R&D Processing Principal Engineer in Leicester

Overview: This position will be responsible for delivering innovation that is applicable globally from concept to commercialization in support of new transformational products/process platforms that align with business strategies. This role will help to shape a robust pipeline of process technologies by acting as a key connector between Process Function leads/SMEs and PepsiCo’s External Innovation tools and networks. The position will facilitate deep dives into emerging technologies and help identify innovative solutions that enable the Global Process team to deliver on long-term strategic priorities. This position will lead a portfolio of projects, ensuring clear communication of technical progress to senior leadership and driving collaboration with PepsiCo scientists, engineers, and external partners. This role is based at Beaumont Park, a key site for process innovation and developmental trials.

Responsibilities:

• Leadership of early-stage Science & Technology projects that define and deliver large, complex, insights-driven process equipment technology development satisfying global R&D’s strategic priorities, collaborating with internal and external partners to ensure execution meets the time, quality and cost requirements.
• Build new enabling methodologies for both Breakthrough and entire Process Function, delivering advantage with new approaches to external creation, vendor leveraging, research partnerships, early-stage technology scouting, scoping and screening activities, and IP opportunities.
• Partner with PepsiCo’s External Innovation team to leverage tools and networks to identify new process technologies/opportunities that align with PepsiCo’s strategic priorities.
• Participate as an active member of cross-functional business development teams comprised of individuals from a variety of disciplines, including Operations, Purchasing, Engineering, Function and Sector R&D teams in initiatives to develop future technical strategy focus areas for Process Function.
• Support the agenda of several project teams, guiding on sound project research principles to ensure robust planning, design, execution and reporting of learning plans.
• Create and nurture external networks with consultants, academics and strategic vendors on defined programmes to drive deep scientific/process understanding, to source ingredients/materials and food processing equipment and leverage vendor expertise to implement new technologies.
• Lead, advocate for and demonstrate application of rigorous process scale-up methodologies for process technology, collaborating with R&D function partners to deliver superior process specifications in line with optimum product design.

Qualifications:

• BS or higher degree in Chemical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.
• Minimum of 7-10 years’ previous experience in FMCG R&D, process or technology development roles or equivalent.
• Understanding of Food Science, Food Engineering and Manufacturing an advantage but not essential if experience is from industry sectors with similar R&D complexity.
• Established competence of leading technology and/or process development and a complex overall programme/risk management strategy.
• Exemplary interpersonal skills with ability to influence with integrity through persuasive communication to win support at senior levels within the organisation.
• First class presentation skills (written & verbal).
• Proven ability to deconstruct development challenges and issues into fundamental problems and design technically sound approaches for determining process solutions.
• Proven ability to leverage open innovation and other external resources to deliver breakthrough results in an externally-leveraged organisational model.
• Retains a connection with academic leaders/institutions and ability to leverage network for solutions and results.
• Possess a formal and informal network with professional and research organizations and universities.
• The ability and interest to work in laboratory, pilot plant, and manufacturing scale environments.
• Proven ability to manage multiple assignments/tasks.

Preferred Differentiating Competencies:

• First class skills in project management to effectively drive a complex project, for risk identification and programme construction.
• Proven ability to manage medium/large sized project finances: both revenue and capital appropriation.
• Track record of influencing NPD initiatives with a passion for creativity and innovation within a commercially driven environment.
• Ability to explain complex technical issues/solutions to a non-technical audience.
• Self-starter, self-motivating: able to balance competing priorities without losing momentum and manage uncertainty and complexity in fast evolving FMCG environments.
• Good understanding/appreciation of the broader business environment and application of technical and commercial knowledge during project execution.
• Strives for high standards, seeks innovative solutions, drives continuous improvement of products and processes and demonstrates a high degree of intellectual curiosity.
• Ability to create and use networks to actively seek and take advantage of ideas, best practice and solutions developed elsewhere.