R&D Director

Overview This role is accountable for defining and delivering the global ingredient technology strategy that underpins Pepsi Co's multi-billion-dollar functional growth agenda in science platforms. As an enterprise leader, the role owns end-to-end value creation from scientific discovery through to scaled commercial application, including investment phasing, multi-generational solution trade-offs, and external ecosystem partnerships, including strategic joint development relationships. Operating as a critical node within the Science Platforms leadership team, this role is accountable for integrating Life Sciences, Ingredient Sciences, and regulatory science with Commercial strategy to translate emerging science into defensible, scalable platforms that drive enterprise growth, competitive advantage, and long-term capability build for consumer functional needs.

Responsibilities Owns budget for science led functional platform and governs 1-3MM of platform spend annually. Defines CAPEX and OPEX needs for Functional programs to enable success. Lead the strategic planning and execution of technology platforms to deliver verified physiological benefits, ensuring intellectual property protection and multiple layers of competitive advantage. Develop clean label technology by using natural ingredients with ability for global compliance across food and beverage, meeting all chemical and physical specifications to ensure product stability, scalability, and superior taste.

Extensive internal and external collaboration to generate robust technical solutions. Generate robust scientific evidence and conduct comprehensive product validation to substantiate specific health benefit claims. Establish and lead cross-functional initiatives to translate scientific advancements into commercially viable and consumer-relevant ingredient solutions. Compensation and Benefits:
The expected compensation range for this position is between $132,200 - $262,400. Location, confirmed job-related skills, experience, and education will be considered in setting actual starting salary. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range during the hiring process. Bonus based on performance and eligibility target payout is 25% of annual salary paid out annually and an additional target payout of 10% of annual salary is paid out over 3 years following the end of the performance period.

Long term incentive equity may be awarded based on eligibility and performance. Paid time off subject to eligibility, including paid parental leave, vacation, sick, and bereavement. In addition to salary, Pepsi Co offers a comprehensive benefits package to support our employees and their families, subject to elections and eligibility:
Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, Health, and Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Insurance (Accident, Group Legal, Life), Defined Contribution Retirement Plan. Qualifications Educational Background:
Advanced degree (MS or Ph.D.) in Food Science, Analytical, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline. A strong foundation in biological and chemical systems is essential. Innovation & Technical

Experience:

Minimum of 10 years of experience in ingredient applications, food science, or related fields, with a demonstrated track record of driving innovation, from early-stage discovery through to commercialization, operating at the enterprise level, influencing senior executive decision-making. Entrepreneurial Mindset:
Proven ability to operate with entrepreneurial agility within a corporate setting-rapid prototyping, iterative development, and fast learning cycles. Comfortable evaluating and integrating external technologies to accelerate development. Scientific and Clinical Rigor:
Deep understanding of food chemistry, ingredient functionality, and scientific substantiation. Experience designing or managing clinical studies and interpreting scientific validation data is highly desirable. People Leadership:
Demonstrates proficiency in managing and mentoring junior team members who contribute to the technical platform. Offers comprehensive technical guidance and strategic direction. Provides leadership focused on fostering career growth and advancing professional development. Strategic Leadership:
Demonstrates success in building and execute innovation strategies that align with long-term business objectives shaping cross-sector R&D teams and local business strategies. Ability to think across systems and spot scalable opportunities in emerging science and technology. Collaborative & Inclusive Leadership:
Strong leadership and team development skills, with a passion for fostering cross-functional collaboration across technical, regulatory, and commercial functions. Experience leading geographically dispersed or matrixed teams is a plus. External Innovation & Partnerships:
Proven ability to build, and manage relationships with academic institutions, startups, ingredient vendors, and…