Third Party Operations Manager

Who are we?

While the name Diageo may be unfamiliar to you, our brands have most likely been with you while you create unforgettable moments of connection and celebration. Imagine crafting the future some of the most well-loved spirits brands across the world, including Smirnoff, Johnnie Walker, Bundaberg Rum and building possibilities within growing brands such as Don Julio, Ciroc, Ello and Aviation Gin. By joining Diageo Australia, you will inspire an exceptional team around you, with offices and teams working from 8 locations across Australia, to build incredible performance and unleash your own potential.

What will your role be?

At Diageo, we’re proud to create some of the world’s most loved brands — and behind every great product is a resilient, high-performing supply network. As our Third-Party Operations Manager, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping how Diageo Australia delivers growth through third-party manufacturing. Sitting at the heart of our Supply organisation, this role owns the end-to-end relationship with co-packers, ensuring safe, high-quality, compliant and cost-effective production that supports our growth ambitions within Australia.

What does this role look like for you?

• Own and strengthen strategic relationships with third-party manufacturing partners, acting as Diageo’s single point of accountability.
• Lead onboarding, evaluation and expansion of co-packers, partnering with Procurement, Quality, Finance, Governance and Legal.
• Drive performance across cost, quality, safety, service, risk management and compliance within TPO operations.
• Enable brand change and innovation projects, working closely with Innovation and Brand Change teams to bring new products to market seamlessly.
• Manage operational and financial performance, including productivity targets, AOP delivery and cost centre management.
• Ensure all TPO operations align with Diageo’s Manufacturing Excellence, GRMS, CARM/GAR and ethical standards.

What will you bring to the table?

• 5+ years’ experience in technical or operational roles within FMCG, CPG or beverage manufacturing.
• Proven experience managing co-packers or third-party manufacturing operations.
• Demonstrated success delivering productivity, cost, quality and service outcomes in complex environments.
• Experience leading innovation, product introductions or supply-side change projects.
• Sound financial acumen with experience managing budgets and cost centres.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing excellence, HSE, risk management and compliance frameworks.
• Excellent stakeholder management, influencing and negotiation skills.

Experience in highly regulated environments and auditing, along with strong root cause analysis and continuous improvement capability, will be highly regarded.

Why Join Us?

Experience competitive perks, flexible work options, and become part of a diverse team that celebrates global success. At Diageo, we craft products that are central to celebrations worldwide. Our vibrant culture reflects this spirit as we work flexibly around life commitments while continuously striving for growth!

Commitment to Inclusion & Diversity:

Diageo champions diversity as a catalyst for innovation. We actively promote employment opportunities for people with disabilities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, LGBTI communities, and other diverse groups. We ensure inclusivity through reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process.