R&D Packaging Director

Overview

We are looking for an R&D Packaging Director!

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Global Foods Packaging Equipment and Applications Development

The Director of Global Foods Packaging Equipment and Applications Development will be responsible for development of future breakthrough packaging applications and systems by integrating materials, machinery, modeling, prototyping and validation. This role is critical to enabling PepsiCo Foods sustainable packaging commitments, portfolio of the future innovation and breakthrough productivity targets. This role must provide thought leadership that is a key component of the Foods Packaging Science and Technology agenda.

The candidate must provide critical input for Horizon 2/3 strategy development planning while maintaining focus on immediate program deliverables. This leader must build and maintain relationship with internal and external partners and suppliers to develop and enable breakthrough technology.

Responsibilities

• Lead experienced packaging engineering team to design, develop and deploy breakthrough packaging machinery capabilities and applications to drive PepsiCo Foods strategic sustainability, portfolio innovation, and productivity agendas
• Lead R&D development and commercialization of new primary packaging technologies and applications for alternative food packaging formats such as rigids, composite canister, and flexible formats
• Oversee execution of commercialization activities: from lab based trials to full scale production via robust CQV processes
• Create robust business case analysis supporting program justification and program sell in to senior leadership teams
• Develop, nurture and sustain technology partnerships & partnership ecosystem(s) to enable breakthrough and advantaged joint technology development
• Explore, identify and validate novel packaging applications compatible with PepsiCo capital assets and infrastructure
• Create and execute project timelines including managing packaging resources and budgets
• Selection and management of key vendor relationships to deliver successful programs
• Packaging lead to cross-functional project teams, coordinate with Engineering/Operations/Marketing partners through various project stages
• Periodically update Senior Management with program progress
• Build strong relationships with internal and external cross functional partners
• Scope capability needs of projects to allocate resources, budget and headcount based on category priorities
• Serve as Packaging SME to provide input for technical feasibility/readiness assessments for not only R&D programs/projects but also Engineering and Op programs/projects.
• Attract and build a diverse, high-performing team with capabilities needed to achieve current and future business objectives

• The expected compensation range for this position is between $125,900 - $249,900.
• Location, confirmed job-related skills, experience, and education will be considered in setting actual starting salary. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range during the hiring process.
• Bonus based on performance and eligibility target payout is 25% of annual salary paid out annually.
• and an additional target payout of 10% of annual salary is paid out over 3 years following the end of the performance period.
• Long term incentive equity may be awarded based on eligibility and performance.
• Paid time off subject to eligibility, including paid parental leave, vacation, sick, and bereavement.
• In addition to salary, PepsiCo offers a comprehensive benefits package to support our employees and their families, subject to elections and eligibility: Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, Health, and Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Insurance (Accident, Group Legal, Life), Defined Contribution Retirement Plan.

• Minimum of a BS in Engineering/Science in a relevant field (e.g. Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Packaging).
• Minimum of 12 years R&D experience with 5+ years of management & leadership experience.
• Proven track record and mastery of packaging equipment & conversion technologies (vertical & horizontal form/fill/seal, & others), packaging technologies such as retort, hotfill, aseptic & others.
• Strong business/financial analysis capabilities
• Understanding of data analysis, statistical process control, Design of Experiments
• Understanding of technical infrastructure & capabilities, supplier/competitor landscape, operational complexities, business growth metrics across a wide range of markets.
• Proven ability to build trusting relationships with cross-functional partners
• Domestic and international travel up to 40% of time is possible