About PepsiCo

PepsiCo is one of the world's leading food and beverage companies, with a portfolio of iconic brands that bring joy to consumers in over 200 countries. From Lay's and Doritos to Cheetos and beyond, PepsiCo's Foods division drives innovation to meet evolving consumer tastes. Our Plano, Texas headquarters serves as a hub for cutting-edge R&D, where culinary experts transform ideas into global sensations. With a commitment to sustainability, diversity, and consumer-centric design, PepsiCo fosters an environment where creativity thrives and careers flourish.

Role Overview

The R&D Research and Innovations Chef - Foods role at PepsiCo in Plano, Texas, is a pivotal position within our Culinary R&D team. This full-time opportunity focuses on creating distinctive culinary solutions for billion-dollar brands in the Away from Home (AFH) and Meals categories. You'll translate consumer needs into innovative product designs, supporting brands like Lay's, Doritos, and Cheetos. Expect a salary range of $89,000 to $149,000 USD, plus a 15% performance bonus and comprehensive benefits. If you have a passion for culinary innovation and food science, this role offers the chance to shape the future of PepsiCo's food products.

Why This Role Stands Out

This position combines creative culinary expertise with technical R&D, allowing you to lead projects from concept to commercialization. Collaborate with global teams, explore food trends, and build relationships with top vendors, all while protecting PepsiCo's intellectual property.

Key Responsibilities

In this role, you'll drive culinary leadership and innovation across PepsiCo's Foods portfolio. Key duties include providing support for Annual Operation Planning (AOP) and Strategic Development Direction (SDD) for PFNA AFH and Meals. Work closely with commercial partners, R&D communities, Product Development, Sales, and Marketing to understand customer needs, back-of-house operations, ingredient sourcing, and supply chain constraints.

Generate creative product prototypes to demonstrate technical possibilities and align stakeholders. Leverage consumer research, sensory testing, and insights to guide development. Apply global food trends and cultural elements to create meaningful product attributes. Evaluate technical feasibility, contribute to flavor recommendations, competitive assessments, and product design for commercialization.

Build external relationships with culinary suppliers, seasoning houses, flavor experts, and universities. Identify ingredient vendors, execute food culture adoption programs, and share best-in-class methodologies globally. Innovate through new techniques, product forms, and culinary explorations like market immersions and menu analysis.

Qualifications & Requirements

To succeed, candidates need a Bachelor's degree in Culinary Arts or Food Science, plus applied culinary training. 3-5 years of experience in culinary product development is essential. Key skills include deep understanding of food trends, ingredients, techniques, food and nutrition science, ingredient functionality, and food safety regulations.

Recommended behaviors encompass passion for innovation, attention to detail, collaborative spirit, adaptability, problem-solving, continuous learning, strong communication, creativity, technical expertise, and leadership. Demonstrate the ability to present concepts, train teams, and lead from ideation to execution.

Benefits & Perks

PepsiCo offers a premium compensation package for this role. Base salary ranges from $89,000 to $149,000 USD annually, with actual pay based on location, skills, experience, and education. Eligible employees receive a 15% performance bonus paid annually. Enjoy paid time off, including parental leave, vacation, sick time, and bereavement.

Comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, vision, disability coverage, Health and Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), accident, group legal, and life insurance. Participate in a Defined Contribution Retirement Plan to secure your future. These perks support work-life balance and long-term well-being.

Career Growth

At PepsiCo, career advancement is a reality. This role provides exposure to global teams, cross-functional projects, and high-impact brands, positioning you for leadership in R&D or culinary innovation. Access continuous learning through trend research, vendor collaborations, and internal training. PepsiCo's emphasis on diversity and inclusion opens doors to promotions, international opportunities, and specialized roles in food science or product management.

Professional Development Opportunities

Engage in culinary explorations, university partnerships, and market immersions. Build expertise in emerging trends like sustainable ingredients and plant-based innovations, accelerating your path to senior positions.

Why Join Us

Join PepsiCo to work on iconic brands that integrate into global food culture. In Plano, Texas, enjoy a dynamic environment with collaborative teams and resources like cookbook libraries and sensory labs. Contribute to consumer-loved products while enjoying competitive pay, bonuses, and benefits. PepsiCo values innovation, teamwork, and impact—perfect for culinary leaders ready to push boundaries.

Role FAQs

What is the salary range?

The expected range is $89,000 - $149,000 USD, plus 15% bonus. Final offer considers experience and skills.

What qualifications are required?

Bachelor's in Culinary Arts or Food Science, 3-5 years experience, and strong culinary/technical skills.

Is relocation assistance provided?

Contact your recruiter for details on relocation support for Plano, Texas.

What brands will I work on?

Primarily Lay's, Doritos, Cheetos in AFH and Meals categories.

Is this a full-time role?

Yes, full-time position with comprehensive benefits.