Richard Smith, Innovation Commercialisation Manager at Diageo, a consumer goods company that creates and market alcoholic drinks, talks to Vision about his career.
1. What does your job actually involve?
Bringing new innovation products to the GB market. In particular I look after all
Smirnoff, Gordon’s and Pimm’s innovations. Working with the Marketing teams to
develop a product, with our supply colleagues to make it and with our Sales and
Customer marketing teams to promote and sell it to our customers (e.g. Tesco/
Weatherspoons).
2. What previous jobs have you had?
I’ve been at Diageo for 4 ½ years, joining on their Sales and Marketing Graduate
program in 2008. I have worked as a Business Development Executive (on-trade
field sales), as Assistant Brand Manager on Guinness, Account Executive on Tesco,
Regional Sales Manager for the South of England and now my current role as
Innovation Manager.
Previously I taught Geography on the Teach First Graduate program for 1 year.
3. What qualifications do you have?
A 2:1 in Geography (Bsc) from Durham University
A-levels in Geography, Biology and Psychology
4. How did you land your current job?
I found out about Diageo through a friend who worked for a recruitment company,
applied and went through the Diageo Graduate assessment centre. My current role
at Diageo I got through an internal application/interview.
5. Is it what you expected?
Diageo-yes. A fantastic company which has amazing brands and is a great place
to work. The company is passionate about its employees and is committed to
supporting people with their career aspirations.
6. What is the best aspect of your job?
I work with some of the biggest and most iconic brands in the world.
7. What is the worst aspect?
My role sits between Sales and Marketing-and at times it can be difficult to manage
all of the different demands and challenges from either side. I am constantly having
to balance both, and it can be tough to get this balance right.
8. What kind of person generally succeeds in your industry?
An authentic character who is bright, engaging and can influence people to make things happen.
Get good qualifications! You need to be passionate about both the company and its
brands and be prepared to throw yourself in, work hard and be keen to learn.