R&D Region Commercial Change and Ops Jr Scientist in Leicester

Overview

The role supports the delivery of the Europe Foods Commercial Change agenda through the execution and coordination of commercial change projects across multiple markets and technology platforms.

The role is responsible for ensuring projects progress efficiently through established stage gate and governance processes, maintaining alignment with cross-functional stakeholders, and supporting the delivery of business commitments through effective project management and execution.

The position works closely with Commercialisation, Product Development, Packaging, Regulatory, Specifications, Supply Chain and Operations partners to coordinate activities, manage project timelines, resolve execution challenges and ensure high-quality project delivery.

The position works cross-functionally to ensure projects are delivered in line with agreed scope, quality, compliance and timing requirements.

In addition, the role provides flexible support to the Europe Foods Operations team when required, including sample preparation, management and analysis, trial support, data and sample collection, prototype creation and associated operational activities.

The role requires strong organisational capability, stakeholder management and agility to balance multiple priorities across a fast-paced R&D environment.

Responsibilities

• Commercial Change
• Coordinate Commercial Change project plans, timelines, actions and deliverables across multiple projects.
• Maintain project governance tools, trackers, risk logs and status reporting.
• Support project meetings through agenda preparation, meeting facilitation and follow-up of actions.
• Liaise with Product Development, Commercialisation, Packaging, Regulatory, Supply Chain and other stakeholders to gather required information, project updates and maintain alignment.
• Monitor project milestones and escalate risks, delays or issues to relevant persons as required.
• Ensure project documentation is maintained accurately and in accordance with internal requirements.
• Ensure all activities comply with Pepsi Co quality, food safety and regulatory standards.
• Follow site EHS requirements and support a positive safety culture.
• Assist with continuous improvement initiatives to simplify and enhance Commercial Change processes and ways of working.
• Support workload visibility activities within the Operations & Commercial Change team.
• Operations Team Support (As Required)
• Support sample preparation, management and analytical activities.
• Support prototype sample creation and product preparation activities.
• Coordinate sample shipments and logistics activities.
• Assist with shelf-life studies and product assessments.

Qualifications

• Technical & Functional
• Experience within FMCG, Food Manufacturing, R&D or Project Management environments.
• Understanding of new product development processes.
• Strong project coordination and organisational skills.
• Experience managing multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Ability to analyse information and translate findings into clear actions.
• Competent user of Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, Power Point) and online collaboration tools
• Ability and willingness to work safely in laboratory, pilot plant and manufacturing‑scale environments, with flexibility to travel as required.
• Understanding of food safety, quality and compliance requirements.
• Personal & Professional
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Excellent organisation and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently whilst collaborating effectively within cross-functional teams.
• Self-motivated and able to manage ambiguity.
• Agility and flexibility to support changing business priorities.
• Strong problem-solving capability.
• Fluent spoken and written English.
• Numerate to GCSE standard (Maths, Science and English).
• Key Skills & Experience
• Strong organisation and project coordination skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Effective stakeholder communication and collaboration.
• Strong attention to detail and follow-through.
• Continuous improvement mindset.
• Full UK or Turkish driving licence.
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