R&D Manager, Packaging

Overview This role will focus on packaging sustainability implementation to support APAC PEP+ packaging agenda. PEP+ is PepsiCo’s strategic end-to-end transformation with sustainability at the center of how the company will create growth and value, by operating within planetary boundaries and inspiring positive change for the planet and people. Sustainable Packaging will be a critical element in building a circular and inclusive Positive Value Chain, and we have set ambitious targets for our packaging to enable “100% RCBR compliance; Increase Recycle content; Virgin plastic reduction”. This role will support APAC R&D Beverage Packaging sustainability leader to drive rPET roll out, non-RCBR packaging replacement, explore and implement more new sustainable initiatives. Responsibilities Key Responsibilities: Support rPET local vendors qualification and approval, including ANZ, Japan, Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, Korea, China, Taiwan area. Support Bev. PKG RCBR compliance, especially on PETG label replacement, color bottle transition, BIB compliance. Lead recycled content development for all applicable material. Lead development and optimization of packaging specifications for sustainability and productivity projects. Provide technical support for China food contact rPET regulation advocacy Maintain open communication and build strong relationships with multiple functions, including but not limited to Product development, Supply chain, Marketing, Sustainability office, Quality Assurance, Global procurement Explore new packaging technology to support both sustainability and productivity agenda Actively engage with bottlers on education and supporting any sustainability and productivity projects. Provide governance to bottlers for project implement. Track and benchmark external sustainability trends and announcements, including proactively managing tracking of key competitor activity Critical Competencies: Broad knowledge of packaging materials Packaging manufacturing processes Breakthrough & analytical thinking Strong troubleshooting ability Collaboration Intellectual curiosity Multi-functional and multi-cultural team working. Project management skills Communication / presentation skills; Communication and negotiation in a matrix organization Innovative thinking Self-motivation, Entrepreneurial, Energize and Curious, Fluent in both vocal and written English Qualifications Education & Experience: Bachelor in Packaging, Material Sciences, Chemical or Mechanical Engineering. Master in Material or Engineering is a plus. 8+ years’ experience in development/product application in packaging materials, packaging manufacturing or engineering Track record of working with test plans, project teams, designed experiments, analytical packaging tests/equipment and quality standards/testing methodologies Experience in manufacturing processes for beverages (cold fill, hot fill and aseptic etc.) Experience with sustainability packaging is a plus. Data savvy: comfortable with managing complex data and being able to easily visualize and communicate to stakeholders and the global packaging organization. Other Job Requirements: This position will require flexibility in working hours to set up and complete scale-ups, plant trials, or plant startups that may extend past typical working hours. Must be able to manage multiple projects include budgets. Some field travel (both International and Domestic) will be required, 20-30% total.