Beverage Technical & Development Manager

Bringing the best of Suntory to Oceania

By harnessing the best of Suntory from across Australia and New Zealand, Suntory Global Spirits and Suntory Beverage & Food Oceania have created a multi-beverage powerhouse – Suntory Oceania.

Our 40 market-leading brands, including Jim Beam® and Maker's Mark® Bourbon, Hibiki® Japanese Whisky, Canadian Club® Whisky, -196, V Energy, Maximus, and Suntory BOSS Coffee, are powered by five distribution centres, more than 1,500 Suntorians and two local manufacturing sites. With full end-to-end control of our portfolio, we pioneer new beverage experiences, inspired by innovation and craftsmanship.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the Chief Research & Development Officer, the role of Beverage Technical & Development Manager leads technical excellence for beverage manufacturing across Oceania, driving best practice in formulation, processing, quality, sensory, raw materials and technical governance. You'll lead a talented team of technical professionals while partnering closely with R&D, Supply Chain, Quality, Procurement, manufacturing sites, global stakeholders and key brand partners.

This role can be based in Auckland, New Zealand or Swanbank, QLD, Australia. Close to either of our Manufacturing sites.

What You'll Do

As the technical authority for beverage manufacturing across Oceania, driving best practice in formulation, processing, quality, sensory, raw materials, and technical governance. Some key responsibilities will include:-

• Maintain and update the Suntory Oceania Beverage Technical Standards including Analytical, Micro & Sensory
• Support the Supply chain in resolving major non-compliance to Beverage Technical Standards and technical problem solving
• Support NPD introduction to Supply Chain operations
• Lead the sensory programme requirements including training across Supply Chain including R&D support.
• Collaborate with manufacturing sites on improvement opportunities
• Lead and support the execution of partnership projects through effective stakeholder engagement and cross-functional communication, ensuring On Time In Full (OTIF) delivery across the SBFO Supply Chain network.
• Represent R&D in non-NPD projects for changes to existing products, including raw material and packaging changes, as well as manufacturing site changes
• Lead, coach and develop a team of Product Technologists and Raw Materials Expert

What you'll bring

We're looking for a technical beverages expert and commercially minded leader who thrives in complex manufacturing environments and enjoys solving challenging technical problems.

You'll bring:

• Extensive beverage technical expertise spanning formulation, processing, microbiology, sensory science, stability and shelf-life management
• Strong knowledge of beverage manufacturing operations, quality systems and technical risk management
• Excellent stakeholder engagement skills with the ability to influence across all levels of the organisation and external partners.
• Experience auditing and managing technical standards across multi-site manufacturing networks
• Expertise in structured problem solving, root cause analysis and continuous improvement
• Proven leadership experience developing high-performing technical teams
• A tertiary qualification in Food Science, Chemistry, Microbiology, Engineering, Beverage Technology or a related discipline
• Experience supporting innovation, capital projects, product changes and supply chain transformations

What's in it for you?

Grow your career – we like to promote from within and have incredible learning and development opportunities locally and around the world.

• Drive transformation and innovation in a future-fit operating model.
• Generous incentive program for all of our permanent employees.
• An inclusive parental leave policy for both primary and secondary caregivers.
• Birthday leave – enjoy a day off to celebrate your birthday.
• Gradual return to work to help you transition back from parental leave.
• Work in a culture that values diversity, collaboration and growth.
• Flexible working – flexible hours and hybrid working.
• We are committed to giving back to our communities, so we provide you with volunteer leave to do so.

Our DEI Commitment

At Suntory, we recognize that diverse knowledge, perspectives, and backgrounds contribute to our collective success. We are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where all individuals can bring their whole selves to work every day, regardless of race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, neurodiversity, or differing abilities, age, or any other protected characteristic.

Our recruitment and selection processes are designed to highlight what Suntory offers as an employer while allowing candidates to share their unique skills and experiences. We understand that career trajectories vary, and if you believe your experience/background can benefit our team, we encourage you to apply. We endeavor to make our interview process as inclusive as possible and offer reasonable accommodations as needed. Together, we can cultivate a workplace where everyone can thrive and propel our mission of Growing for Good.