R&D Product Development Scientist

PepsiCo

  • Cork
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • 29 days ago
Job Description:OverviewAt PepsiCo, innovation takes centre stage. In a fast-moving consumer environment, our research and development capability is crucial to provide a fresh twist to our favourite brands as well as creating new healthy choices that we need to succeed in the market. Focusing our research and development on meeting the latest consumer needs - whether nutrition, refreshment or indulgence –will drive our growth both now and in the future. Do you share our passion for innovation? If so we could take your talents to a whole new level.The main purpose of this role is to support the Global Seasoning (Powder) Characterization program, co-ordinating activities with region SMEs (Subject Matter Experts), vendor accountable SME’s and analytical services as required to provide timely reports and recommendation to global F&S resources on seasoning functionality.The role is global in scope and will require maintenance of effective networking relationships and partnerships with Global R&D Platform, Product and Process teams, Global Procurement and Supply Chain in multiple business units. Close connection and collaboration with core global flavour and seasoning suppliers and external research partners will also be a key part of the role. Managing and delivering on multiple stakeholder expectations whilst balancing the long and short term needs of the project are key requirements of this role.The position entails providing support to the Global Program Lead for the powder characterization/functionality program. Responsibilities include maintaining the existing program through powder testing, interpreting data, designing and conducting training sessions for technical personnel. Additionally, the role involves conducting research to identify new areas for expansion and developing technical models to facilitate program growth.
Responsibilities
  • Design, interpret, and deliver pragmatic solutions and recommendations supported by robust technical and analytical data, demonstrating meticulous attention to detail. Collaborate closely with Global and Regional Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to ensure alignment.
  • Design, develop, and lead the implementation of analytical instrument methodologies, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs),
troubleshooting guides, and job aids specifically tailored for powder characterization within the program. * Take complete ownership of the online seasoning functionality tool, maintaining its full functionality and leading future developments. This entails collaborating closely with developers to design new features, conducting beta testing, and overseeing the release of updated features.
  • Develop, plan, lead, and oversee technical training initiatives to ensure comprehensive skill development for users worldwide,
tailored to their individual proficiency levels. * Lead, plan, conduct, and coordinate research initiatives, performing thorough project risk assessments and providing strategic recommendations for integrating program strategies. Analyze and effectively communicate the implications of emerging trends.
  • Cultivate and maintain strong working relationships across Global and Local R&D teams, as well as with non-R&D functions, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing.
  • Provide regular progress updates, communicate technical challenges in a timely manner, and align project next steps with key cross-functional project teams and stakeholders, including Supply Chain, Key Flavor Houses, Global R&D Platform, and Commercial teams.
  • Take full ownership and accountability for all technical activities, ensuring timely project delivery and successful outcomes.
  • Influence a diverse range of resources to overcome technical and business challenges from a global perspective.
  • Maintain strong connections with a portfolio of business partners and stakeholders across technical and operational functions globally
(both internally and externally), understanding and delivering on short and long-term initiatives punctually.
Qualifications
  • Demonstrate in-depth technical knowledge in the areas of powder ingredient characterisation and associated unit operations.
  • Minimum of 5 years’ previous experience in FMCG R&D, product/ technology development or productivity roles preferably in Foods to demonstrate established competence at product and process development.
  • Graduate in a Food Scientific or related discipline or equivalent
  • In-depth analytical skills to interpret complex data and distil into meaningful information e.g. interpreting process data, experimental design, and statistical inference to find actionable pragmatic solutions.
  • Basic finance analysis, business case development and execution experience.
  • High degree of attention to detail, highly numerate and computer literate (Microsoft Office).
  • Understanding of Food Science, Food Design, Food Engineering and Manufacturing
  • Established project management skills to drive multiple projects effectively & efficiently across different markets.
  • Experience with operating in a large/matrixed organization with good interpersonal/ People Management/Technical Business Agenda Skills and an ability to influence vertically and horizontally.
  • Self-starter, self-motivating: able to balance competing priorities without losing momentum and manage uncertainty and
complexity in fast evolving FMCG environments. * Ensures project objectives & results are consistent with stakeholder expectations and business deliverablesAdditional Desired Criteria:
  • Developing & maintaining good working relationships with a portfolio of business partners across technical and operational functions both globally & locally across R&D and non-R&D functions managing and delivering on multiple stakeholder expectations whilst balancing the long and short term needs of the business are critical requirements of this role.
  • Ability to focus on the right results but also doing it the right way and bringing others with you managing complexity and adapting changing priorities i.e. comfortable in the “Grey” & working across functional lines.
  • Role model for teamwork and across all partnerships displaying leadership and interpersonal skills to work effectively in a team environment.
  • Maintaining effective networking relationship and partnerships with other global R&D teams managing and deliver on multiple stakeholder expectations. Values and adapt to different perspectives and experiences and establishes trust and mutual respect when working with other people regardless of professional or cultural background.
  • Self-starter, self-motivating: able to balance competing priorities without losing momentum and manage uncertainty and complexity in fast evolving FMCG environments. Strives for high standards, seeks innovative solutions, drives continuous improvement of products and processes and demonstrates a high degree of attention to detail.
  • Whilst the role is day based at one location, willing to work flexible hours on occasion and travel as necessary.
  • Multicultural background or multicultural sensitivity & flexibility & ability to bring others with you.
  • Availability to travel to different Pepsico production sites to adapt to site & scheduling needs
  • PM Certification and LSS accreditation an advantage.
PepsiCo products are enjoyed by consumers more than one billion times a day in more than 200 countries and territories around the world. PepsiCo generated more than $79 billion in net revenue in 2021, driven by a complementary beverage and convenient foods portfolio that includes Lay’s, Doritos, Cheetos, Gatorade, Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, Quaker, and SodaStream. PepsiCo's product portfolio includes a wide range of enjoyable foods and beverages, including many iconic brands that generate more than $1 billion each in estimated annual retail sales.Guiding PepsiCo is our vision to Be the Global Leader in Beverages and Convenient Foods by Winning with PepsiCo Positive (pep+). pep+ is our strategic end-to-end transformation that puts sustainability and human capital at the center of how we will create value and growth by operating within planetary boundaries and inspiring positive change for planet and people. For more information, visit .

PepsiCo