R&D Platforms Manager

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Overview

PepsiCo is looking for R&D Platforms Manager to join in one of our offices: Leicester, UK or Istanbul, Turkey.

Main purpose of the role will be to scope, influence, lead and manage all technical aspects of Extrusion and Pellets across the EUR BUs / Clusters working with local commercial teams as well as R&D cluster leads. You will lead and own the technical roadmaps for both platforms from AOP horizon through to +5yrs. You will participate at and leverage from the global Extrusion and Pellets communities to drive synergies

In this role you will be in operating management role and take accountability for a complex agenda by leading a direct team of project manager &, technologists alongside liaising with and delivering through a highly matrixed wider team leading horizon 2/3 programs as well a productivity and brand stewardship.

Responsibilities

• Set the agenda for an enhanced Extrusion and Pellets strategy and build programs to deliver through close working with colleagues in H2/H3, TDC, Insights, Marketing (across all EUR Clusters), Functional and Regional R&D teams, Global Platform, Supply chain and Procurement.
• The role involves managing priorities within direct team and across multiple commercial stakeholders.
• Developing an understanding of and demonstrating application of technical knowhow, commercial business needs and technical & talent development.
• Scope and lead technical roadmaps across 5 yr horizon.
• Take accountability of identifying technical solutions for BU and category level calendar activities
• Clearly articulating and aligning technical development needs to influence the wider R&D organization to develop the correct future fit solutions.
• Proactively challenging the suitability and performance of product designs to maintain a competitive advantage in terms of product acceptance, unique product design, cost of goods etc.
• Proactively progress the Pep+ agenda from all aspects of our targets.
• Leveraging expertise inside and outside the organization to deliver against commercial plans.
• Deputize as required for R&D Director to represent R&D interest at key forums (Global and local).
• Line management - coaching, development, and performance reviews alongside key technical capability development.
• Monitor R&D expenditure

Qualifications

• First Degree or equivalent in a Science or Engineering related discipline
• At least 7-9 years previous management experience, covering product & process development ideally within FMCG environment (Ideally including Extrusion & Pellets leadership / experience)
• Established competence at product development and technical / commercialization across new product launches, renovation and regulatory change program scopes.
• Strive for high standards, seek innovative solutions, drive continuous improvement of products and processes and demonstrates a high degree of intellectual curiosity
• Passion for creativity and innovation within a commercially driven environment
• Self-starter, self-motivating: able to balance competing priorities without losing momentum and manage uncertainty and complexity in fast evolving FMCG environments
• Ability to manage teams in remote locations fostering a positive, inclusive work environment where people feel respected and valued for their contributions, especially capable of working cross culturally Understanding of manufacturing relating to PepsiCo products and processes
• Proven analytical skills to interpret complex data and distil into meaningful information e.g. interpreting consumer insights, experimental design and statistical inference and ability to disseminate to both technical and non-technical audiences
• Strong holistic management skills to effectively drive through complexity. Quickly analyses complex problems to find actionable pragmatic solutions and constructive action plan.
• Strong networking / relationship building skills both with other R&D colleagues globally and other functions: Ability to create and use networks to actively seek and take advantage of ideas, best practice and solutions developed elsewhere and proactively share information.