R&D Digital Platforms Sr Associate

Overview
This role will assist the Specifications Management teams located in Mexico Business Services (MBS) or Hyderabad Business Services (HBS) to ensure exceptional service is provided in support of R&D Spec Management globally. This role will apply technical expertise and coordinate with in-market and GBS employees, as well as external resources when required, to develop clear and concise Formula, Ingredient and/or Packaging specifications, maintain existing specs and supplier relationships, and manage tracking and uploading into relevant systems.

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 (HBS)