R&D Packaging Assoc Engineer

PepsiCo; Leicester; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

PepsiCo in the UK is seeking a Packaging R&D specialist to drive packaging innovations for UK&I and Western Europe, coordinating with regional leads, suppliers, and analytics partners to deliver insights, trials and recommendations in Leicester.

You will own technical packaging activities, develop test methods, validate results, and ensure projects meet timelines while aligning with Pep+ sustainability goals.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in FMCG R&D, packaging development, product development, or productivity roles.
• Proven project management skills across multiple markets.
• Degree in Packaging Science, Food Science, Materials Science, Engineering, or related discipline.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, interpretation, and delivery of packaging solutions for 2026 and 2027 AOP.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to execute UK&I and Western Europe priorities.
• Own all technical packaging activities and ensure on-time delivery across the region.
• Develop, validate, and implement packaging test methods and protocols.
• Partner with Product Developers to integrate packaging requirements through lifecycle and scale-up.
• Build strong relationships with Marketing, Commercialisation, Procurement, Supply Chain, and Quality.
• Support Productivity agenda and short-term efficiency targets.
• Support sustainability initiatives aligned with Pep+ goals.
• Engage with packaging suppliers and operations to meet immediate and long-term needs.

Skills

FMCG R&D

Packaging development

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Packaging Science or related field

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Overview

In this role you will be supporting Packaging R&D agenda across the UK&I and Western Europe markets, coordinating activities with regional packaging leads, supplier SMEs, and analytical partners to deliver timely insights, trials, and recommendations on packaging performance and functionality. The role has a strong regional focus while maintaining alignment with Global Packaging R&D Platforms, Marketing teams, Procurement, and Supply Chain across multiple business units. You will collaborate closely with core packaging suppliers and external research partners will be essential. Success in this role requires managing multiple stakeholder expectations and balancing both short‑term market needs and longer‑term strategic initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, interpretation, and delivery of packaging solutions and recommendations to support the 2026 and 2027 AOP.
• Collaborate closely with key stakeholders to ensure successful execution of AOP priorities for the UK&I and Western Europe markets.
• Take full ownership of all technical packaging activities, ensuring projects are delivered on time and meet agreed outcomes across the region.
• Develop, validate, and implement packaging test methods, performance evaluations, and validation protocols, leveraging digital tools and data systems.
• Partner with Product Developers to ensure packaging requirements are fully integrated throughout the project lifecycle and scale‑up stages.
• Build and sustain strong relationships with local and regional Marketing teams, as well as cross‑functional partners including Commercialisation, Procurement, Supply Chain, and Quality.
• Contribute to the Productivity agenda and support the team in achieving short‑term efficiency targets.
• Support sustainability initiatives aligned with Pep+ goals, driving progress toward long‑term environmental commitments.
• Maintain strong engagement with packaging suppliers and operational teams to deliver both immediate project needs and longer‑term strategic initiatives.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years’ experience in FMCG R&D, packaging development, product development, or productivity roles, ideally within food or consumer goods.
• Proven project management skills with the ability to drive multiple initiatives across different markets efficiently.
• Degree in Packaging Science, Food Science, Materials Science, Engineering, or a related discipline (or equivalent experience).
• Highly numerate, detail‑oriented, and proficient in Microsoft Office and digital tools.
• Understanding of packaging design, sustainability principles, food manufacturing, and packaging engineering.
• Experience working in a large, matrixed organisation with strong interpersonal, influencing, and stakeholder‑management skills.
• Ability to work cross‑functionally with various stakeholders. Good networker.