PepsiCo

R&D Manager - Potato Variety Commercialization

PepsiCo • $110K — $185K *
Rhinelander, WI 54501In-Person
Food & Beverages
5 - 7 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • PhD or MSc/BSc in Agronomy, Crop Science, Plant Breeding, or related field with relevant industry experience
  • Specific experience in potato or onion storage research
  • Proven track record in designing and managing field and storage trials
  • Familiarity with commercial manufacturing environments and trial logistics
  • Strong communication and presentation skills for diverse stakeholders
  • Strong project leadership and organizational capabilities
  • Proficient in data tools and reporting systems

Responsibilities

  • Design and lead rigorous storage research trials for variety performance evaluation
  • Oversee operational execution of storage trials in collaboration with partner farms
  • Lead the North America Variety Qualification process from design to execution
  • Act as liaison for the Variety Qualification Committee to advance varietals
  • Collaborate with internal teams on product development and trial design
  • Consolidate trial findings into reports and presentations for internal use
  • Analyze storage and processing performance data for North America

Benefits

  • Comprehensive benefits package including Medical, Dental, and Vision
  • Paid parental leave, vacation, sick leave, and bereavement
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for support
  • Defined Contribution Retirement Plan
  • Performance-based bonus potential of 12% of annual salary
Full Job Description
Overview

This role ensures high-performing, quality varieties are not only selected for their agronomic potential but also validated for their storage behavior, post-harvest performance, and fit for commercial supply chains.This position sits within the R&D Ag Science Variety Trialing organization.

The Variety Qualification and Storage Research Lead will design and manage rigorous storage research trials, oversee pressure bruise and post-harvest quality studies, and lead the qualification process that enables new varieties to move from research to commercial production. This individual will collaborate closely with breeders, growers, R&D partners, procurement, and manufacturing teams to deliver data-driven insights that support product development, grower adoption, and supply chain resilience.

Responsibilities

  • Design and lead storage research trials to evaluate variety-specific performance across harvest timings, temperature regimes, and physiological conditions - including pressure bruise risk, sugar accumulation, and chip quality during long-term storage.
  • Oversee operational execution of storage trials by coordinating intake, storage management, and weekly bin evaluations with partner farms and internal teams.
  • Lead the North America Variety Qualification process, from trial design and seed volume planning through field and processing execution - including fresh and processed product evaluations, sample shipments for sensory and consumer testing, and coordination across cross-functional stakeholders to ensure alignment with commercial and R&D objectives.
  • Serve as the point of contact for the Variety Qualification Committee, consolidating trial outcomes and driving data-based decisions for varietal advancement into the PepsiCo portfolio.
  • Partner with internal teams - breeding, trait discovery, crop technology, quality, supply chain, processing, and commercial leads - to shape product profiles, guide trial design, and support varietal go-to-market messaging.
  • Consolidate findings into annual reporting deliverables internal presentations, and variety review meetings, contributing to global knowledge sharing and decision-making.
  • Analyze and share North America performance data across storage, agronomy, and processing.


Compensation and Benefits:
  • The expected compensation range for this position is between $110,700 - $185,250.
  • Location, confirmed job-related skills, experience, and education will be considered in setting actual starting salary. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range during the hiring process.
  • Bonus based on performance and eligibility target payout is 12% of annual salary paid out annually.
  • Paid time off subject to eligibility, including paid parental leave, vacation, sick, and bereavement.
  • In addition to salary, PepsiCo offers a comprehensive benefits package to support our employees and their families, subject to elections and eligibility: Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, Health, and Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Insurance (Accident, Group Legal, Life), Defined Contribution Retirement Plan.


Qualifications

  • PhD (with >5 years industry experience) or MSc or BSc (with >7 years industry experience) or in Agronomy, Crop Science, Plant Breeding, or a related field, with deep expertise in potato storage research and varietal performance evaluation.
  • Must have potato or onion storage research experience
  • Proven experience designing and managing field and storage trials, capturing phenotypic and environmental data, and analyzing post-harvest quality attributes.
  • Familiarity with commercial manufacturing environments and the ability to coordinate field-to-factory trial logistics.
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills with the ability to engage growers, internal stakeholders, and senior leadership.
  • Strong project leadership, team management, and organizational skills.
  • Proficiency in data tools and reporting systems).
  • Ability to travel ~20% domestically.
  • This position is limited to persons with indefinite right to work in the United States.


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About PepsiCo

PepsiCo Careers

Joining PepsiCo's global team offers more than just a chance to excel in your career; it's an opportunity to be part of a dynamic and diverse environment where innovation thrives. Work You’ll Do At PepsiCo, we are committed to producing great leaders and fostering a culture of innovation. Our team is dedicated to empowering professionals to master their career paths with PepsiCo. As a leader in the food and beverage industry, we offer unique job opportunities that intersect with cutting-edge technology and market leadership. Lead with Unique Opportunities PepsiCo stands at the forefront of the industry, not only in terms of product quality but also in our approach to leadership and professional growth. We offer a variety of employment paths, including full-time positions, internships, and leadership training programs that are designed to foster diversity and accelerate career development. Work with a Global Team Collaborate with over 260,000 employees worldwide who are united in delivering joy not only to our consumers but also in driving innovation and growth within the company. PepsiCo’s commitment to global diversity and inclusive culture makes it a prime environment for professional development and networking. Introducing PepsiCo’s Professional Growth and Development Programs We are committed to nurturing talent through comprehensive training programs and robust benefits that support both personal and professional growth. Our programs are tailored to help employees at every level of their career to advance and succeed. Innovate and Lead Join the largest team of food and beverage industry experts—dedicated professionals at the intersection of consumer needs, innovative technology, and sustainable practices. Deliver targeted solutions and drive industry leadership through a depth and breadth of knowledge and innovation that’s second to none. Be Part of a Great Team Engage in meaningful work that impacts millions of lives worldwide. At PepsiCo, you’ll harness the power of our global resources and the creativity of our people to improve the way the world accesses the foods and beverages it loves. Future-Proof Your Career With PepsiCo, the sky is the limit when it comes to where your ambition can take you. We offer unmatched opportunities for career advancement along with the training, internship programs, and certification support needed to thrive in your professional journey. Explore Discover how PepsiCo is leading the way in digital innovation and sustainable practices while maintaining a steadfast focus on diversity and employee well-being. Stay Connected Join Our Team Search for open positions that match your skills and interests. We look for passionate, curious, creative, and solution-driven team players ready to take their career to the next level. SEARCH PEPSICO JOBS Keep Up to Date Stay ahead with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can put to use today—all from the people who work here. READ CAREERS BLOG Job Alert Emails Customize your subscription to receive job alerts, latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Discover the exciting and rewarding career opportunities that await at PepsiCo.
Learn more about PepsiCo
Size
309,000 employees
Market Cap
$250.5 billion
Industry
Food & Beverages
Net Income
$7.1 billion
Founded
1965
5 Year Trend
+4.8%
Revenue
$70.3 billion
NASDAQ
PEP
* Ladders Estimates

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