About PepsiCo

PepsiCo is one of the world's leading food and beverage companies, with a portfolio that includes iconic brands like Pepsi, Gatorade, Lay's, Quaker, and Tropicana. Operating in over 200 countries, PepsiCo employs more than 300,000 people dedicated to delivering high-quality products while fostering sustainable practices. At PepsiCo, innovation drives everything—from sustainable sourcing to cutting-edge manufacturing processes. Our Jacksonville, Florida plant is a key hub in our North American operations, producing beverages that refresh millions daily. Joining PepsiCo means becoming part of a dynamic, results-oriented culture that values leadership, continuous improvement, and employee growth.

Role Overview

The Food Safety & Quality Ops Jr Manager position at PepsiCo's Jacksonville facility is a pivotal leadership role focused on upholding the highest standards of product quality and safety. Reporting to senior quality leadership, you will oversee Quality Technicians and develop a team of Supervisors, ensuring seamless adherence to protocols across all shifts. This role demands a hands-on presence on the plant floor, collaboration with production, maintenance, and warehouse teams, and a commitment to cost efficiency, process optimization, and safety. With a salary range of $89,000 to $149,000 USD, plus a 12% performance bonus, this position offers substantial rewards for driving superior quality in a fast-paced food manufacturing environment. Occasional forklift operation, off-shift work, and minimal travel (under 5%) are part of the role.

Why This Role Matters

In the competitive food and beverage industry, quality is non-negotiable. As Jr Manager, you'll lead the plant's QC Pillar through PepsiCo's Continuous Improvement journey, implementing statistically designed experiments, risk assessments, and audits like FSSC 22000 and AIB to safeguard consumer trust and regulatory compliance.

Key Responsibilities

Your day-to-day impact will be profound, shaping every bottle and package that leaves the Jacksonville plant:

• Lead salaried Quality professionals in applying advanced quality management techniques, fostering effective change leadership with minimal disruption.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with production, engineering, and QA to resolve operational issues and develop sustainable quality practices.
• Build team capabilities through hiring, training, and motivation, ensuring front-line hourly and salaried staff meet performance goals.
• Identify productivity gains by leading product/process quality initiatives and Continuous Improvement efforts.
• Conduct food safety and compliance audits, verify sanitation standards, and manage calibration programs for analytical equipment.
• Perform statistical analysis, interpret in-process data, lead risk assessments, and handle non-conforming products to minimize losses.
• Provide expert training in food science, regulatory requirements, and quality systems while administering plant policies.

Qualifications & Requirements

To succeed in this role, candidates should bring:

• A Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in engineering, business, operations management, or a related field.
• Preferred: Lean Six Sigma certification and Project Management experience; minimum 5 years in the Food/Beverage industry.
• Deep knowledge of process/compliance quality systems, Continuous Improvement, AIB standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, presentation, and leadership skills; proficiency in Microsoft Suite.
• Proven ability to motivate teams, provide constructive feedback, and thrive in results-oriented environments.
• Regular plant floor presence required; ability to operate equipment occasionally and work off-shifts/weekends.

Preferred Expertise

Experience with OSHA chemical hygiene plans, statistical experiments, and laboratory safety is highly valued.

Benefits & Perks

PepsiCo invests in its people with a comprehensive package:

• Salary: $89,000 - $149,000 USD, adjusted for skills, experience, and location; recruiter discusses specifics.
• 12% target annual bonus based on performance and eligibility.
• Paid time off including vacation, sick, bereavement, and parental leave (subject to eligibility).
• Health benefits: Medical, dental, vision, disability, health/dependent care reimbursement accounts.
• Additional perks: Employee Assistance Program (EAP), accident/group legal/life insurance, Defined Contribution Retirement Plan.

Career Growth

PepsiCo is committed to your professional development. This Jr Manager role is a launchpad for advancing into senior Quality leadership, operations management, or plant-wide roles. Access world-class training in Lean Six Sigma, leadership coaching, and cross-functional projects. High performers often move into regional or divisional positions, leveraging PepsiCo's global network for exponential growth.

Why Join Us

At PepsiCo Jacksonville, you'll work in a state-of-the-art facility producing beloved brands, surrounded by a collaborative team passionate about quality and innovation. Enjoy Florida's vibrant lifestyle—sunny beaches, thriving culture, and proximity to major cities—while building a rewarding career. PepsiCo's culture emphasizes work-life balance, inclusivity, and sustainability, making it an employer of choice in the food industry.

Role FAQs

Q: What is the work schedule like?
A: Primarily daytime but may include off-shifts, weekends, and plant floor presence for operational needs.

Q: Is travel required?
A: Less than 5%, mainly for training or audits.

Q: What equipment might I operate?
A: Occasionally forklifts and manufacturing tools as needed.

Q: How is salary determined?
A: Based on location, skills, experience, and education; discuss with recruiter.

Q: Are there advancement opportunities?
A: Yes, strong performers advance quickly in PepsiCo's leadership pipeline.

Ready to elevate quality at PepsiCo? Apply now and shape the future of food safety in Jacksonville.