Company: PepsiCo South Africa
Location: Cape Town HQ, Western Cape
Department: R&D / Packaging
Reference Number: 405611
Contract Type: Temporary
Experience Level: Mid-Level / Technical / R&D
Functional Area: Research & Development / Packaging / Product Innovation
Closing Date: Not specified (Apply Now)
About PepsiCo
PepsiCo is a global food and beverage leader, delivering products more than one billion times daily in over 200 countries. Its portfolio includes Lay’s, Doritos, Cheetos, Gatorade, Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, Quaker, and SodaStream, along with locally loved brands.
PepsiCo Positive (pep+) is the company’s strategic end-to-end transformation, focusing on sustainability, human capital, and operational excellence. In South Africa, PepsiCo employs over 13,000 professionals across Bakeries, Snacks, Beverages, Grains, and Foods, offering a wide range of career opportunities in R&D, technical, operational, and commercial roles.
Role Overview
The R&D Packaging Coordinator will support packaging innovation projects within PepsiCo South Africa and frontier markets, contributing to product development, sustainability, and process efficiency initiatives. The role involves executing technical packaging projects, preparing SOPs, influencing stakeholders, and ensuring adherence to PepsiCo R&D best practices and regulatory requirements.
This position is ideal for candidates with technical R&D experience in packaging or food manufacturing, strong analytical skills, and the ability to collaborate across multiple functions.
Key Responsibilities
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Execute packaging projects under Innovation, Productivity & Sustainability agendas.
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Support the development of the future packaging project pipeline alongside the manager.
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Prepare Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Design of Experiments for quality execution of projects.
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Collaborate with Supply Chain, Operations, and QC teams to achieve project goals.
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Ensure compliance with TSG, SFTS processes, and documentation requirements.
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Influence internal stakeholders to deliver successful packaging outcomes.
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Create and maintain packaging specifications in line with PepsiCo R&D standards.
Minimum Requirements
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Degree in Food Technology/Science, Consumer Science, Material Science, Chemical Engineering, or Packaging (B.Sc., B.Eng., or M.Sc.).
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Minimum 2–3 years technical or R&D experience in a manufacturing environment.
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IPSA Packaging Diploma advantageous.
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Strong interpersonal, influencing, and communication skills.
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Demonstrated technical, analytical, and project management expertise.
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Understanding of R&D, product development disciplines, and regulatory requirements.
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Fluent in English with strong computer literacy (MS Word, MS Excel).
Desirable Attributes:
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Proactive and innovative problem-solving skills.
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Ability to plan, prioritize, and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
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Strong attention to detail and compliance-focused mindset.
Skills and Competencies
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Packaging project execution and technical R&D support.
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SOP development and experimental design.
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Stakeholder management and cross-functional collaboration.
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Regulatory compliance and quality assurance.
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Analytical thinking, reporting, and data interpretation.
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Innovation, problem-solving, and process improvement.
Special Conditions of Employment
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Temporary position based at PepsiCo Cape Town HQ.
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Collaboration across multiple business units, including R&D, Supply Chain, and Operations.
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Focus on packaging innovation, efficiency, and compliance.
Why Join PepsiCo
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Work with a world-class global FMCG company.
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Contribute to cutting-edge packaging and R&D initiatives.
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Exposure to iconic global and local brands in South Africa.
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Gain experience in sustainability, innovation, and technical project management.
How to Apply
Apply directly via the PepsiCo Careers Portal:
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you do not hear back within four weeks, please consider your application unsuccessful.
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