R&D Manager, Product Creation & Innovation

Role: R&D Manager, Product Creation & Innovation

Location: Leicester
Salary: c£50,000 - £62,000 (depending on experience), plus bonus and car allowance

At PepsiCo our R&D associates are at the forefront of innovation. Driving innovation pipelines, they balance leading technical knowledge with first-class commercial awareness. With a real passion to innovate and deliver, our R&D people are driven and highly motivated.
 

We're currently looking for 2 high performing R&D managers to join our main European Hub in Leicester UK, and play a crucial role in our regional snacks team. Working in a category that includes brands such as Walkers and Doritos, you'll have an unrivalled opportunity to lead projects across multiple markets and collaborate with a diverse range of stakeholders in a truly global business.
 

In this position you will influence, lead, and manage all technical aspects for Western Europe snack portfolios. You will have full operational management responsibilities as well, leading a team of project managers and being a key partner for complex programs.
 

Key Responsibilities
 

• Set the agenda for your portfolios, driving the innovation pipeline and working cross-functionally as required to deliver.
• Apply consumer product testing, sensory research, analytical tools, etc to deliver better products to the market whilst embedding truly consumer led innovation.
• Actively challenge the suitability and performance of product designs to maintain a competitive advantage with product acceptance, product design, cost of goods etc.
• Lead a team of R&D scientists to develop and execute projects. Utilise solid project management tools to ensure objectives are accomplished on time, to the agreed standards, and within budget.
• Tap into expertise inside and outside the organisation to deliver product and process development.

Key Requirements

To be successful in this role you will display a true passion for creativity and innovation. With strong ambition you will strive for high standards, displaying intellectual curiosity and challenging the norm. There will be a lot of interaction with across teams and markets so we'll need you to champion a positive and inclusive environment, bringing others with you for success.

In addition, you will need;

• First Degree or equivalent in a Science or Engineering related discipline.
• Previous project management experience, covering product & process development ideally within an FMCG environment.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Good commercial acumen and experience of driving simplicity from ambiguity.
• Established competence at product development and influencing NPD initiatives.
• Valid UK driving license.