About PepsiCo

PepsiCo is a global leader in the food and beverage industry, renowned for its iconic portfolio of billion-dollar brands including Pepsi, Frito-Lay, Quaker, and Gatorade. As PepsiCo Supply Chain, we are the innovators and game-changers driving sustainability, efficiency, and world-class performance across 200 countries and territories. Our Cranston, Rhode Island facility is at the heart of this mission, where we unite diverse teams under shared values to dream globally and act locally. We pioneer lean manufacturing, elevate safety standards, and deliver exceptional products to customers and consumers worldwide. Joining PepsiCo means contributing to a legacy of excellence while advancing your career in a dynamic, purpose-driven environment.

Role Overview

The Food Safety & Quality (FSQ) Lead at PepsiCo's Cranston facility is a pivotal leadership role accountable for upholding the highest regulatory, food safety, and food defense standards. This position oversees a comprehensive Food Safety Management System, ensuring flawless execution of programs that safeguard our products and reputation. With a continuous improvement mindset, the FSQ Lead partners with Quality, Production, Maintenance, and Warehouse teams to foster long-term sustainable practices. If you thrive on data-driven decisions, audit leadership, and cross-functional collaboration, this role offers the opportunity to drive world-class performance in one of the industry's most innovative supply chains.

Key Responsibilities

In this role, you'll lead critical initiatives to maintain PepsiCo's unmatched food safety standards. Key responsibilities include:

• Overseeing sanitation programs through performance monitoring, employee training, vendor management, and strict compliance to Quality & Food Safety requirements.
• Leveraging advanced data analytics tools to monitor real-time Quality/Food Safety metrics, identify trends, and implement robust corrective/preventive action plans.
• Coordinating comprehensive training programs for all site personnel, from operators to leadership.
• Managing non-conforming product issues to minimize losses and eliminate future occurrences via root cause analysis.
• Leading Food Safety Management Systems, including Food Safety, Food Defense, Internal Audits, and Corrective Action Plans.
• Directing audits such as GFSI, AIB GMP, Regulatory Readiness, and QAS, while ensuring cross-functional engagement.
• Overseeing Food Safety & Food Defense Plans, vulnerability assessments, and self-inspection audits for GMP and regulatory compliance.

Daily Impact

Every day, you'll ensure our Cranston plant executes Sector FSQ prerequisite programs (oPRPs, CCPs, PCs) with precision, driving consumer trust and operational excellence.

Qualifications & Requirements

To excel as PepsiCo's Food Safety & Quality Lead, candidates should possess:

• A Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Quality Assurance, or a related discipline.
• At least 5-7 years of progressive experience in food safety, quality assurance, or manufacturing environments, preferably in beverages or snacks.
• Proven expertise in GFSI standards (SQF, BRC, FSSC 22000), HACCP, and regulatory compliance (FDA, USDA).
• Strong analytical skills with proficiency in data tools like Excel, Tableau, or ERP systems for trend analysis.
• Leadership experience in training, audit management, and cross-functional team collaboration.
• Excellent communication skills to influence stakeholders and drive continuous improvement.

PepsiCo values diversity and prior experience in high-volume manufacturing sites is a plus.

Benefits & Perks

PepsiCo offers a premium compensation package designed to reward excellence and support work-life balance:

• Salary range of $80,200 - $134,250, adjusted for experience, skills, and location, with potential upside to $147,675+.
• 10% annual performance bonus based on eligibility.
• Comprehensive health benefits: medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
• Health and Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts, plus Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Generous paid time off, including parental leave, vacation, sick days, and bereavement.
• 401(k) with company match, accident insurance, and group legal services.

Additional Perks

Enjoy onsite wellness programs, professional development opportunities, and discounts on PepsiCo products.

Career Growth

At PepsiCo, your career trajectory is limitless. The FSQ Lead role serves as a launchpad to senior supply chain leadership, Sector FSQ Manager positions, or global operations roles. We invest in your growth through leadership training, certifications (e.g., ASQ, HACCP advanced), and mentorship programs. High performers advance quickly in our merit-based culture, with opportunities to relocate across our 200+ global sites.

Why Join Us

Be part of the world's largest portfolio of food and beverage brands, where innovation meets purpose. In Cranston, RI, you'll lead efforts to sustain our planet, people, and business while raising the bar in lean manufacturing. PepsiCo's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion creates a collaborative environment where your contributions drive real impact. Join us to innovate, collaborate, and achieve world-class food safety in a company that performs with purpose.

Role FAQs

What is the work schedule for this role?

Full-time position with standard business hours, occasional flexibility for audits or incidents.

Is relocation assistance provided?

Discuss with your recruiter; available for qualified internal or external candidates.

What certifications are preferred?

GFSI auditor credentials, PCQI, HACCP, and food defense training.

How does PepsiCo support professional development?

Through tuition reimbursement, online courses, and leadership programs tailored to FSQ professionals.

Is this role remote or onsite?

Primarily onsite at our Cranston, RI facility to ensure hands-on oversight.