About PepsiCo

PepsiCo is a global leader in the food and beverage industry, renowned for iconic brands like Pepsi, Lay's, and Gatorade. With operations spanning over 200 countries, PepsiCo drives innovation in sustainable agriculture, supply chain resilience, and consumer-focused products. In the Middle East, PepsiCo sources diverse plant raw materials including potatoes, grains, corn, and fruits to ensure high-quality supply for its processing plants. The Ag Science Division within Research and Development plays a pivotal role in advancing crop varieties that meet business needs for productivity, quality, food safety, and sustainability. Joining PepsiCo means contributing to a legacy of agricultural excellence while shaping the future of food production.

Role Overview

The Middle East Variety Trialing and Development Lead position in New Cairo, Egypt, is a strategic role within PepsiCo's Ag Science Division. This expert scientist will spearhead potato variety development efforts, recommending optimal agronomic and agritech solutions to secure high-performing, quality potatoes for uninterrupted supply chains. By leading internal research and external partnerships, you will provide data-driven insights on superior varieties, aligning with PepsiCo's sustainable agriculture goals. This role collaborates across genetics, breeding, agronomy, sustainability, commercial, supply chain, procurement, processing, R&D quality, and consumer insights teams to drive business priorities and empower growers with tailored guidance.

Key Responsibilities

Variety Testing and Development

Develop, coordinate, and deliver comprehensive Middle East variety testing plans to select varieties matching business-defined product profiles. Establish a robust phenotyping and yield trial program that informs commercial decisions, feeds data to global breeder centers, and supports go-to-market strategies while achieving sustainability and consumer targets.

Collaboration and Partnerships

Foster strong relationships with internal teams including breeding, trait discovery, and variety-specific agronomy. Contribute to product profile development with inputs from processing, quality, sensory, business, supply chain, and procurement stakeholders. Serve as the central point for the variety qualification approval committee, driving alignment on portfolio advancements.

External and Data Management

Build and maintain external breeding partnerships to test and validate new varieties for commercial approval in the Middle East. Collaborate with R&D Ag Science trialing teams to update regional performance data in PepsiCo's global Variety Catalog. Ensure all activities meet timelines, guidelines, compliance standards, and prepare for future challenges through monitoring and staff development.

Qualifications & Requirements

Candidates must hold a PhD with over 5 years of experience or an MSc with 10+ years in an ag seed or chemical company, preferably with potato plot trial expertise. Essential skills include crop trait valuation, strategic needs assessment, trait/variety portfolio management, commercial agronomy, and new variety technology development. Proven experience in executing trials, performance/quality testing programs, environmental/phenotype data capture, and experimental designs is required. Specialized knowledge in variety testing, statistical design, field plot techniques, data analysis, interpretation, and reporting is mandatory. Leadership experience in strategy, brand management, sales, and market analysis, coupled with excellent verbal/written communication for cross-level interactions, is crucial. Fluency in English and willingness to travel 20% domestically/internationally are non-negotiable.

Benefits & Perks

PepsiCo offers a premium compensation package for this role, estimated at $65,000 - $95,000 USD annually, reflecting Food & Beverage sector rates in Egypt with a competitive buffer. Benefits include comprehensive health insurance, retirement savings plans, and performance-based bonuses. Enjoy generous paid time off, flexible work arrangements, and family support programs. Additional perks encompass on-site fitness facilities, employee discounts on PepsiCo products, and subsidized meals. Relocation assistance is available for international talent, ensuring a smooth transition to New Cairo.

Career Growth

At PepsiCo, career progression is data-driven and personalized. This lead role offers pathways to senior R&D positions, global Ag Science directorships, or supply chain leadership. Access world-class training in advanced agritech, leadership academies, and mentorship from top breeders and executives. PepsiCo's commitment to employee development includes annual goal-setting, skill assessments, and resources for safe, successful task execution. High performers advance quickly, with opportunities to influence sustainable agriculture strategies across regions.

Why Join Us

Be part of PepsiCo's mission to create sustainable food systems in the Middle East. This role offers intellectual challenge, global impact, and collaboration with multidisciplinary innovators. Work in a dynamic environment tackling real-world issues like climate-resilient varieties and supply chain optimization. PepsiCo values diversity, inclusion, and work-life balance, providing a premium workplace in vibrant New Cairo. Contribute to business success while advancing your expertise in potato agronomy and variety development.

Role FAQs

What is the primary focus of this role?

The role centers on leading potato variety trialing and development in the Middle East to ensure high-quality, sustainable supply for PepsiCo.

What qualifications are most important?

A PhD/MSc with extensive trial experience in potatoes, statistical expertise, and leadership skills are key.

Is travel required?

Yes, approximately 20% domestic and international travel.

What is the work environment like?

Collaborative, innovative, blending field trials with office-based analysis in PepsiCo's Ag Science Division.

How does this role support sustainability?

By selecting varieties that enhance productivity, quality, and resilience, aligning with PepsiCo's global sustainability goals.