Research and Development Specialist

**Responsibilities**

PepsiCo is a global food and beverage leader operating in more than 200 countries and territories with a product portfolio that includes 22 world-famous, multi-billion-dollar brands.

From Gatorade to Quaker, from LIFEWTR to Lay's, we make hundreds of enjoyable foods and drinks that are loved around the world.

Our vision is to be the world leader in convenient food and beverage by winning with purpose. "Winning with purpose" reflects our ambition to win sustainably in the marketplace and incorporate purpose into all aspects of the business.

Our employees drive our culture. No two days are the same; we are dynamic and full of passionate teams that embrace new ideas through our collaborative spirit. At PepsiCo, what makes you unique, makes us better

What will you work on:

- Holistically lead R&D projects for Innovation, Productivity, Technical Brand Stewardship and Business Continuity across Andean, Brazil and South Cone OUs.
- Lead technical solutions and process definitions for the related Technical Platform, including innovation pipeline, productivity projects, brand stewardship and business continuity projects.
- Lead the R&D Technical Stage Gate, developing and delivering product solutions that are safe, legal and fit for purpose.
- Guarantee flawless and consistent execution of the product & process development activities related to the Platform.
- Guarantee process definition, assuring product design in-plant, according to consumer research and business strategy.
- Lift and shift innovation, Productivity or Tech Brand Stewardship initiatives, taking into consideration global, regional, and local guidelines or requirements.
- Work effectively with multi-functional team, providing timely technical inputs to the team, aiming the best cost/benefit solutions, and defining the most efficient paths towards product & process technologies.
- Lead the development of new winning product designs and guarantee its implementation, working together with Global, Regional and Local R&D teams.
- Work together with engineering and operations on the definition of new process equipment for new lines, ensuring deploying the correct product design.
- Ensure Global R&D Function alignment of the new investments for Andean, Brazil and South Cone OUs.
- Lead copacker product & process development, ensuring the appropriate design and reviewing technical information.
- Ensure the delivery of all plant technical information (process manual, cleaning procedures, quality monitoring, etc.).
- Build process technical networking between Global and Regional R&D.
- Lead projects kick off and Commissioning for new line and equipment across Andean, Brazil and South Cone OUs.
- Train all needed people about the platform (Innovation, Productivity, Tech Brand stewardship or Business Continuity), assuring the information is clear for plant operators, supervisors and managers.

**Qualifications**

Who are we looking for?
- Bachelor degree in Engineering, Chemistry, Food Science or related discipline.
- Background in development and commercialization of Tortilla Chips new products strongly desired.
- Proven track record on Project Management skills & tools (MBA or PMP certification desired), including ability to succinctly define the project scope, work to a defined timeline and communicate project progress to stakeholders.
- Excellent time management and prioritization skills, with minimum need of supervision.
- Ability to manage a multi-disciplinary team in a virtual and matrixed organization.
- Strong technical and analytical skills to interpret complex data and distil into meaningful data/information.
- Have great communication skills in multiple languages (English, Spanish and Portuguese), being able to positively influence and negotiate within all levels of the organization (from front line, plant operators up to Senior Business Partners and Executives).
- Highly effective presentation skills, both written & verbal.
- Agile mindset, Self-starter, self-motivated, demonstrate resilience while managing a multi-disciplinary team in a constant volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous environment.
- Demonstrate thought leadership, strategic thinking, agility, proactiveness and good / balanced emotional intelligence.
- Results-oriented, ability to manage multiple projects and able to multi-task, while delivering with high quality standards.
- Demonstrate executive professional maturity, cultural sensitivity, and flexibility in responding to different cultures across Andean, Brazil and South Cone OUs.
- Results oriented and able to balance competing priorities without losing momentum.

What can you expect from us:

- Competitive compensation, benefits, vacations, etc.
- A flexible work environment that promotes a healthy balance between personal and professional life;
- A dynamic and inclusive culture;
- A support team that will foster your professional growth and development;
- Opportunity to work with relevant and im