R&D Manager

About the Position

As part of the fast-paced and driven PFNA R&D team, you will be responsible for managing lab work and partnering with scientists and engineers to develop innovation and maintain quality across our Quaker portfolio for the US. The primary focus of this position will be supporting the team objectives through bench top sample production, scale-up testing support when needed, inventory management, shipping, and sample submission for consumer and analytical testing.

This position will require strong communication, time management, and prioritization skills as well as a team mentality to move projects forward. Successful candidates thrive in a hands-on, fast-paced environment while managing multiple priorities. This position may also support projects on other platforms within the Region requiring technical excellence to quickly learn new platforms, contribute, and deliver results.

Responsibilities

• Support PFNA Region product development team of 5 - 10 engineers and scientists in developing new products and processes on short timelines including consumer tests, laboratory work, process lab test run, and running process equipment as needed.
• Support multiple project associates and project initiatives seamlessly with high attention to detail and quality of results.
• Maintain development lab according to Regulatory, and internal PEP standards including all Safety requirements.
• Ensure labs comply with GMP guidelines and established operating sanitation standards including allergen management. Participate as a member of the safety committee and the food GMP committee to assure compliance in the labs.
• Maintain up-to-date equipment list and assist in identification of new equipment.
• Coordinate outside service of equipment maintenance as needed.
• Manage ingredient and lab supply inventory, as well as look for innovative and time-saving ideas for the team to improve functionality and time management in the lab.
• Be the point person for specifications and other crucial documents for incoming materials. Interface with external vendors ordering supplies and coordinating services for equipment maintenance and fabrication.
• Maintain the schedule of activities in the labs in alignment with the team priorities. Must work effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Must have the ability to partner with colleagues to manage day-to-day priority changes.
• Demonstrates a high sense of urgency for results.
• Provides excellent customer service.
• Contributes to training and development of others.
• Effectively and independently manages his/her time and priorities.
• Micro & WinLims sample submissions.
• Coordinate shipping in support of PD and Lab.
• Support consumer testing requests and prepare samples for field execution.
• Help coordinate sample preparation for internal tasting and customer meetings.
• Collaborate with R&D team to monitor and report POs vs invoices variances and provide appropriate follow-up.
• Other projects as assigned by Manager. Support ad-hoc projects and data analysis as requested.
• Some travel might be required to support product developers and engineers.
• COVID-19 vaccination is a condition of employment for this role. Please note that all such company vaccine requirements provide the opportunity to request an approved accommodation or exemption under applicable law.

Requirements

• AAS Science / Engineering (or equivalent) & R&D labs experience; or 3+ years in food processing.
• Computer proficiency required.
• Knowledgeable of GMPS and lab safety.
• Strong interpersonal skills, and show an ability to work and participate effectively in a team environment with the ability to communicate effectively to all levels of management.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills required.
• Good organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and adapt to change.
• Ability to handle multiple priorities.
• Aptitude to work with minimal supervision.
• Excellent follow-up skills.
• High level of proficiency in Excel and Microsoft Outlook.
• Willingness to learn new software / processes as needed.

We Offer

• Competitive salary.
• Opportunity to work in a dynamic and innovative environment.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Comprehensive benefits package.

About the Company

PepsiCo is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Female / Minority / Disability / Protected Veteran / Sexual Orientation / Gender Identity. Our Company will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Fair Credit Reporting Act, and all other applicable laws, including but not limited to, San Francisco Police Code Sections 4901 - 4919, commonly referred to as the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance; and Chapter XVII, Article 9 of the Los Angeles Municipal Code, commonly referred to as the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.