R&D Ingredient Specification Writer

Overview

This role supports the global Specifications Management function by ensuring high-quality service delivery to Research & Development teams across regions. It involves leveraging technical expertise to develop and maintain clear and accurate Formula, Ingredient, and/or Packaging specifications. The role also includes collaborating with cross-functional teams and external partners, managing supplier relationships, and ensuring accurate documentation and tracking within relevant systems.

Responsibilities

Functional Responsibilities

- Leverage internal and external resources to develop or update existing ingredient and/or packaging specifications that are clear, concise, and accurate from spec readiness to supplier commercial qualification approval
- Learn, understand, and uphold Ingredient, Supplier, Third Party, Formula, and/or Beverage/Food Packaging Standards
- Dependent on team arrangement, may be mentored, take guidance and produce work to be checked by a Spec Writing Snr Analyst
- Maintain and foster relationships with in-market R&D spec teams, other spec GBS teams, and external suppliers
- Interact with and provide support to all disciplines to ensure complete and accurate specification. These stakeholders could include some or all of the following: Product Development (PD), Food Safety (FS), Regulatory Affairs (RA), Quality Assurance (QA), Procurement, Supplier Quality Assurance (SQA)
- Manage Supplier relationships and serve as point of contact to gather information/data needed to build specifications; complete timely follow-ups to keep the process moving to completion
- Collect supplier questionnaire and manage supplier alignment on spec details
- For certain Specifications (eg. Foods & Beverages) initiate material testing requests and validate specification quality parameters
- Maintain and update existing specs to ensure compliance with standards
- Upload all paperwork (re. Supplier Specs) and materials qualifications into the appropriate system (Product Vision / SAP) and track workflow
- For Packaging Specifications only: schedule and conduct Individual Component Specification (ICS) reviews, update documents, and manage supplier approval prior to internal review
- Ensure all requests are processed, documented, and delivered within defined SLAs (Service Level Agreements)
- Respond and escalate emerging business critical issues to avoid material supply shortages, outages and production delays

Qualifications

- Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, Food Chemistry, Microbiology, Biochemical Engineering or Chemical Engineering or equivalent relevant experience required.
- 1-2 years of experience on Regulatory, QA/QC, Food Analytical experience or other Food related FMCG in a technical role. Depending on talent and availability, this role could be filled by an exiting Intern.
- Ability to interpret technical information, escalate issues and seek alignment towards workable solutions
- Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite
- Ability to rapidly learn computer applications/programs & navigate systems
- For Formula and Ingredient Specifications: basic understanding of Food Safety, Microbiology and Regulatory Affairs
- Collaborative skills and strong interest in working with others across time zones; Ability to build relationships and work closely with both internal and external partners
- Good communication skills – oral and written (e.g. communication on telephone, external and internal to PepsiCo, managing with other support group functions, etc.)
- Ability to manage time effectively across multiple priorities and projects requiring a high degree of organizational and communication skills to ensure requests are delivered in a timely manner
- Exceptional data organizational and problem-solving skills with attention to detail and accuracy
- Self-motivated & demonstrated ability to take initiative on projects
- Fluent in English

- Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, Food Chemistry, Microbiology, Biochemical Engineering or Chemical Engineering or equivalent relevant experience required.
- 1-2 years of experience on Regulatory, QA/QC, Food Analytical experience or other Food related FMCG in a technical role. Depending on talent and availability, this role could be filled by an exiting Intern.
- Ability to interpret technical information, escalate issues and seek alignment towards workable solutions
- Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite
- Ability to rapidly learn computer applications/programs & navigate systems
- For Formula and Ingredient Specifications: basic understanding of Food Safety, Microbiology and Regulatory Affairs
- Collaborative skills and strong interest in working with others across time zones; Ability to build relationships and work closely with both internal and external partners
- Good communication skills – oral and written (e.g. communication on telephone, external and internal to PepsiCo, managing with other support group functions, etc.)
- Ability to manage time effectively across multiple priorities and projects requiring a high degree of organizational and communication skills to ensure requests are delivered in a timely manner
- Exceptional data organizational and problem-solving skills with attention to detail and accuracy
- Self-motivated & demonstrated ability to take initiative on projects
- Fluent in English

Functional Responsibilities

- Leverage internal and external resources to develop or update existing ingredient and/or packaging specifications that are clear, concise, and accurate from spec readiness to supplier commercial qualification approval
- Learn, understand, and uphold Ingredient, Supplier, Third Party, Formula, and/or Beverage/Food Packaging Standards
- Dependent on team arrangement, may be mentored, take guidance and produce work to be checked by a Spec Writing Snr Analyst
- Maintain and foster relationships with in-market R&D spec teams, other spec GBS teams, and external suppliers
- Interact with and provide support to all disciplines to ensure complete and accurate specification. These stakeholders could include some or all of the following: Product Development (PD), Food Safety (FS), Regulatory Affairs (RA), Quality Assurance (QA), Procurement, Supplier Quality Assurance (SQA)
- Manage Supplier relationships and serve as point of contact to gather information/data needed to build specifications; complete timely follow-ups to keep the process moving to completion
- Collect supplier questionnaire and manage supplier alignment on spec details
- For certain Specifications (eg. Foods & Beverages) initiate material testing requests and validate specification quality parameters
- Maintain and update existing specs to ensure compliance with standards
- Upload all paperwork (re. Supplier Specs) and materials qualifications into the appropriate system (Product Vision / SAP) and track workflow
- For Packaging Specifications only: schedule and conduct Individual Component Specification (ICS) reviews, update documents, and manage supplier approval prior to internal review
- Ensure all requests are processed, documented, and delivered within defined SLAs (Service Level Agreements)
- Respond and escalate emerging business critical issues to avoid material supply shortages, outages and production delays

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