Job Description

Overview:

About PepsiCo

PepsiCo products are enjoyed by consumers more than one billion times a day in more than 200 countries and territories around the world. PepsiCo generated more than $79 billion in net revenue in 2021, driven by a complementary beverage and convenient foods portfolio that includes Lay's, Doritos, Cheetos, Gatorade, Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, Quaker, and SodaStream. PepsiCo's product portfolio includes a wide range of enjoyable foods and beverages, including many iconic brands that generate more than $1 billion each in estimated.



Guiding PepsiCo is our vision to Be the Global Leader in Beverages and Convenient Foods by Winning with PepsiCo Positive (pep+). pep+ is our strategic end-to-end transformation that puts sustainability and human capital at the center of how we will create value and growth by operating within planetary boundaries and inspiring positive change for planet and people. For more information, visit www.pepsico.com.


Responsibilities:

What we're looking for:

To develop and implement research strategies that inform product design decisions across innovation, brand stewardship, Design to Value (DtV), and portfolio transformation initiatives. This role will leverage both global and local sensory and consumer research capabilities, integrating product insights and deep technical expertise to support the Foods and Beverages R&D organization in delivering consumer-relevant, insight-driven solutions.

Collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders

to implement the global Sensory and Consumer Experience (EXPerience) innovation research roadmap, ensuring local alignment with the Technical Stage Gate (TSG) process.
Accountability Type: Influence

Develop integrated research plans

that span Gates 2 to 4 of the TSG process, using strategic thinking to align key stakeholders across R&D, Consumer Insights, and Marketing.
Accountability Type: Influence

Localize and apply global EXPerience processes and protocols

to drive efficiency in terms of time and cost across supported teams.
Accountability Type: Consult / Execute

Support the implementation and advocacy of the EXPerience team's vision and mission

in collaboration with the EXPerience Manager.
Accountability Type: Influence

Deliver actionable insights

through the interpretation of both qualitative and quantitative consumer research, supporting current and future R&D initiatives. Effectively communicate implications to senior leadership, including up to LG2 executives.
Accountability Type: Consult / Execute

Mentor and coach EXPerience team members

to build capability and promote best-in-class research practices aligned with broader business priorities.
Accountability Type: Influence

Coordinate with EXPerience peers and external research partners

to ensure appropriate resource allocation, test design, and deployment in line with best practice standards.

Qualifications:

What will qualify you for the role

:

An advanced degree (Master's or PhD) in a relevant scientific discipline such as Psychology, Food Science, or Sensory Science is preferred, with a strong theoretical foundation in test design, research methodologies, and statistical analysis techniques. Relevant work experience in sensory or consumer research/insights, ideally within a fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) environment. Experience expectations may vary based on academic background (e.g., 2-3 years with a Master's degree, 5+ years with a Bachelor's degree). In-depth knowledge of product testing methodologies, with demonstrated expertise in both qualitative and quantitative research methods, as well as sensory research and panel management. Proven ability to identify and implement emerging consumer science methodologies, with a forward-looking approach to innovation in research practices. Strong understanding of the broader business context, with the ability to apply both technical and commercial knowledge to support strategic decision-making.

"PepsiCo is an Equal Opportunity Employer in line with the Employment Equity Act"