R&D Scientist (Sensory Consumer Science) - Paarl Eiland Street Office

PepsiCo; Paarl; On-site; ZAR 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global beverage and snack company in Paarl is seeking a qualified professional to develop and implement research strategies informing product design decisions. The ideal candidate will possess an advanced degree in a relevant scientific discipline and experience in sensory or consumer research within the FMCG sector. This role emphasizes collaboration and delivering actionable insights for R&D initiatives.

Qualifications

• An advanced degree in Psychology, Food Science, or Sensory Science is preferred.
• 2-3 years of experience in sensory or consumer research with a Master’s, 5+ years with a Bachelor’s.
• In-depth knowledge of product testing methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement research strategies to inform product design decisions.
• Collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders to ensure local alignment.
• Deliver actionable insights through consumer research interpretation.

Skills

Sensory research

Consumer insights

Statistical analysis

Education

Master's or PhD in a relevant scientific discipline

Job description

Overview

About 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 complementary beverage and convenient foods portfolio that includes Lay’s, Doritos, Cheetos, Gatorade, Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, Quaker, and SodaStream. PepsiCo's product portfolio includes a wide range of enjoyable foods and beverages, including many iconic brands that generate more than $1 billion each in estimated.

Guiding PepsiCo is our vision to Be the Global Leader in Beverages and Convenient Foods by Winning with PepsiCo Positive (pep+). pep+ is our strategic end-to-end transformation that puts sustainability and human capital at the center of how we will create value and growth by operating within planetary boundaries and inspiring positive change for planet and people. For more information, visit www.pepsico.com.

Responsibilities

What we’re looking for:

To develop and implement research strategies that inform product design decisions across innovation, brand stewardship, Design to Value (DtV), and portfolio transformation initiatives. This role will leverage both global and local sensory and consumer research capabilities, integrating product insights and deep technical expertise to support the Foods and Beverages R&D organization in delivering consumer-relevant, insight-driven solutions.

• Collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders to implement the global Sensory and Consumer Experience (EXPerience) innovation research roadmap, ensuring local alignment with the Technical Stage Gate (TSG) process. Accountabilty Type: Influence
• Develop integrated research plans that span Gates 2 to 4 of the TSG process, using strategic thinking to align key stakeholders across R&D, Consumer Insights, and Marketing. Accountabilty Type: Influence
• Localize and apply global EXPerience processes and protocols to drive efficiency in terms of time and cost across supported teams. Accountabilty Type: Consult / Execute
• Support the implementation and advocacy of the EXPerience team’s vision and mission in collaboration with the EXPerience Manager. Accountabilty Type: Influence
• Deliver actionable insights through the interpretation of both qualitative and quantitative consumer research, supporting current and future R&D initiatives. Effectively communicate implications to senior leadership, including up to LG2 executives. Accountabilty Type: Consult / Execute
• Mentor and coach EXPerience team members to build capability and promote best-in-class research practices aligned with broader business priorities. Accountabilty Type: Influence
• Coordinate with EXPerience peers and external research partners to ensure appropriate resource allocation, test design, and deployment in line with best practice standards.

Qualifications

What will qualify you for the role:

• An advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) in a relevant scientific discipline such as Psychology, Food Science, or Sensory Science is preferred, with a strong theoretical foundation in test design, research methodologies, and statistical analysis techniques.
• Relevant work experience in sensory or consumer research/insights, ideally within a fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) environment. Experience expectations may vary based on academic background (e.g., 2–3 years with a Master’s degree, 5+ years with a Bachelor’s degree).
• In-depth knowledge of product testing methodologies, with demonstrated expertise in both qualitative and quantitative research methods, as well as sensory research and panel management.
• Proven ability to identify and implement emerging consumer science methodologies, with a forward-looking approach to innovation in research practices.
• Strong understanding of the broader business context, with the ability to apply both technical and commercial knowledge to support strategic decision-making.

Equal Opportunity

“PepsiCo is an Equal Opportunity Employer in line with the Employment Equity Act.”