APAC R&D Packaging Director

This role will lead the PepsiCo R&D APAC Foods packaging organization supporting the APAC regional business agendas including technical packaging executions needed to deliver annual operating plans (AOP), innovation, brand stewardship, revenue management, productivity, and sustainability initiative. This role partners with R&D region foods leaders and category business leaders to ensure flawless deployment of new packaging solutions across the portfolio. Activities include leading local packaging strategies, executing global initiatives into the region, influencing senior leaders, balancing short term decisions with long term business needs, research and of new technologies to be implemented in the business. This position is viewed as a subject matter expert that can identify opportunities within projects, coach others to raise individual and team competencies and actively promote protection of PepsiCo IP.

Key Accountabilities:

• Deliver packaging specifications as needed to support annual operating plan inclusive of innovation, channels, brand stewardship, productivity, and sustainability across the APAC Foods business.
• Prioritize key packaging development activities to deliver best top-line growth and bottom-line savings.
• Work closely with Marketing, Sales, Operations, Purchasing and Finance to create new business opportunities as well as lead development of packaging solutions to help grow and evolve the business.
• Demonstrate technical expertise to represent Packaging function in business leadership meetings, cross functional team meetings, and deliver executive presentations as required to set agenda and strategy within packaging team.
• Lead a team of ~16 engineers, managers, and technicians to provide guidance, align priorities, and ensure career development trajectories for each.
• Influence adoption and implementation of packaging sustainability technologies and enable progress towards PepsiCo external packaging commitments. Assure high level of awareness, understanding and knowledge of sustainable design principles.
• Model Packaging R&D competencies and actively coach team to continuously build and grow individually and as a team, driving an inclusive and learning culture. Actively identify and solve for capability and capacity gaps through efficient use of internal and external resources.

Experience Required:

• Minimum of a BS in Engineering/Science in a relevant field, ie Chemistry, Packaging or Chemical Engineering.  Minimum of 15+ years R&D innovation experience with 5+ years management experience  
• Demonstrated leadership results and mastery of packaging materials, polymer science, packaging equipment technologies, business/financial analysis capabilities and effective communication
• Sound technical knowledge in food packaging and manufacturing technologies is needed along with effective communication skills and the ability to build strong business relationships
• The applicant must be a self-motivated and be able to manage numerous projects in an environment of ambiguity