About PepsiCo

PepsiCo is a global leader in the food and beverage industry, renowned for iconic brands like Pepsi, Lay's, Gatorade, and Quaker. With operations spanning over 200 countries, PepsiCo sources diverse plant raw materials including potatoes, grains, corn, fruits, and vegetables to fuel innovation in snacks and beverages. The company's commitment to sustainable agriculture and supply chain resilience drives its R&D efforts, ensuring high-quality products reach consumers worldwide. PepsiCo's R&D Ag Science team plays a pivotal role in advancing potato varieties, from breeding to commercialization, supporting a robust portfolio of potato-based products like chips.

Role Overview

The R&D Manager - Potato Variety Commercialization position in Rhinelander, Wisconsin, is a strategic leadership role within PepsiCo's R&D Ag Science Variety Trialing organization. This expert will spearhead variety qualification and storage research programs, critical to the potato variety advancement pipeline. By validating high-performing varieties for agronomic potential, storage behavior, post-harvest quality, and commercial supply chain fit, you'll ensure seamless transitions from research to production. Collaborate with breeders, growers, procurement, and manufacturing teams to deliver data-driven insights that enhance product development, grower adoption, and supply chain strength. This full-time role offers a salary range of $110,700 - $185,250 USD, with opportunities for performance bonuses and comprehensive benefits.

Key Responsibilities

In this dynamic position, you'll drive innovation in potato variety advancement through hands-on leadership:

• Design and lead storage research trials assessing variety performance across harvest timings, temperature regimes, pressure bruise risk, sugar accumulation, and chip quality in long-term storage.
• Oversee trial operations, coordinating intake, storage management, and weekly evaluations with partner farms and internal teams.
• Lead the North America Variety Qualification process, including trial design, seed planning, field/processing execution, sensory testing, and stakeholder alignment.
• Act as the key contact for the Variety Qualification Committee, consolidating data to inform varietal advancement decisions.
• Partner with cross-functional teams in breeding, crop technology, quality, supply chain, and commercial operations to shape product profiles and go-to-market strategies.
• Analyze North America data on storage, agronomy, and processing, delivering annual reports, presentations, and contributing to global knowledge sharing.

Qualifications & Requirements

PepsiCo seeks a seasoned agronomic professional with deep potato expertise:

• PhD in Agronomy, Crop Science, Plant Breeding, or related field with >5 years industry experience; or MSc/BSc with >7 years.
• Proven experience in potato or onion storage research and varietal performance evaluation.
• Track record in designing/managing field and storage trials, phenotypic/environmental data capture, and post-harvest quality analysis.
• Familiarity with commercial manufacturing and field-to-factory logistics.
• Excellent communication, presentation, project leadership, and team management skills.
• Proficiency in data tools/reporting systems; ~20% domestic travel required.
• Indefinite right to work in the United States.

This role demands strategic thinking, technical acumen, and the ability to influence senior stakeholders in a fast-paced environment.

Benefits & Perks

PepsiCo offers a premium compensation package to support your success and well-being:

• Salary range: $110,700 - $185,250 USD, adjusted for location, skills, experience, and education.
• 12% target performance bonus, paid annually based on eligibility.
• Comprehensive health benefits: medical, dental, vision, disability, health/dependent care reimbursement accounts.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP), accident, group legal, and life insurance.
• Paid time off including parental leave, vacation, sick, and bereavement.
• Defined Contribution Retirement Plan for long-term financial security.

These benefits underscore PepsiCo's investment in employees and their families.

Career Growth

At PepsiCo, this R&D Manager role is a launchpad for leadership in agronomy and supply chain innovation. Gain exposure to global R&D networks, cross-functional projects, and high-impact decisions shaping PepsiCo's potato portfolio. Advance to senior R&D director roles, global variety management, or strategic procurement positions. PepsiCo's robust development programs, mentorship, and tuition reimbursement foster continuous growth in a collaborative culture.

Why Join Us

Join PepsiCo in Rhinelander, Wisconsin, to lead cutting-edge potato research at the intersection of agriculture, science, and manufacturing. Contribute to sustainable supply chains, innovate for beloved brands like Lay's, and thrive in a supportive environment with competitive pay and benefits. PepsiCo values diversity, equity, and inclusion, offering equal opportunity employment and fair chance hiring practices. Be part of a company driving positive change in food production while advancing your career in a premium, impactful role.

Role FAQs

What is the salary range?

The expected range is $110,700 - $185,250 USD annually, with a 12% performance bonus.

What qualifications are required?

PhD (>5 years exp.) or MSc/BSc (>7 years) in relevant fields, plus potato storage expertise and trial management experience.

Is travel involved?

Approximately 20% domestic travel.

What benefits are offered?

Full medical, dental, vision, PTO, retirement plan, and more.

Who should apply?

Agronomy professionals with potato research background passionate about commercialization.