R&D Life Sciences Sr Director, Science & Technology

PepsiCo is a global leader in the in the food and beverage industry with sustainability at the center of its corporate strategy.  The corporation has a portfolio of billion-dollar brands such as Pepsi, Lays, Gatorade, and Quaker which are instrumental to the future growth of the company. This leadership role is integral to the success of the global Research and Development (R&D) organization by leading a robust Life Sciences science and technology program that can guide an evolution of the global portfolio toward a collection of more positive choice products for consumers.  This leader will integrate core life science capabilities with expertise in nutrition, physiology, kinesiology, and epidemiology in collaboration with the regional life science and R&D teams. Furthermore, this leader will be responsible for a life science research strategy to fuel long term growth across our portfolio of brands while leading a science program that aims to deliver tangible substantiated benefits and enables differentiated positioning of PepsiCo brands. Translation of the program to internal and external stakeholders is necessary to drive visibility for the science-based approach PepsiCo is taking for portfolio transformation and innovation. Lastly, this role will be integral to ensuring the R&D organization is well represented in all forums that influence market potential.  

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Responsibility for leading a team of experts in the areas of nutrition, sports science, epidemiology, and will partner with cross functional teams within R&D, public policy and government affairs, legal, and communication functions to develop and advance Science & Technology roadmaps that support innovation and evolution of food and beverage products.
•  This leader will advance a research program resulting in intellectual property where feasible and who will ensure integrity of the scientific process. This leader will seek full alignment for the program with appropriate R&D teams and BUs, while prioritizing to ensure the program is focused on limited but big opportunities. This leader’s program will also be expected to build scientific substantiation for product positioning and claims to capture growth opportunities and provide product differentiation at point of sale.
• This leader will be responsible for the continued career development of a team of life science experts who will be both direct and indirect reports. The team includes highly specialized SMEs with advanced degrees in the scientific disciplines of nutrition, physiology, kinesiology  and health.  These highly sought-after experts are integral to the ambition of PepsiCo’s transformation and will continue to provide PepsiCo with a competitive edge.
• This leader will be expected to contribute life science expertise, advanced thought leadership and experience, executional excellence, and operational leadership at an executive level to guide strategic evolution of our food and beverage portfolios over the long-term.
• Long-term strategic guidance provided through this role is expected to shape and guide innovation for PepsiCo positive choice formats and purposeful renovation of core brands. Ability to guide translation of science to consumer ready positioning and confidently engage on scientific topics with key influencers and opinion leaders globally is a priority expectation.
• This role is expected to anticipate opportunities and challenges to PepsiCo’s health and wellness impact and ensure readiness to respond from a position based on science and nuanced by the business environment and growth ambitions.
• This leader will continue the backed by science legacy established by the Gatorade Sports Science institute, and Health and Nutrition Science groups and in doing so engage with a broad range of external stakeholders such as government, academia, non-governmental organizations, trade associations, industry peers and health influencers.
• This position has responsibility for people, project, and process management to drive innovation growth and mitigate brand risk. This requires a broad scope and understanding of US and International nutrition agendas, competitors, and legal/regulatory frameworks.

Compensation and Benefits:

• The expected compensation range for this position is between $146,100 - $289,900 based on a full-time schedule.
• Location, confirmed job-related skills and experience will be considered in setting actual starting salary.
• Bonus based on performance and eligibility; target payout is 35% of annual salary paid out annually and an additional target payout of 15% 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 and Car Program

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• PhD degree in related Life science (nutrition, kinesiology, biochemistry etc.) with 15+ years’ experience in Life science research in a commercial environment.
• Ability to lead a team and coordinate their research program strategically aligned to the food and beverage category priorities.
• Demonstrated ability in commercially relevant research and translation to business imperatives.
• Significant network of experts in various fields related to nutrition, physiology and health and demonstrated examples of external presence and influence.
• Strong publication and IP record.
• Strong leadership presence and ability to work and communicate effectively in cross functional teams, while aggressively working together to meet timelines.
• Ability to simultaneously manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Flexibility and ability to work with diverse cultural backgrounds, personalities, work styles with in various levels of the organization.
• Use scientific technical expertise for identification and evaluation of trends/ innovations in nutrition science and novel ingredients.
• Champion nutrition education and training for internal audiences.
• Enable sound business decisions and generate positive business results.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status.

PepsiCo is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Female / Minority / Disability / Protected Veteran / Sexual Orientation / Gender Identity

If you'd like more information about your EEO rights as an applicant under the law, please download the available EEO is the Law & EEO is the Law Supplement documents. View PepsiCo EEO Policy.

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