R&D Product Development Assistant Scientist

Overview

This role is based in the PC&TC&Dips Technology team, within Europe Foods. The purpose is to lead execution of technology workstreams in line with Sector and BU AOP plans. The focus will be across the various Technical Platforms of Potato Chips, Tortilla Chips and Dips with a major focus on Innovation but also supporting Brand Stewardship.

The successful applicant will have the opportunity when they join the team to work on critical priorities across Europe Foods, providing a fantastic opportunity for the successful candidate to broaden their knowledge and gain additional skills across the largest categories and core brands of Pepsico Foods.

Responsibilities

• Managing the execution of PC&TC&Dips projects in line with sector and BU AOP plans
• Support Foods R&D development and research projects including trials, validation and scale ups
• Collaborate closely with cross functional and global partners to execute projects excellently
• Design experiments, shelf life tests, perform testing and interpret data to make sound technical recommendations
• Apply TSG (Technical Stage gate) requirements; prepare ingredient and product specifications, recipes, label information, and transfer into the available Documentation Systems to provide compliance to proven product design and legal requirements
• Leverage external and internal expertise to solve problems
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships across R&D and non-R&D functions as necessary to support business initiatives
• Support the day-to-day operation of the R&D function
• Thrive in a fast-paced environment as well as manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Provide R&D voice in cross-functional forums and work as an effective business partner in collaboration with R&D discipline partners
  
  

Qualifications

KEY SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• Degree in Foods / Engineering / Science or related discipline
• Ability and interest to work safely in laboratory, pilot plant and manufacturing scale environments
• Solid project management skills with emphasis on co-ordination and seeking solutions
• Good interpersonal skills and a degree of resilience to work in a global matrix structure
• Capable of managing multiple tasks and assignments while prioritizing and carrying forward own work agenda with low levels of supervision
• Strong analytical skills – ability to interpret complex data and distil into useful and actionable information
• Passion for creativity and innovation within a commercially driven environment
• Strong communication skills (verbal and written)
• Competent with core applications of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and on-line collaboration tools
• Fluent spoken and written English
• Good presentation skills (written & verbal)
• Must be willing and able to travel 20% of the time
  
  

CRITICAL COMPETENCIES:

• Good presentation and communication skills (written and verbal)
• Active problem solving skills
• Great collaborator
• Passion for innovation and product development
• Collaboration with key external interfaces which may include strategic equipment & ingredient vendors, co-manufacturers
  
  

THE GREAT 5 COMPETENCIES:

• Execution - Results– Focuses on critical issues & obstacles & works to resolve them considering both short- and long-term implications
• Growth Talent development People Leader - Trusts in individuals to deliver objectives and day-to-day job accountabilities. Fosters a positive, inclusive work environment where people feel respected and valued for their contributions
• Forward thinking - Implements new practices and ideas that will have a positive impact on the business
• Relationships-Network - Develops effective and rewarding working relationships with people across different cultures and/or business categories
• Thinking- External perspectives – ensure a good understanding of the consumers for the platforms and also capabilities of external partners that can support their agendas e.g. raw material suppliers
• Agility change management to support business priorities appropriately and to support PD’s through any changes to ensure continued delivery of the business agenda