Civil Defense & Fire Safety Specialist at PepsiCo in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

About PepsiCo

PepsiCo is one of the world's leading food and beverage companies, with a portfolio that includes iconic brands like Pepsi, Lay's, Gatorade, and Quaker. Operating in over 200 countries, PepsiCo employs more than 300,000 people globally and is committed to sustainable growth, innovation, and community impact. In Kyrgyzstan, PepsiCo maintains a strong presence through its manufacturing and distribution operations in Bishkek, focusing on delivering high-quality products while upholding the highest standards of safety and environmental responsibility. As a Civil Defense & Fire Safety Specialist, you'll play a pivotal role in safeguarding our operations and workforce in this dynamic market.

Role Overview

The Civil Defense & Fire Safety Specialist position at PepsiCo in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, is a critical role within our Global Environment, Health, Safety, and Sustainability Management System (GEHSMS). This full-time position involves developing, implementing, and overseeing fire safety protocols, civil defense measures, and occupational health initiatives at our production site. You'll ensure compliance with local Kyrgyz regulations, international standards like FM Global, and PepsiCo's corporate guidelines. This role demands a proactive approach to risk management, incident investigation, and continuous improvement, making it ideal for safety professionals passionate about protecting people and assets in the food and beverage sector.

Key Responsibilities

Your day-to-day duties will be hands-on and impactful, directly contributing to a zero-incident culture at PepsiCo. Key responsibilities include:

• Developing and implementing fire safety and civil defense management systems across the facility.
• Organizing and monitoring fire safety enhancement measures, including oversight of fire suppression systems and shelters.
• Participating in GEHSMS audits, conducting self-assessments, and supporting standard implementations.
• Investigating incidents, accidents, and near-misses, while preparing comprehensive reports.
• Collaborating with global insurers like FM Global on facility fire safety matters and implementing their recommendations.
• Supervising contractors maintaining fire protection systems to ensure regulatory compliance.
• Conducting introductory briefings, organizing staff training, and verifying knowledge on fire safety and civil defense.
• Managing personal protective equipment (PPE) programs, including issuance, inspections, and record-keeping.
• Interacting with Kyrgyz Ministry of Emergency Situations (MCHS) and other state bodies.
• Controlling compliance for hazardous production facilities and participating in budgeting for safety procurements.

Occupational Health Focus

In addition to fire safety, you'll lead occupational health efforts by developing local norms for PPE, ensuring timely issuance based on norms and individual needs, monitoring usage, and coordinating with medical organizations for labor protection.

Qualifications & Requirements

To succeed in this role, candidates must bring proven expertise and a commitment to safety excellence. Required qualifications include:

• Higher professional education, preferably in fire safety, civil defense, or occupational health and safety.
• At least 3 years of experience in fire safety at a manufacturing enterprise.
• Valid certifications, protocols, or credentials confirming knowledge in fire safety, civil defense/emergency situations, and labor protection.
• Strong understanding of Kyrgyz Republic legislation, normative documents in fire safety, civil defense, and occupational health.
• Familiarity with international standards, Kyrgyz standards, FM Global requirements for alarms and suppression systems, and PepsiCo's GEHSMS.
• Basic English language skills (recommended for global interactions).
• Confident PC user for reporting and documentation.

This role suits detail-oriented professionals who thrive in regulatory environments and are eager to apply their skills in a multinational setting.

Benefits & Perks

PepsiCo offers a rewarding package designed to support your professional and personal life:

• Competitive salary estimated at $12,000 - $22,000 USD annually, based on Food & Beverage sector rates in Kyrgyzstan with a 5-10% buffer.
• Opportunities for international exposure and collaboration with global teams.
• Comprehensive training programs, including certifications in safety standards.
• Health benefits, including coordination with medical organizations for occupational health.
• Performance-based incentives and career advancement pathways.
• Work-life balance in a modern facility in Bishkek.

Career Growth

At PepsiCo, your career is a priority. This specialist role serves as a launchpad for advancement into senior safety management, regional EHS leadership, or global compliance positions. With PepsiCo's robust talent development programs, mentorship from industry experts, and access to LinkedIn Learning and internal academies, you'll gain skills transferable across our worldwide operations. Many alumni of similar roles have progressed to director-level positions, leveraging Kyrgyzstan as a strategic hub in Central Asia.

Why Join Us

Joining PepsiCo in Bishkek means being part of a company that values safety as the foundation of success. You'll contribute to sustainable operations in the food industry, protect colleagues in a high-stakes manufacturing environment, and grow within a brand synonymous with innovation and reliability. In Kyrgyzstan's growing economy, this role offers stability, impact, and the prestige of working for a Fortune 500 giant. Apply now to make a difference in civil defense and fire safety at PepsiCo.

Role FAQs

What is the work schedule?

This is a full-time position, typically following standard business hours with flexibility for audits and emergencies.

Is relocation support available?

Local candidates preferred; discuss relocation during interview for qualifying international applicants.

What salary can I expect?

Estimated $12,000 - $22,000 USD yearly, competitive for Bishkek's Food & Beverage sector.

Do I need to speak English fluently?

Basic English is recommended for global insurer interactions; Russian and Kyrgyz are primary.

How does PepsiCo support professional certifications?

We provide training and funding for renewals in fire safety, GEHSMS, and related areas.