Emerging Innovation Manager
PepsiCo · Paarl, Western Cape
Posted 3 November 2026
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Start free — we apply for you →Responsibilities
What we're looking for
- This role will provide leadership in complex and matrixed teams in Global, Sector and BU by leading the execution of strategic workstreams end-to-end in close collaboration with internal and external cross-functional partners. Internal customers (Sectors), Consumer Needs (customers, Marketing, Customer insights), and Internal Experts (TDC, Marketing, Sustainability, GP)
Building team capability in Innovation in R&D SSA (Foods)
- G0-G1: Build capability and apply best practices in Prototyping and Ideation
- G1-G2: Build capability in Design Thinking to apply in refinement of validated, winning Concepts
- Influence others to adopt new ways of working by defining, developing, and coaching Lean Innovation
Design and Lead Long Term Innovation Building in R&D SSA (Foods) to explore and build Innovation Platforms for Categories
- Lead/collaborate and co-ordinate local Hopper program annually to ensure strong pipelines for all categories
- Collaborate on Explore minimum 2 priorities per annum and develop from G0 to G2
- Facilitate and coach teams for ~2 Build priorities per annum for PSP
- Translate Science 'Push' into actionable prototypes and ideas to identify consumer value and commercial potential.
- To develop sustainable Foresight practice in Sector and integrate into Sector business cycle (PSP/IBP) by generating the relevant set of Foresight Scenarios in line with 'Where do we play' priorities from PSP and leading/facilitating discussion with Sector LT and Global teams
Qualifications
What will qualify you for the role
- 5-8 years customer experience in R&D Product Development
- Completed BSc degree in Food Science, Biotechnology or Chemical Engineering or relevant field
- Strong analytical skills – the ability to interpret complex data and distill into useful and actionable information
- Technical and scientific reporting
- The ability to work alongside cross-functional peers, across levels and occasionally global colleagues
- Budget Spend management relating to pilot plant expenses
- Communication skills and stakeholder updates to R&D Manager and Directors, with manager support
- Cross functional interface is primarily with Supply Chain, Marketing, Insights, Commercialization, and all R&D functions
- Good computer skills and the ability to adapt to new technical platforms
- Strong analytical skills – the ability to interpret complex data and distill into useful and actionable information
- Communication skills, reporting and presenting stills and stakeholder updates to R&D Manager and Directors, with manager support
- Global networking skills
- SAP knowledge and skills an advantage