to-mid-level professional with a passion for hands-on prototyping and design-forward packaging development. You’ll serve as a critical link between marketing vision, creative concepts, and technical execution—turning early-stage ideas into real, tangible solutions. Working with an experienced team of packaging experts, you’ll own our prototyping capabilities and collaborate cross- functionally with brand teams, procurement, external suppliers, and creative agencies to shape the future of our packaging pipeline. If you’re motivated by solving complex creative challenges and excited to develop tomorrow’s packaging solutions, this role is for you. **Key Responsibilities** • Support new packaging development for future-facing innovation programs, particularly in convenience (RTD/RTS/new formats) • Lead and optimize prototyping workflow using in-house 3D equipment: o FDM and mSLA printers o 3D scanner o Flatbed label printer • Create and refine digital 3D models using tools like Fusion 360, SolidWorks, and Blender • Print, assemble, and deliver functional packaging mockups and concept models • Collaborate with procurement, operations, and suppliers throughout development • Manage external contractors for supplemental 3D and design support • Identify and explore new packaging technologies for long-term application • Expand supplier network via trade shows, networking, and vendor outreach • Serve as a liaison between creative marketers and technical engineering teams • Stay current with industry trends by attending conferences and supplier showcases • Document standard processes and continuously improve prototyping systems • Design solutions that are manufacturable, and see products through to shelf **Experience & Background** • BS in Packaging, material science, engineering or similar technical field; MS a plus • 5 years+ of experience in packaging, product development, or industrial design • Experience in print development is preferred • Prior roles may include experience at - design agencies, comp houses, suppliers, tool shops, or CPG companies • Strong portfolio of prototyping work and creative packaging solutions (preferred) **Technical Skills** • Proficient in: o Fusion 360 o SolidWorks o Blender o Adobe Illustrator & Photoshop • Familiarity with 3D printing, scanning, and physical prototyping techniques Skills Required • Strong communication skills and experience with stakeholder management • Solution oriented attitude, thrives with complex challenges in a fast-paced environment • Collaboration across multiple functions (internal and external) including; brand, marketing, procurement, suppliers • Design thinking mindset with the ability to navigate challenges, gather options and influence cross functional partners through to execution on-shelf • Design forward thinker who’s confident in a creative and technical hybrid space • Functional understanding of manufacturing processes • Travel: willingness to travel ~20% **Flexible Working Statement:** Flexibility is key to our success. From part-time and compressed hours to different locations, our people work flexibly in ways to suit them. Talk to us about what flexibility means to you so that you’re supported from day one. **Diversity statement:** Our purpose is to celebrate life, every day, everywhere. And creating an inclusive culture, where everyone feels valued and that they can belong, is a crucial part of this. We embrace diversity in the broadest possible sense. This means that you’ll be welcomed and celebrated for who you are just by being you. You’ll be part of and help build and champion an inclusive culture that celebrates people of different gender, ethnicity, ability, age, sexual orientation, social class, educational backgrounds, experiences, mentalities, and more. Our ambition is to create the best performing, most trusted and respected consumer products companies in the world. Join us and help transform our business as we take our brands to the next level and build new ones as part of shaping the next generation of celebrations for consumers around the world. Feel inspired? Then this may be the opportunity for you. If you require a reasonable adjustment, please ensure that you capture this information when you submit your application. **Worker Type :** Regular **Primary Location:** Stamford **Additional Locations :** **Job Posting Start Date :** 2025-08-20 **Salary Range:** **Minimum Salary:** $110400 **Maximum Salary:** $184000 **_At Diageo certain roles are eligible for additional rewards, including annual incentive payment and stock awards. US-based employees are eligible for healthcare benefits, retirement benefits , short-term and long-term disability coverage, basic life insurance, wellness benefits and industry leading parental leave, among others._** **_(Benefits/perks_** **_listed may vary depending on the nature of your employment with Diageo and the country where you work.) The salary range displayed is the salary range for the role’s primary location._** With over 200 brands sold in more than 180 countries, we’re the world’s leading premium drinks company. Every day, over 30,000 talented people come together at Diageo to create the magic behind our much-loved brands. From iconic names to innovative newcomers – the brands we’re building are rooted in culture and local communities. Our ambition is to be one of the best performing, most trusted and most respected consumer products companies in the world. Our founders, such as Arthur Guinness, John Walker, and Charles Tanqueray, were visionary entrepreneurs whose brilliant minds helped shape the alcohol industry. And through our people, their legacy lives on. Join us, and you’ll collaborate with talented people from all corners of the world. Together, you’ll innovate and push boundaries, shaping a more inclusive and sustainable future that we can all be proud of. With diversity at our core, we celebrate our people's unique passions, commitments and specialist skills. Because when varied voices, mindsets, and personalities come together, great ideas are born. In our supportive culture, your voice will be heard and you’ll be empowered to be you. Just bring your ambition, curiosity and ideas, and we’ll celebrate your work and help you reach your fullest potential. **DRINKiQ** What's your DRINKiQ? Take our quiz to understand how alcohol is made and explore the effects of drinking. You can discover everything you need to know at DRINKiQ (https://www.drinkiq.com/en-gb/)