Crop Technology Coordinator (R&D Agricultural Science) in Leicester

Overview

The PepsiCo Ag Science Global Strategy is delivered through a network of globally aligned, strategically located research hubs (“Future Farms”) that conduct in‑field and post‑harvest potato and oat R&D. These hubs provide integrated research capability - including variety‑specific agronomy (VSA), local variety assessment (LVA), commercialisation trials, breeding, agritech validation, soil health programmes, pep+ initiatives, and finished product quality assessments - working in partnership with commercial growers across regions. The Crop Technology Coordinator supports the development, testing, and deployment of new crop technologies and trialling innovations across global trialling locations, including Future Farms. Working within the Crop Technology team and partnering closely with Global Trialling Excellence Managers, the role contributes to the integration of new tools, methods, and phenotyping approaches into trialling protocols and field workflows. This role provides hands‑on experience in evaluating crop‑technology solutions, assisting with method‑validation activities, coordinating small‑scale ring tests, and helping ensure that trialling teams have access to clear, aligned operating procedures and equipment guidance. By supporting the adoption of validated trialling systems and technologies, the Coordinator helps enable high‑quality, standardised research and data‑driven decision‑making across Ag Science trial sites.

Responsibilities

• Support the harmonisation and integration of existing and emerging trialling innovations, equipment, and associated processes across global trialling locations, including Future Farms.
• Collaborate closely with Global Trialling Excellence Managers to drive equipment, process and analytical standardisation and equivalence across Ag Science research hubs.
• Contribute to enabling high‑quality, scaled research by supporting the deployment of standardised trialling equipment, methods, and phenotyping approaches that enhance data‑led decision making.
• Assist global field and laboratory testing centres in accessing validated and aligned equipment, ensuring that associated SOPs are clear, current, and consistently applied across sites.
• Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders in the organization related to the adoption and use of global trialing innovations, systems and processes.
• Support the delivery of technology and process‑deployment plans, helping track risks and issues, collecting post‑implementation feedback, and contributing to continuous improvement activities.
• Work collaboratively with partners across R&D and other functions (e.g., Procurement, Office of Sustainability, GAO) to ensure coordinated implementation of technology and methods.
• Provide regular and timely project updates to key stakeholders to maintain alignment with business objectives and research needs.
• Enable high quality research outcomes to support and document delivery against The Global Ag Strategy, AOP and Pep+ goals.
• Contribute to high‑quality research outcomes that support delivery against the Global Ag Strategy, AOP, and Pep+ goals.

Qualifications

• BSc/MSc in Agriculture, Crop Science, Agronomy, Plant Science, Agricultural Engineering, or a related field, plus ~3 years’ experience supporting or managing field research projects in agronomy, ag‑tech, or sustainable agriculture.
• Practical experience working with potato crops (ideally in processing/crisping systems); experience with oats and/or corn and exposure to potato storage research are advantageous.
• Hands‑on experience with field and post‑harvest trialling technologies, including equipment operation, calibration, troubleshooting, and development or updating of SOPs.
• Experience implementing, validating, and standardising new technologies, systems, or analytical processes across multiple sites or teams, including gathering user feedback and contributing to continuous improvement.
• Ability to build strong cross‑functional relationships and work effectively within global, matrixed teams across scientific, operational, and business functions.
• Clear, confident communication skills, with the ability to translate complex scientific concepts for technical and non‑technical audiences and provide concise progress updates that support decision‑making and alignment.
• Strong project coordination capabilities, including tracking actions, identifying risks, supporting mitigation plans, and helping manage implementation activities across regional or global teams.
• Demonstrated ability to take ownership of defined workstreams, deliver agreed outcomes, and contribute positively to a high‑performing global team.
• A proactive, solution‑focused approach, with strong attention to detail, organisation, and a commitment to operational excellence and innovation adoption.