About PepsiCo

PepsiCo is a global leader in beverages and convenient foods, with products enjoyed over one billion times a day in more than 200 countries. In 2024, PepsiCo generated nearly $92 billion in net revenue, powered by iconic brands like Lay’s, Doritos, Cheetos, Gatorade, Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, Quaker, and SodaStream. In the UK, PepsiCo proudly produces favourites such as Walkers, Quaker, Doritos, Pipers, and Monster Munch. With manufacturing sites including the Quaker mill in Cupar, Doritos factory in Coventry, and one of the world’s largest crisp factories in Leicester, PepsiCo UK is at the heart of the nation's snacking culture. By the end of 2025, our UK office will relocate to a vibrant new location in Reading town centre, just minutes from Reading train station. Guiding our mission is pep+ (PepsiCo Positive), a strategic transformation focusing on sustainability, human capital, and positive change for the planet and people. For more, visit www.pepsico.com.

Role Overview

The Manufacturing Excellence Senior Manager at PepsiCo in Reading, UK, is a pivotal leadership role for a seasoned improvement expert. You will translate company strategy into tangible operational gains, owning high-impact Lean and Six Sigma initiatives. Collaborating with cross-functional partners, you will build and mentor a dedicated improvement team while embedding a data-driven decision-making culture. Champion best practices, track losses rigorously, and foster continuous learning from every success and setback. This position demands a proactive leader who drives performance through team engagement in a dynamic manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Performance Management

Monitor business performance across departments, identify gaps, and recommend corrective actions to meet targets. Establish an accountability framework to ensure alignment with PepsiCo's goals.

Productivity Improvement

Analyse workflows and processes to pinpoint inefficiencies. Lead initiatives that streamline operations, reduce waste, and promote automation and digital tools for enhanced productivity.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Partner closely with HR, Finance, Supply Chain, and Operations to align objectives. Provide data-driven insights to leadership, facilitate change management, and boost employee engagement.

Data & Analytics

Leverage performance data to uncover trends and opportunities. Create executive dashboards and reports, ensuring data integrity and consistency across systems.

Continuous Improvement & Innovation

Champion Lean and Six Sigma methodologies. Lead workshops, training sessions, and capability-building efforts. Implement industry best practices to drive innovation.

Qualifications & Requirements

To excel as Manufacturing Excellence Senior Manager, you need tenured experience as a Supply Chain leader in Manufacturing and Logistics with a strong continuous improvement track record. A Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification is essential, alongside project management qualifications like PPMM. Demonstrate a solid understanding of business finance, a data analytical mindset, and behaviours aligned with One PepsiCo Way. Be a self-starting, proactive leader with proven success in matrixed organizations, influencing senior stakeholders, coaching teams, and developing talent.

Benefits & Perks

PepsiCo offers a competitive salary, performance bonus, and car allowance. Enjoy flexible working, critical illness cover, discounted gym memberships, enhanced parental leave, and electric car schemes. Our comprehensive benefits package supports wellbeing and work-life balance, contributing to our status as a Top Employer for 14 consecutive years.

Career Growth

At PepsiCo, career development is core to our culture. As Manufacturing Excellence Senior Manager, you'll gain exposure to senior leadership, cross-functional projects, and global best practices. Our commitment to internal mobility, mentorship, and training programs— including advanced Lean/Six Sigma—positions you for accelerated growth. Join a company where proactive leaders thrive and shape the future of manufacturing excellence.

Why Join Us?

Be part of a world-class team driving PepsiCo's vision to lead in beverages and convenient foods. Work in a collaborative, innovative environment with cutting-edge tools and resources. Relocate to our state-of-the-art Reading office in 2025, benefiting from excellent connectivity. With pep+ at our core, contribute to sustainable growth while enjoying unmatched benefits and recognition as a Top Employer.

Role FAQs

What experience is required for this role?

Tenured Supply Chain leadership in Manufacturing/Logistics, Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, project management quals, and proven influence in matrixed settings.

Where is the role based?

Reading, United Kingdom, with our new office opening end of 2025 in Reading town centre.

What benefits does PepsiCo offer?

Competitive salary/bonus, car allowance, flexible working, health cover, gym discounts, parental leave, and more.

Is this a full-time position?

Yes, full-time role focused on strategic manufacturing excellence.

How does PepsiCo support career growth?

Through mentorship, training, internal mobility, and leadership exposure in a global powerhouse.