R&D Specification Writer

PepsiCo•Plano, TX

1d•$60,600 - $94,450

About The Position

The PFNA R&D Operational Excellence Specification Team oversees a connected digital ecosystem that drives change and enables resource-efficient innovation cycles and end to end traceability to deliver consumer-centric insights for critical business decisions. The R&D Associate Principal will lead ingredient specification operations across Quaker and Frito-Lay in both the U.S. and Canada, upholding Pepsico global ingredient standards while seamlessly integrating R&D business processes. This role will provide exposure and hands on experience delivering end-to-end specification management as part of commercialization execution. The R&D Technician Assistant Analyst position will lead PFNA R&D formula specifications team support innovation, productivity, Brand Stewardship, and portfolio transformation initiatives by ensuring product and process specifications are delivered consistently, accurately, and on-time. This role will ensure specification systems are meeting the needs of both US and Canada business requirements and region standards acting as key interface with product developers, functional approver groups, MMC specification writing team, Operations & Supply Chain, and managers. The role also manages dynamic, fast-paced timelines and deliverables by prioritizing tasks. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of business processes, technical knowledge, and project management skills to develop, maintain, and track project workplans and timelines throughout specification lifecycle.

Requirements

Minimum bachelor’s degree in engineering/ food science or related
At least 3-year experience in food industry related systems
Excel/Word/MS Outlook - Microsoft product proficient
Ability to learn computer applications and digital tools quickly
Results oriented and data driven
Document control knowledge
Good organizational skills. Demonstrated capability to effectively manage complex or multiple projects simultaneously.
Ability to embrace change and flexibility to prioritize balancing sense of urgency with the need to deliver quality results
Good communication skills – oral and written (e.g. communication on telephone, external and internal to PepsiCo, managing with other support group functions, etc.)
Attention to detail.
Works well in a team setting, working with Quality Assurance /R&D Product Developers/Food Safety/Regulatory/Procurement/Supplier Quality Assurance work team on other aspects of project
Self-driven. Takes initiative to follow-up and follow thru on given assignments

Nice To Haves

Desirable fundamental of Data Analytics
Project management skills: Systems management, KPI tracking, communication with cross functional partners.

Responsibilities

Manage the specification formula writing process, formula documentation programs and formula workflow launches & routes for PFNA innovation, brand stewardship, productivity and portfolio transformation projects.
Responsible of building formula, sub-formula, semi-finished formula, product specification, manufacturing unit ops report in R&D specification system and product-process documentation according to standards on timely manner.
Ensure the integrity and high quality of formula specification documentation, supporting projects of medium and high complexity, in partnership with the Product Developers and TDC, for Innovation, Productivity and Business Continuity agenda, ensuring full compliance with the requirements of the Technical Stage Gate for PFNA.
Work closely with project leaders and functional teams to complete required formula documentation, ensuring data accuracy and perform timely follow-ups and status reviews.
Manage efficiently the PFNA formula creation agenda aligned with our stage gate processes.
Update and manage tracker for metrics report out, maintaining line of sight to upcoming deadlines, and spec writer progress.
Interact with Product Developers and provide support to all disciplines to ensure complete and accurate specification including Product Development, Food Safety, Regulatory, Quality, Procurement, and Supplier Quality Assurance
Collaborate effectively with cross functional partners (Discipline approvers, ingredient specification team, Quality assurance, etc) to continuously align ways of working improvements of specification approval workflow and feedback.
Strengthen knowledge for PLNA formula specification process by enabling ways to ensure documentation quality.