At a Glance
- Tasks: Support product innovation and development in a dynamic R&D environment.
- Company: Join PepsiCo, a global leader in beverages and snacks.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, vibrant culture, and extensive health benefits.
- Other info: 12-month placement starting July 2026 with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on iconic brands while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Penultimate-year students in science, engineering, or food-related fields.
The predicted salary is between 25500 - 25500 € per year.
Overview
You\'ll have the chance to put your studies into practice at PepsiCo. Our placement programmes are structured to give you the chance to make an impact on some of the world\'s biggest brands. From day one, you\'ll be working on projects that matter. You will shake things up, shape trends, and receive guidance and development to help you discover your potential. We are looking for enthusiastic undergraduates to join our R&D teams on a 12-month placement programme starting in July 2026 on a full-time basis. All our Research & Development opportunities are based out of Beaumont Park, Leicester. Innovation takes centre stage at PepsiCo, with our Global R&D team at the heart of the action, creating products of the future for global consumers and pursuing healthy choices that meet market needs.
You\'ll have a high level of autonomy where your decisions will make a difference to our business, while you develop your skills in a fast-paced, energetic environment.
Overview of the role
Within the R&D Foods Product Development Teams you will be supporting product innovation, productivity, continuity and/or long-term research projects. You will work alongside scientists and engineers on creative product development in R&D development kitchens, process labs and manufacturing plants. You will have a high level of autonomy where your work will directly impact our business results, working with current products and on future product development.
Responsibilities
- Hands-on product development, including planning and executing kitchen, pilot and factory scale trials.
- Working with product insights and analytical teams to measure product attributes and understand consumer preferences.
- Liaising within R&D and cross-functionally with teams, technical experts and contractors globally, and using literature searches to deliver key aspects of work streams.
- Building and investigating fundamental scientific insights underpinning product development.
- Arranging product testing programmes, sample shipments, administration, submitting samples for laboratory analysis, writing up results and reporting back to key members of the project teams.
- Penultimate-year students with a sandwich placement option before returning to study.
- Following a path to a degree-level qualification in science, engineering or a food-related field.
- Strong communication skills (written and verbal).
- Numerical skills including data analysis and interpretation.
- Computer literacy.
- High motivation with good organisational skills.
- Strong critical thinking ability.
- Initiative and drive to deliver results of trials and activities, with the ability to be proactive and multi-task.
- An interest in food.
- Good interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate to a diverse audience across function, culture and level.
What you need to know
Application Closing Date: 20 October. Our application window is scheduled to close on the above date; however, in the event of a large response we may close applications early. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
About PepsiCo
PepsiCo products are enjoyed by consumers more than one billion times a day in more than 200 countries and territories. PepsiCo generated nearly $92 billion in net revenue in 2024, driven by a beverage and convenient foods portfolio that includes Lay’s, Doritos, Cheetos, Gatorade, Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, Quaker, and SodaStream. The portfolio includes brands that generate more than $1 billion each in estimated annual retail sales. Our vision is to Be the Global Leader in Beverages and Convenient Foods by Winning with pep+ (PepsiCo Positive), a transformation that prioritises sustainability and human capital within planetary boundaries.
What else you need to know
Our placements start in July 2026 on a full-time basis and last for 12 months. The salary is £25,500. Other benefits include:
- Vibrant culture
- Development and mentoring
- 25 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays, birthday leave
- Discounted PepsiCo products
- Competitive pension scheme
- Market-leading health and wellbeing benefits: Virtual GP (available to you and your family 24/7), discounted gym membership, online free digital physiotherapy service
Research & Development Industrial Placement - Product Development 2026 in Leicester employer: PepsiCo, Inc.
PepsiCo is an exceptional employer that offers a vibrant and innovative work culture, particularly for those in the Research & Development sector at our Beaumont Park location in Leicester. With a strong focus on employee development and mentoring, you will have the opportunity to work on impactful projects that shape the future of food products while enjoying competitive benefits such as 25 days of annual leave, a generous pension scheme, and market-leading health and wellbeing support. Join us to unleash your potential in a fast-paced environment where your contributions truly matter.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research & Development Industrial Placement - Product Development 2026 in Leicester
✨Tip Number 1
Get your networking game on! Connect with current and former employees on LinkedIn, especially those in R&D at PepsiCo. A friendly message can go a long way in getting insider tips and maybe even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview like it’s the final exam! Research PepsiCo’s latest innovations and be ready to discuss how your skills can contribute to their R&D projects. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but someone who’s genuinely excited about their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or use online platforms to get comfortable with common questions. The more you practice, the more confident you’ll feel when it’s time to shine in front of the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Research & Development Industrial Placement - Product Development 2026 in Leicester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for R&D:When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for research and development shine through. Talk about any relevant projects or experiences that sparked your interest in product innovation, and how you see yourself contributing to our team at PepsiCo.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this specific role. Highlight your skills in science, engineering, or food-related fields, and mention any hands-on experience you have with product development or data analysis. We want to see how you fit into our vibrant culture!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon unless it's relevant. We appreciate good communication skills, so make sure your written application reflects that by being well-structured and easy to read.
Apply Early!:Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. Our closing date is 20 October, but we might close early if we get a lot of applications. Get your application in as soon as possible through our website to ensure you don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at PepsiCo, Inc.
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into PepsiCo's products and recent innovations. Familiarise yourself with their R&D initiatives and think about how your studies can contribute to their goals. This shows genuine interest and helps you connect your background to the role.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare to discuss specific examples from your academic projects or internships that highlight your hands-on experience in product development. Be ready to explain how you've used data analysis or critical thinking to solve problems, as these skills are crucial for the role.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the R&D team's current projects or future directions. This not only demonstrates your enthusiasm but also gives you insight into whether this placement aligns with your career aspirations.
✨Be Yourself
PepsiCo values individuality and creativity. Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through during the interview. Share your passion for food and innovation, and how you envision making an impact in the role. Authenticity can set you apart from other candidates.
