Director, Technology & Emerging Platforms

Job Description :

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!

Role Description:

Diageo is continually looking for new and inventive ways to reach and impact consumers via emerging platforms and technologies.  The purpose of this role is to help Diageo North America unearth and operationalize new, disruptive technology, content streams and platforms to deliver positive brand equity and impact how consumers, shop, experience and discover the company's brands.

Job Profile:

We are seeking a highly strategic, collaborative leader who is experienced in setting vision/long term strategy to help Diageo explore emerging technology as a means to reach and impact 21+ consumers. This individual will report into the SVP, Brands in Culture and must be a proactive, self-starter that is skilled at inspiring internal and external partners, driving collaboration and alignment and problem solving.  The director needs to be skilled at working across a highly matrixed organization to launch breakthrough technology partnerships that capitalize on moments in culture for the North American market. The director will also partner with other members of the Brands in Culture team to influence how brands across the Diageo portfolio test and learn with the latest elements of technology.  The director will also partner with global digital innovation teams to leverage innovations in technology from across the global organization, for North America.

Key Outputs / Deliverables

• Strategic Technology Vision and Roadmap: Develop and maintain a forward-looking technology vision and roadmap that identifies and capitalizes on emerging platforms and technologies to enhance Diageo’s brand presence and consumer engagement.
• Digital Innovation and Partnership Development: Identify, evaluate, and secure strategic partnerships with technology firms, startups, and cultural influencers to use emerging platforms and technologies in line with Diageo North America’s strategic goals.
• Brand Storytelling and Engagement Strategies: Design and implement innovative brand engagement and storytelling strategies using emerging platforms and technologies, ensuring alignment with brand campaigns across the portfolio.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration and Integration: Work closely with the Brands in Culture team, global innovation teams and business development to integrate emerging technology initiatives across various brand campaigns, ensuring cohesive and effective market focused approaches.
• Thought Leadership and Internal Advocacy: Act as a subject matter expert on emerging technologies and platforms within Diageo, driving internal awareness, education, and adoption of innovative practices.
• Budget and Resource Management: Efficiently manage budgets and resources allocated for emerging tech initiatives, ensuring optimal return on investment.
• Compliance and Ethical Considerations: Ensure all brand driven technology and platform activations comply with the Diageo Marketing Code and general standards.
• Continuous Learning and Adaptation: Foster a culture of continuous learning and adaptation to rapidly changing technology landscapes, ensuring Diageo remains at the forefront of innovation in consumer engagement.

Experience

• 10+ years marketing experience with track record of creating / implementing technology driven brand activations and campaigns with tangible results
• Experienced in technology sectors like artificial intelligence, web3/Blockchain, enhanced reality (AR/VR)
• Ability to maintain positive outlook amidst challenges and effectively problem-solve and make decisions
• Proactive by nature and confident in autonomous and often ambiguous situations.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams into uncharted territory and overseeing large groups of partners, project teams and agencies on one-of-a-kind projects
• Ability to manage multiple projects effectively, prioritize and drive to action
• Consumer goods experience preferred, three-tiered industries or alcohol beverage experience a plus.   
• US experience preferred
• Highly skilled relationship builder with the ability to foster a sense of partnership while driving towards alig