About PepsiCo

PepsiCo is a global leader in the food and beverage industry, renowned for its iconic portfolio of brands including Pepsi, Frito-Lay, Quaker, and Gatorade. Operating across 200 countries and territories, PepsiCo Supply Chain drives innovation, efficiency, and sustainability. We are committed to performing with purpose, dreaming globally while acting locally to sustain our planet, people, communities, and business practices. As a think tank of game-changers, collaborators, and history-makers, PepsiCo constantly innovates to deliver the highest level of safety and quality to meet customer and consumer demands. Joining PepsiCo means being part of the world’s largest portfolio of billion-dollar brands, where your unique skills strengthen our global team.

Role Overview

The Food Safety Lead position at PepsiCo’s Burnsville, Minnesota facility is a pivotal role within our Supply Chain division. As the Food Safety & Quality (FSQ) Leader, you will ensure the facility adheres to all regulatory, food safety, and food defense requirements. This role demands a continuous improvement mindset, overseeing a comprehensive Food Safety Management System for flawless execution. You will partner with Quality, Production, Maintenance, and Warehouse teams to lead programs and develop sustainable practices that maintain world-class food safety performance. If you’re passionate about driving efficiencies and achieving excellence in a dynamic environment, this opportunity at PepsiCo is your chance to make a real impact.

Key Responsibilities

In this critical leadership position, your responsibilities will span multiple facets of food safety and quality assurance. Key duties include:

• Overseeing sanitation programs through performance monitoring, employee training, vendor management, and compliance with Quality & Food Safety standards.
• Leveraging data analytics tools to monitor real-time Quality/Food Safety data, identify trends, and implement corrective/preventive action plans.
• Coordinating comprehensive Quality & Food Safety training for all site personnel.
• Leading risk assessments and analysis in partnership with Sector FSQ teams.
• Managing non-conforming product issues to minimize losses and prevent recurrences.
• Overseeing Food Safety Management Systems, including Food Defense, Internal Audits, and Corrective Action Plans.
• Directing audits such as GFSI, AIB GMP, Regulatory Readiness, and QAS, while managing outputs.
• Reviewing and ensuring implementation of Sector Food Safety and Food Defense Plans, including oPRPs, CCPs, PCs, and vulnerability assessments.
• Conducting self-inspection audits to evaluate compliance with standards and foster cross-functional engagement.
• Managing Food Safety & Food Defense Teams, corrective actions, and non-conforming product programs.

Qualifications & Requirements

To excel as PepsiCo’s Food Safety Lead, candidates must possess:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Engineering, Chemistry, Microbiology, or a related field.
• 5 to 7 years of experience in the Food or Beverage Industry or a related field.
• Direct people leadership experience, demonstrating the ability to manage teams effectively.

Strong analytical skills, knowledge of GFSI standards, regulatory compliance, and a proactive approach to continuous improvement are essential. Experience with data analytics, audit management, and food defense planning will set you apart in this competitive role.

Benefits & Perks

PepsiCo values its employees and offers a robust compensation and benefits package for the Food Safety Lead role:

• Expected salary range of $80,200 - $134,250 USD per year, based on location, skills, experience, and education.
• 8% annual performance bonus, paid out based on eligibility.
• Paid time off, including parental leave, vacation, sick time, and bereavement.
• Comprehensive health benefits: medical, dental, vision, disability, health and dependent care reimbursement accounts.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP), accident, group legal, and life insurance.
• Defined Contribution Retirement Plan to secure your financial future.

These perks underscore PepsiCo’s commitment to supporting employees and their families holistically.

Career Growth

At PepsiCo, career advancement is a reality for high performers. As Food Safety Lead, you’ll gain exposure to cross-functional teams and sector-wide initiatives, building expertise in supply chain leadership. PepsiCo invests in professional development through training programs, leadership opportunities, and global mobility. Many leaders started in roles like this, progressing to senior FSQ positions or broader operations management. With a focus on innovation and sustainability, your contributions will position you for long-term success within our expansive organization.

Why Join Us

Joining PepsiCo as Food Safety Lead in Burnsville means aligning with a company that performs with purpose. You’ll contribute to world-class brands enjoyed by millions, while driving efficiencies and safety in a state-of-the-art facility. Benefit from a collaborative culture, cutting-edge tools like real-time data analytics, and the backing of a global powerhouse. PepsiCo fosters innovation, values diversity, and rewards excellence—making it the ideal place for ambitious professionals in food safety to thrive.

Role FAQs

Q: What is the salary range for this position?
A: The expected range is $80,200 - $134,250 USD annually, with an 8% performance bonus.

Q: What qualifications are required?
A: Bachelor’s in a relevant field, 5-7 years industry experience, and direct leadership experience.

Q: Is this a full-time role?
A: Yes, full-time position at our Burnsville, MN facility.

Q: What benefits are offered?
A: Comprehensive health coverage, PTO, retirement plan, and more.

Q: How does PepsiCo support career growth?
A: Through training, cross-functional projects, and global opportunities.