R&D Scientist

PepsiCo; Mugharrizat; On-site; USD 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in food and beverages is seeking a resource for R&D innovation and renovation in Saudi Arabia. This role involves project management for seasoning products, meeting productivity and quality goals, and leveraging market insights. Candidates should have a degree in Science or Engineering along with experience in flavor development and FMCG project management.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of project management experience in FMCG R&D.
• Proficiency in English (intermediate to advanced).
• Strong analytical skills for data interpretation and consumer insights.

Responsibilities

• Deliver innovation agendas for assigned R&D projects.
• Achieve sodium reduction targets and manage brand stewardship.
• Coordinate with various stakeholders and document compliance.

Skills

Project Management

Analytical Skills

Communication Skills

Data Interpretation

Seasoning Development

Education

Degree in Science or Engineering

Job description

Overview

We Are PepsiCo

PepsiCo products are enjoyed by consumers more than one billion times a day in more than 200 countries and territories around the world. PepsiCo generated more than $79 billion in net revenue in 2021, driven by a portfolio that includes LAY’S, DORITOS, CHEETOS, GATORADE, PEPSI, QUAKER, and more. Our product range features iconic brands with estimated annual retail sales exceeding $1 billion each.

Guided by our vision to Be the Global Leader in Beverages and Convenient Foods through PepsiCo Positive (pep+), our strategic transformation focuses on sustainability and human capital, creating value and growth while respecting planetary boundaries and inspiring positive change.

Our culture is driven by our employees, who embrace innovation and collaboration. We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, fostering a space where everyone’s voice is valued. Learn more about our culture at PepsiCo Careers.

Job Overview:

We seek a dedicated seasoning resource to execute innovation and renovation projects within R&D, primarily supporting Saudi Arabia and frontier markets like Iraq, to meet Business AOP targets.

Responsibilities

• Deliver innovation agendas for assigned projects (local, regional, global), utilizing project management tools to ensure timely, quality, and budget compliance.
• Achieve sodium reduction targets for seasonings as per plan.
• Meet productivity goals for key seasoning projects within timelines.
• Manage brand stewardship for assigned seasoning portfolio.
• Utilize sensory and consumer testing data to optimize flavors and products, capturing market intelligence.
• Coordinate with stakeholders across marketing, procurement, R&D, regulatory, operations, finance, and others.
• Prepare seasoning specifications, recipes, labels, and ensure compliance through documentation systems.
• Monitor market trends and implement continuous improvement actions to maintain competitiveness.
• Manage raw material suppliers and lead work programs with seasoning suppliers.
• Organize and supervise pilot and plant trials.

Qualifications

- Degree in Science or Engineering, aiming for a long-term R&D career.

- At least 5 years of project management experience in FMCG R&D, especially in flavor development.

- Proficiency in English (intermediate to advanced).

- Knowledge of Food Science and manufacturing processes related to PepsiCo products.

- Strong analytical skills for data interpretation and consumer insights.

- Proven project management capabilities across markets.

- Excellent presentation skills.

- Self-motivated with the ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt to fast-paced environments.

- Ability to taste and evaluate products, providing qualitative feedback.

- Experience in seasoning development is desirable.

- High standards, innovative mindset, and attention to detail.

- Ability to work cross-culturally and influence stakeholders effectively.

- Good understanding of business context and technical communication skills.

- Proactive network-building for best practices and solutions.

- Flexibility to work hours as needed and travel.