Chemist / Microbiologist

Overview

PepsiCo is a global leader in beverages and convenient foods, serving over one billion consumers daily across more than 200 countries. With a diverse product lineup including brands like LAY’S®, DORITOS®, GATORADE®, and PEPSI®, it generated over $79 billion in net revenue in 2021. Our vision focuses on sustainability and positive impact on people and the planet under the PepsiCo Positive (pep+) transformation.

At PepsiCo, employee collaboration, diversity, and inclusiveness are vital to our success. We aim to create an environment where individuals can thrive and be themselves.

Role Purpose

The position ensures all manufactured products meet PepsiCo and regulatory standards for specifications and food safety compliance. It prevents distribution of substandard finished products, ingredients, packaging, and raw materials. Implementation and monitoring of quality and food safety systems, along with adherence to plant safety protocols, are essential.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform daily testing of finished goods, incoming raw materials, and packaging to confirm conformity; isolate and hold any non-compliant items.
• Support regulatory inspections and respond effectively to their findings.
• Ensure Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) compliance on the production floor and report deviations.
• Participate in monthly food safety audits and assist in applying audit results and standards.
• Contribute to safety initiatives including Near Miss reporting and chemical management.
• Maintain a safe and clean laboratory environment aligned with Safe Working Procedures and 5S methodology.
• Attend sensory evaluations and review packaging and production quality throughout shifts.
• Monitor production operator product tests and intervene when necessary, documenting outcomes in SPC sheets and other logs.
• Communicate test results promptly; manage acceptance or rejection of materials using SAP system and coordinate corrective actions.
• Take swift action on any non-compliance, including initiating product holds, inspections, and corrective/preventive actions.
• Conduct in-market evaluations of finished products on a monthly and quarterly basis.
• Participate in internal and external proficiency testing of laboratory processes.
• Investigate customer complaints and follow up with corrective measures.
• Maintain laboratory equipment in good condition and ensure instrument calibration is up-to-date.
• Support quality and developmental initiatives and projects aligned with departmental goals.
• Independently manage shift quality activities, including authority to accept or reject materials and enforce GMP protocols, even to the extent of stopping production lines if critical issues arise.
• Train colleagues and share knowledge acquired through training programs.
• Verify and communicate quality concerns related to production and warehouse operations.
• Contribute to the Occupational Health & Safety Management System, ensuring compliance with PepsiCo's environmental, health, and safety standards and local legislation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in science, preferably in Chemistry or Food Science.
• Strong proficiency in written and spoken English.
• Good computer skills with expertise in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• New graduates are welcome, but experienced chemists familiar with modern laboratory instruments and quality systems like ISO are preferred.

Competencies

• Effective cross-functional communication capabilities.
• Strong data analysis skills.
• Team-oriented mindset with a collaborative approach.
• Self-driven and proactive in taking initiative.