Overview
This role is the technical engine of the culinary innovation team—focused on translating gold standards into MVPs and ensuring they are feasible, safe, and scalable. It includes oversight of both food technologists and product developers, and requires deep collaboration with R&D and Supply Chain for corporate integration and pilot execution.
Responsibilities
* Lead Cross-Functional Product Realization: Translate gold standards into MVPs with clear feasibility guardrails, technical specs, and formulation pathways in partnership with culinary, packaging, and supply chain functions.
* Oversee Agile Prototyping & Sprint Development: Lead the development and iteration of MVPs in rapid test cycles—managing ingredient functionality, processing needs, and prep logic across culinary platforms.
* Manage Food Tech & Product Development Teams: Supervise the Food Technologists (focused on formulation, food safety, and shelf-life) and Product Developers (focused on prototype builds, prep systems, and delivery formats).
* Collaborate with R&D for Technical Compliance: Engage PepsiCo R&D teams to ensure that product safety, processing, packaging, and QA protocols are validated and documented during MVP, pilot, and pre-commercial stages.
* Coordinate External Development & Co-Man Readiness: Partner with Co-Man leads and Supply Chain to validate MVPs through pilot production and external manufacturing trials.
Qualifications
* 15+ years in food product development, food science, or technical innovation roles—ideally across both CPG and culinary/R&D environments.
* Proven ability to translate creative culinary ideas into safe, scalable food products.
* Experience leading cross-disciplinary teams and managing vendor or co-man development cycles.
* Deep knowledge of food safety, shelf-life modeling, processing methods, and packaging impact.
* Strong track record of collaboration with R&D, QA, and Supply Chain functions in a global context.
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