Senior Director, Global R&D Strategy & Portfolio

PepsiCo Inc.; Chicago, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

PepsiCo Inc. seeks a seasoned R&D Sr. Director for Global R&D Foods Strategy and Portfolio Management to lead the portfolio of strategic options, drive long-term growth, and align investments with priorities across Global R&D Foods.

This role reports to the SVP Foods R&D with a dotted line to the VP S&PM and partners with senior leaders to balance risk and cost. The ideal candidate brings 15+ years in R&D within food/beverage or CPG, with a strong technical background and

Qualifications

• MSc in Food Science, Chemistry, Biology, Engineering or equivalent with 15+ years of experience in Food/Beverage or CPG industry.
• Leader with technical credibility across end-to-end R&D work in categories and functions.
• Strong understanding of Global R&D Foods and ability to create compelling vision and business cases for strategic solutions.
• Experience in data analytics and financial analysis with effective organization and presentation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a matrix organization.

Responsibilities

• Defines and manages a portfolio of strategic options that align with Global Foods priorities.
• Develops sector Annual Operating Plans (AOP) and ensures adjustments during the year.
• Collaborates with S&PM leadership to develop investments and tradeoffs for AOP across sectors.
• Integrates local project portfolios with R&D AOP for all project types and links to systems like PLM, MyInnovation, Clarity.
• Implements value-based portfolio management and enhances portfolio analytics.
• Supports Global Foods in strategic planning and insights for the category (e.g., sector footprint assessment).
• Facilitates cross-functional collaboration with Finance & HR for budget and resource planning.

Skills

Cross-functional leadership

Strategic thinking

Executive communication

Stakeholder management

Change leadership

Matrix leadership

Financial acumen

Portfolio management

Education

MSc in Food Science, Chemistry, Biology, Engineering or equivalent

Job description

PepsiCo Inc. seeks a seasoned R&D Sr. Director for Global R&D Foods Strategy and Portfolio Management to lead the portfolio of strategic options, drive long-term growth, and align investments with priorities across Global R&D Foods.

This role reports to the SVP Foods R&D with a dotted line to the VP S&PM and partners with senior leaders to balance risk and cost. The ideal candidate brings 15+ years in R&D within food/beverage or CPG, with a strong technical background and