Associate Director - Global R&D Foods Packaging Materials

Responsibilities

Accountabilities

• Develop breakthrough film formulations with suppliers that bring competitive advantage to the snack foods market for PEPSICO including superior product protection, operational performance and sustainability compliance.
• Support regional packaging teams in the space of flexible films development to deliver R & D Packaging agenda for AOP / Sustainability/ Productivity goals and resolving complex quality issues
• Define the attributes, opportunities, and trade-offs for flexible films in a way that allows risks to be properly identified and mitigated.
• Act as a subject matter expert in the Packaging R&D organization by providing relevant resins and film expertise to the team.
• Partner with Regional Packaging Leads and Global Procurement to establish film supply strategy and productivity agenda that achieve efficiency and best-in-class snacks packaging.
• Lead assessment of supplier capability and drive development opportunities to foster strategic supplier relationships that benefit PEPSICO.
• Identify and implement global best practice for flexible film specifications and evaluation methodologies across regions.
• Coach regional associates on materials knowledge and performance to elevate technical capability of the organization.

Qualifications

• Minimum bachelor’s degree in Polymer Science, Materials Science or an equivalent degree. Advanced degrees in these disciplines are preferred.
• Minimum 15 years of work experience related to packaging with 10 years minimum experience in the polyolefin resin or base BOPP/PE film industries.

Skills & Competencies

• Expertise in Polymer Science: In-depth knowledge of BOPP, CPP, and PE film formulation and manufacturing, optimizing properties for food packaging applications.
• Material Design Translation: Ability to interpret functional and performance requirements of flexible materials, from base film design to conversion processes.
• Critical Quality Definition: Expertise in defining critical-to-quality attributes that can be monitored by suppliers and converters, ensuring risk assessment and mitigation.
• Ecosystem Awareness: Knowledge of the industry ecosystem to identify suitable partners based on technical capabilities and understanding of commercial and supply chain dynamics.
• Market Insight: Familiarity with the resins and flexible film landscape, enabling identification of potential partners for development and capability assessment.
• Critical Thinking: Strong problem-solving skills for addressing complex technical challenges.
• Business Acumen: Ability to connect technical outcomes with commercial applicability for strategic advantage.
• Equipment Experience: Seasoned understanding of printing, converting, and packaging equipment interactions.
• Effective Communication: Proficient in conveying technical information to senior leaders through impactful presentations and reports.
• Thought Leadership: Ability to challenge and influence suppliers in developing new technologies and materials that enhance competitive advantage.
• Innovative Mindset: Courage to advocate for new ideas and approaches.
• Driven and Composed: High energy and level-headed, with a strong focus on achieving results.

Travel

• 20-30% primarily within AMESA and APAC.