About PepsiCo

PepsiCo is one of the world's leading food and beverage companies, with a portfolio that includes iconic brands like Pepsi, Lay's, Gatorade, and Quaker. Operating in over 200 countries, PepsiCo employs more than 300,000 people globally and is committed to sustainable growth, innovation, and delivering consumer-pleasing products. In Europe, PepsiCo's R&D hubs drive cutting-edge culinary advancements, transforming ideas into market-leading innovations. Our Barcelona facility in Cornella de Ll. is at the heart of culinary innovation, where we blend chef-inspired creativity with technical precision to redefine snacking and beverage experiences.

Role Overview

The Product Developer Manager, Culinary Innovation, is a pivotal hands-on role within PepsiCo's dynamic Product Development team in Cornella de Ll., Barcelona. This position bridges the gap between visionary chef-created gold standards and scalable, functional product prototypes. You'll thrive in a fast-paced R&D environment, leading the creation, testing, and iteration of Minimum Viable Products (MVPs) that ensure culinary intent meets real-world feasibility. From prototype builds to early scale-up support, your craftsmanship will accelerate PepsiCo's pipeline of innovative food products, contributing to our mission of sustainable joy through bold flavors and smart nutrition.

Why This Role Matters at PepsiCo

In this manager-level position, you'll oversee development cycles with speed and accuracy, fostering collaboration across culinary, technical, and operational teams. Success means delivering high-quality prototypes on time, with clear documentation that fuels rapid iteration and handoff to production. If you have a passion for food science and culinary arts, this role offers the platform to shape PepsiCo's next generation of products.

Key Responsibilities

As Product Developer Manager, your days will be filled with hands-on innovation and cross-functional teamwork. Core duties include:

• Executing prototype and MVP development based on chef and senior developer direction, including reformulations and recipe adjustments to hit gold-standard targets.
• Testing products across diverse preparation systems like ovens, microwaves, and sous-vide to validate consistency, usability, and quality.
• Documenting preparation parameters, performance data, and insights on handling, quality challenges, and packaging implications.
• Organizing samples, building variants, and preparing for agile sprint reviews, tastings, and rapid iteration cycles.
• Collaborating with Product Development, Process Development, and Supply Chain teams to ready prototypes for pilot trials and troubleshoot early co-manufacturing runs.
• Maintaining meticulous logs of formulas, test results, ingredient challenges, and learnings to ensure traceability and development hygiene.

Measuring Success

Excellence is defined by timely, well-documented prototypes, seamless collaboration, rapid learnings that inform cycles, and practical products primed for scale-up.

Qualifications & Requirements

To excel as Product Developer Manager at PepsiCo, bring the following expertise:

• A degree in Food Science, Culinary Innovation, Food Technology, Product Design, or a related field (preferred).
• At least 5 years of hands-on experience in food product development, culinary innovation, or R&D kitchens.
• Proven skills with preparation systems (oven, microwave, sous-vide) and understanding of product behavior in final applications.
• Strong practical culinary abilities for quick, accurate prototyping.
• Thrives in fast-paced, ambiguous R&D settings with excellent organization, documentation, collaboration, and communication skills.
• Familiarity with pilot production or co-manufacturing processes is a plus.

What Sets Top Candidates Apart

We're seeking innovators who combine technical precision with creative flair, ready to iterate at speed in a global powerhouse like PepsiCo.

Benefits & Perks

PepsiCo offers a premium compensation package tailored to attract top talent in Spain's competitive food sector:

• Competitive salary estimated at €65,000–€95,000 annually, based on experience and sector benchmarks.
• Performance-based bonuses and incentives tied to innovation milestones.
• Comprehensive health insurance, including dental and vision, plus wellness programs promoting work-life balance.
• Generous paid time off, flexible working arrangements, and family-friendly policies.
• Access to state-of-the-art R&D facilities in Barcelona, with opportunities for international travel and exposure.
• Employee discounts on PepsiCo products and partnerships with local gyms and cultural venues.

Career Growth

At PepsiCo, this role is a launchpad for leadership in food innovation. High performers advance to Senior Product Developer, R&D Director, or global innovation roles. We invest in your growth through tailored training, mentorship from culinary experts, leadership programs, and exposure to PepsiCo's worldwide network. Many alumni lead product launches across Europe and beyond, building legacies in sustainable food tech.

Why Join Us

PepsiCo Barcelona isn't just a job—it's a career-defining opportunity in one of Europe's most vibrant food innovation hubs. Work with world-class chefs and engineers, impact billions of consumers, and contribute to PepsiCo's pep+ sustainability agenda. Enjoy Barcelona's Mediterranean lifestyle, from beaches to Gaudí architecture, while driving culinary breakthroughs. Join a company where your prototypes become pantry staples, and your ideas fuel global growth.

Role FAQs

Is this a hands-on role?

Absolutely—expect daily involvement in prototyping, testing, and tastings in our R&D kitchen.

What experience level is required?

Minimum 5 years in food product development; managerial experience in agile R&D is ideal.

Is relocation support available?

Yes, for qualified international candidates, including visa assistance for Spain.

How does PepsiCo support professional development?

Through certifications, conferences, and internal mobility programs focused on food tech leadership.

What's the team structure?

Collaborative squad with chefs, developers, process engineers, and supply chain experts reporting to innovation leads.