R&D Product Development Analyst

Auto req ID: 268002BR
Main Purpose

To organise and execute assigned research and development projects for the regional Grains R&D team against AOP Calendar as well as pipeline build / innovation / productivity platforms. Work streams will range from day to day tasks, full autonomous ownership through to transactional ad hoc delivery, supporting business in all Innovation, Productivity and TBS workstreams

Accountabilities

• Execute product development and proof of principle through to scale-up activities in-plant by working closely as a cross-functional team member.
  
• Develop and prepare prototype samples with costings under the direction of the Project Manager using safe and best practice operation of lab and pilot scale equipment.
  
• Contribute to product testing (Internal & Consumer) by ensuring product is of appropriate quality and provided in a timely manner. Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of product testing by ensuring quality and standards are maintained.
  
• Supporting Business with all technical related product queries through research, analysis and networking
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  Compile R&D project timelines to ensure required equipment and resources are available for use.
  
• Communicate timings to technicians and other contacts as required (e.g. Lab team, Sensory & Consumer Product Insights)
  
• Draft R&D technical data such as artwork, specifications, process specification and finished pack standards with approval from PM/R&D Manager.
  
• Work closely with Regulatory, FS & QA to ensure legal compliance.
  
• Provide adhoc support to Agro team
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  The concise, accurate and complete reporting of such work to his/her superior, leading to:
  
  • Specific recommendations for process conditions.
    
  • Specific recommendations for ingredients for the benefit of R&D taking into consideration functional properties, availability, quality, cost and interchange ability.
    
  • Formulate products ensuring specific requirements of affordable cost / value engineering, physical, organoleptic and analytical product characteristics, consumer acceptability and nutrition are met.
    

Key skills / Requirements

• Degree in a Food Science, Food Technology or Chemical/Process Engineering with additional food background looking to build a long term career within R&D.
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  5 Years experience in related food industry (Wheat, Maize, Rice & Legume industry, Breakfast cereals)
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  Good technical, analytical and communication skills, ability to interpret data and distil into useful and actionable information
  
• Understanding of and experience with working on experimental design. (recipe development)
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  Meticulous attention to detail, strong analytical and numerical skills
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  Ability to collaborate across multiple business functions including Operations and Marketing.
  
• Ability to communicate effectively to R&D Team, Marketing and Operations.
  
• Know the business; demonstrate a passion for mastering the details of the business, the marketplace, the consumer and understanding the role this position has upon that.
  
• Have an up to date knowledge of technology and be able to absorb and apply this knowledge.
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  Creative thinking, be able to generate creative, workable ideas within the scope of projects.
  
• Results driven, demonstrate an ability to persevere and provide timely and direct feedback to others.
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  Ability to work independently on multiple projects and to deal with change and increasing complexity.
  
• Self starter, self-motivating and experience of autonomous delivery.
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  Integrity, safeguard the Company’s designs, formulations, processes and reputation in all matters.
  

“PepsiCo is an Equal Opportunity Employer in line with the Employment Equity Act”
Relocation Eligible: Not Applicable
Job Type: Regular