R&D FSQA Snacks Lead - Isando Snacks Plant at PepsiCo

Responsibilities

What we’re looking for:

• Provide FSQA leadership to SA BU Snacks Category, including leading/partnering with a team to effectively deliver the aligned AOP Agenda and Long-term strategic initiatives.
• Effectively support the regional product and package innovation agenda by ensuring standards and process are adhered from design to commercialization through programs TSG linked tools incl. GIB, PCC and FSHA.
• For complex innovations, provide needed technical support at plant level to ensure start-up readiness and develop quality system and testing protocols/methods which should be applied for new product introductions as well as follow through post launch through in-market programs incl. hypercare.
• Lead in developing risk-mitigating strategies along with other groups (Regulatory Affairs, Supply Chain, R&D) to properly manage resources in addressing critical food safety issues. Ensure Food hazard assessments, HTDs of all R&D projects working cooperatively with relevant R&D stakeholders as well as relevant SMEs where required.
• Lead and coordinate FSQA due diligence and relevant incident management where required across the relevant key stakeholders through effective implementation of the Incident management program using IRIS and other tools as applicable.
• Provide needed oversight and governance by ensuring our quality and food safety standards and protocols are effectively implemented in the manufacturing facilities, and that they are maintained across the supply chain to ensure our products are safe, legal and meet consumer-defined design across our total portfolio of products.
• Effectively collaborate with regional Quality Control (SC) to jointly develop Quality and Food Safety objectives and targets that deliver on our promise to provide consumers with safe and wholesome products of outstanding quality, consistency, and value
• To facilitate continuous FSQA improvements in the region through implementation of QMS and audit programs and ensuring needed corrective actions to non-compliances in quality and food safety audits have been implemented, and that the systems and processes that are in place are being adhered to by SC (QC). 
• Provide needed oversight and governance on roll-out of digital programs incl. CAST, Near Miss, IRIS and SONAR. 
• Provide technical support in the assessment of new contract manufacturing sites, as well as for mergers and acquisitions, performing needed capability assessment for new manufacturing platforms, and ensuring appropriate design quality and food safety principles have been implemented
• Partner with R&D, SC and GP partners on supplier and material approvals and supplier performance management to drive food safety and quality.
• Liaison with BU Supply chain and R&D teams to Identify, plan and support capability development programs for the BU to support effective implementation of all FS & QA programs and standards.
• Support the implementation of “Centers of Excellence” (e.g. Micro CoE, sanitation CoE, etc.) being developed by the Sector QA team where we promote blend of theoretical and in-plant practical learning.
• Effectively collaborate with region Director SRA and the team to understand and integrate region country specific food safety related developments into the innovations for foods and beverages ensuring to meet local standards 
• Advocate execution of global programs at BU and drive role of FSQA connector to Business Unit and Global functions.

Qualifications

What will qualify you for the role:

• At least a Bachelor’s degree in science or engineering with a strong understanding of beverage and food manufacturing. Master’s degree would be preferred, however is not a limitation.
• A minimum of 8-10 years of experience in Food safety, 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 Food safety, Quality Assurance, Quality Control, new product development, manufacturing and/or R&D Technical position requiring interface with all of these disciplines.
• Must have the ability to influence the field and senior stakeholders across the organization.
• Familiarity and comfort with working across varied, diverse, international cultures and specifically have the ability to understand and leverage geographic and cultural drivers across a diverse set of markets.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to represent PepsiCo internally and externally.
• High integrity, with personal commitment to corporate values.
• Ability to work effectively and efficiently on teams as a leader and driving toward common goals.
• Ability to travel when required in managing business.