R&D QA Principal Scientist

Work for a global FMCG company with some of the world's most trusted and iconic brands. Be part of an exciting business where employees are recognised and career growth is supported.

At PepsiCo, you can Dare for Better. You can help build a world where there are more possibilities for more people, no matter what role you hold. Together, we'll make a positive impact for good. Because when we Dare for Better, we can smile at what's next. For our careers, families, communities and the planet.

Reporting to the R&D FSQA Lead (Asia & ANZ), the QA Principal Scientist is responsible for leading the Food Safety and Quality Assurance compliance for Snacks & Beverage categories across ANZ Operating Unit geographies, including Innovation and Core operations.

Lead the ANZ Foods & Bev OU Food Safety & Quality Assurance function by ensuring Quality and Food Safety by design for all new innovations, while delivering the right specifications that are fit for purpose and consumer relevant. Implement comprehensive and sustainable programs that drive capability and quality throughout the supply chain. Implement and monitor necessary quality and food safety metrics to provide oversight and governance.

• Support the OU product and package innovation agenda in both beverages and foods by ensuring standards and processes are adhered to during the innovation process, delivering "quality and food safety by design".
• Participate in the OU Stage Gate meetings ensuring quality and food safety guardrails have been addressed in the stage gate process.
• For complex innovations, provide technical support at plant level to ensure start-up readiness and develop quality systems and testing protocols/methods for new product introductions with support from Region/Sector QA.
• Ensure appropriate specifications have been developed, that HACCP transfer documents for new initiatives have been completed and that appropriate guardrails for food safety are in place.
• Provide oversight and governance by ensuring quality and food safety standards and protocols are effectively implemented in manufacturing facilities and maintained across the supply chain to ensure products are safe, legal and meet consumer-defined design.
• Collaborate with BU Quality Control (Operations) to jointly develop Quality and Food Safety objectives and targets that deliver safe, wholesome products of outstanding quality, consistency and value.
• Harmonize quality management programs including testing methods across the region and maintain a central repository of specifications and standards.
• Oversee quality systems, manage variances to specifications and standards, ensure corrective actions to non-compliances, and ensure adherence by product developers and operations (Quality Control).
• Provide technical support in the assessment of contract manufacturing sites for new products, conduct capability assessments for new manufacturing platforms, and ensure design quality and food safety principles are implemented.
• Deliver quality and food safety training programs and tools, meeting regional needs to support implementation.
• Support the implementation of consumer feedback system program minimum requirements and guidelines, evaluating results to determine whether guardrails must be adjusted.

About You:

• A bachelor's degree in science or engineering with a strong understanding of beverage and food manufacturing
• A minimum of 8-10 years of experience in Quality Assurance, Quality Control, and/or related experience with a proven track record in supporting the launch of new products, preferably for a multinational company.
• Demonstrated leadership in Quality Assurance, Quality Control, new product development, manufacturing and/or R&D technical positions requiring interface with these disciplines
• Ability to influence field and senior stakeholders across the BU organization; comfort working across varied, diverse cultures and leverage geographic and cultural drivers
• Strong leadership skills and ability to drive the QA agenda; excellent written and oral communication skills to represent PepsiCo internally and externally
• Strong cross-cultural and matrix management ability to work with R&D / GNG / Operations / Innovation teams; ability to lead and drive toward common goals
• Willingness and flexibility to travel

Join us and work with iconic brands like Doritos, Gatorade, Pepsi Max, Smith's Chips, Red Rock Deli, Twisties, Quaker Oats, and Bluebird NZ.

• Recognised as a Top Employer in Australia and New Zealand for the past 4 years
• Family Friendly Certification (AU)
• Australian Disability Network Member

PepsiCo is dedicated to sustainability with initiatives like EV chargers, net-zero energy efficiency, hydro trucks, and net-zero water usage. We foster innovation and empower employees to make a meaningful impact through PepsiCo Positive. Join us to shape the future of food and beverages with a focus on sustainability.