Ag Science Trialing Manager ANZ

Overview

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 recognized and career growth is supported. 

 At PepsiCo we strive to put more smiles on our consumers with every bite and this is achieved through a strong research, sustainable approach to raw material production and processing. Come change the way consumers experience food by joining the R&D Ag Science team.

You will be part of a team responsible for the yield/phenotyping organization for the APAC (Asia Pacific) Australia/New Zealand R&D Ag Science Variety Trialing organization.  The testing scientist will be a critical member of a team responsible for commercial variety advancement and development as it aligns with the business trait and germplasm priorities. Collaborate closely with potato Breeders to develop and select varieties, recommend practices and technologies for sustainable crop high performance. You will bring together research agronomy subject matter expertise and your project management skills to deliver research that drives innovation for PepsiCo’s ingredient supply chain and unlocks data driven insights that connect sector research trials into wider global programs. You will focus on the delivery of research programs in the agronomic, breeding and Ag-Technology areas for our famous chipping potatoes, including the identification and validation of new varieties, novel agricultural practices and cutting- edge farming technologies which will be foundational to the future of our PepsiCo consumer beloved products and feed our supply chain. This information and practice development is also for the implementation and delivery of our PepsiCo Positive (Pep+) goals across our global sourcing footprint. 

Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities: 

• PhD in Agriculture/Plant Physiology/Crop Science or equivalent, ~5 years’ experience in designing and executing field research projects with agronomy, Ag-Technology and/or sustainable agriculture. 
• +5 years experience working in a corporate setting either an Ag Seed and Chemical or Food company
• The above experience must include potato, vegetable, grains, fruit, ideally for the food/beverage processing/crisping industry. 
• Have specialized knowledge of variety testing, statistical experimental design, field plot technique, statistical data analysis and interpretation, plus reporting is required.
• Skilled in working with of large datasets and statistical interpretation.
• Excellent communication and reporting skills
• Demonstrated ability to lead projects to deliver specified goals.
• Innovative research demonstrated through past experience and track record.  
• Demonstrated ability to execute projects within a project management framework.
• Demonstrated ability to explain complex scientific concepts to other scientists and to non-technical business partners.
• Ability to perform as part of a high-performing global working team.
• Experience of working with, and managing, external vendors.
• Possess excellent communication skills, verbal and written; ability to productively interact with people at all levels across the organization.
• Ability to day travel ~20-30% of the time domestically

Qualifications

About you: 

• Foundational subject matter expertise in identification and advancement of best varieties and practices in potatoes, grains or other vegetables and fruits to enabling delivery of positive impact in our core and emerging crops, aligned to pep+ goals. 
• Advanced expertise in trialing design, statistical analysis, systems biology to evaluate varieties, practices and farm technology and recommend best on-farm production systems.
• Work collaboratively - both internally within Agricultural Science and with external suppliers and vendors - to enable the delivery of projects aligned to our People and Planet goals for PepsiCo
• Take ownership and accountability for field trials and research projects located across Australia and New Zealand trialing locations, with expansion
• A wide range of experience across multiple disciplines, including, potato/fruit/vegetable/row crop agronomy, input (fertilizer) optimization, microbiome, Ag- Tech, pest management, and soil health.
• Interpret and report experimental results, findings and make recommendations based on observations, data analysis and consultation with other subject matter experts 
• Negotiate contracts with external research collaborators, growers, universities, and hold them to account against agreed deliverables to ensure project timelines are met.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Accountability budget estimates and tracking of spend against all projects with your control. 
• Provide regular and timely project progress updates to key stakeholders to ensure continued alignment with business objectives

For you:  

• We offer a competitive benefits package 
• Access generous leave options (e.g. wellness, birthday, volunteer, purchase additional leave/cash out leave) 
• We understand that bringing the best version of yourself to work means looking after yourself holistically. Our Health & Wellness programs support you with all dimensions of wellness 
• Access learning programs for your professional development, as well as our global offerings and online courses.

About us: 

We are a progressive and people-focused business and believe our diverse workforce is the key to our success. Because we value our employees and their families, we offer an agile and flexible working environment with an emphasis on work life balance and health, as well as plenty of learning opportunities and room to grow your career.  

• Recognised as a Top Employer in both Australia and New Zealand in 2021 and 2022, one of only 16 organisations globally to earn this certification.
• Recognised as an WGEA Employer of Choice for gender equality for the past 12 years and is one of the leading organisations in this space. 
• Gender Tick (NZ)
• Family Friendly Certification (AU) 

• Check out our Benefits, Policies and the impressive work we’re doing with WORK180  Pepsico ANZ | WORK180 Endorsed Employer

Pep+ (PepsiCo Positive) is the future of our organization – a strategic end-to-end transformation, with sustainability at the center of how we will create growth and value by operating within planetary boundaries and inspiring positive change for the planet and people. It is our roadmap for becoming the global leader in convenient foods and beverages and a leading actor in the transformation of the global food system. 

With a large portfolio of food and beverage brands, PepsiCo Australia & New Zealand employs more than 1,600 people across ANZ at Smiths Snack Food Company, Bluebird Foods NZ and PepsiCo Beverages. With global brands like Doritos, Gatorade, and Pepsi Max, we also make some home-grown favourites such as Smith’s Chips, Red Rock Deli, Twisties, and our Bluebird NZ snack brands.   Interested? Know someone who might be? This is a great opportunity to join the PepsiCo ANZ team.   PepsiCo’s hiring process: 

1. Submit your application 
2. Interview(s) and skills evaluation
3. Online Assessment process
4. Background checks

At PepsiCo, we believe what makes you unique, makes us better. We embrace equal opportunities for all employees. We believe that our people are our best asset and understand the importance of bringing different perspectives, different lenses and different experiences to our workplace. We are committed to building and supporting an inclusive workforce that truly reflects the global communities we operate within. We encourage women, people with a disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, LGBTQI+ and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to apply.  In applying for this position, you consent to your personal information being provided to PepsiCo for use in accordance with PepsiCo’s Privacy Policy which can be found at the bottom of the page on PepsiCo’s website www.pepsico.com.au