Jeff McDermott

As Continuous Improvement Brewer, I partner with Brewing, Engineering and the FBP project teams as the key point of contact, applying brewing/plant expertise and CI problem-solving to drive performance improvements and strengthen site KPI delivery.

Role & responsibilities

· Drive continuous improvement initiatives across Brewing and Engineering, coordinating on-site contractors to improve performance against site KPIs.

· Maintain full compliance with the Diageo Way of Brewing across all improvement projects and change activity.

· Reduce downtime through coaching in effective shift planning, prioritization and time management.

· Build team capability by coaching brewers in project management, RCPS and day-to-day problem-solving.

· Deliver training for brewing shift teams on the Safe System of Work; promote Manufacturing Excellence and CI culture within the FBP.

· Support the Engineering Scheduler and brewing shift teams to deliver Planned Preventative Maintenance schedules.

· Lead and contribute to governance meetings across Focused Improvement, Micro, FBP Capacity and Site Waste AIBs, ensuring actions are tracked and delivered.

· Prepare Cold Work Permits across all FBP areas to ensure safe systems of work and compliance for internal teams and contractors.

Brewer (12-hour shift) Responsibilities

· Manage end-to-end Guinness Stout brewing operations on a 12-hour shift pattern, accountable for process control and production performance.

· Manage end-to-end Lager/Ale brewing operations within the same shift pattern, ensuring safe, compliant and efficient delivery.

· Oversee critical process stages including brew intake, fermentation management, yeast management, maturation/clarification (stout) and cold storage/filtration (lager/ale), plus CIP regimes and surplus yeast management.

· Drive waste control, quality control, safety standards and structured problem solving across brewing operations.

· Utilize advanced knowledge of Process Program software to support troubleshooting, optimization and performance improvements.

· Deliver production schedules consistently, minimizing downtime and maintaining high equipment and process availability.

· Maintain product quality and consistency across all stages of the Diageo way of brewing process.

· Identify and implement continuous improvement opportunities across operations.

· Contribute to DOR team meetings, raising and resolving process and plant issues.

· Train and coach team members to improve competence, compliance and performance.