About PepsiCo

PepsiCo is one of the world's leading food and beverage companies, with a portfolio that includes iconic brands like Pepsi, Quaker, Gatorade, Lay's, and Tropicana. Operating in over 200 countries, PepsiCo employs more than 300,000 people globally and generates annual revenues exceeding $90 billion. In China, PepsiCo has a strong presence, particularly through its Quaker Foods division, focusing on innovation, sustainability, and high-quality products. As a leader in the food industry, PepsiCo is committed to pep+ (PepsiCo Positive), its end-to-end transformed organization strategy that creates value for shareholders while having a positive impact on society and the planet.

Role Overview

The R&D SQA Associate Scientist position at PepsiCo in Shanghai is a critical role within the Research & Development team, focusing on Supplier Quality Assurance (SQA) for manufacturing locations across the APAC region, with a primary emphasis on China Quaker Foods. This full-time role involves approving new suppliers for key initiatives like Innovation, Business Continuity Planning (BCP), Productivity, PEP+, and strategic agendas impacting over $150 million annually. You will also manage reapprovals, ensure compliance with global standards, and drive Supplier Performance Management (SPM) for existing suppliers. Key performance indicators include SQA global process compliance for new suppliers and reapprovals, as well as implementing supplier quality assurance standards.

Impact of the Role

In this position, you will play a pivotal role in maintaining the highest quality standards for PepsiCo's supply chain, ensuring consistent product quality, food safety, and operational efficiency across APAC. Your work directly supports PepsiCo's ambitious growth targets and sustainability goals under PEP+.

Key Responsibilities

As an R&D SQA Associate Scientist, your day-to-day responsibilities will include:

• Approving new suppliers to support high-impact initiatives such as Innovation, BCP, Productivity, PEP+, and Strategic Supplier agendas with $150+ million annual impact.
• Governing existing suppliers and ensuring full compliance with PepsiCo's Global Standards.
• Driving supplier performance management and continuous improvement to deliver consistent quality.
• Leading project management efforts for quality-related projects.
• Taking a systematic approach to resolve quality issues through troubleshooting, quality investigations, Root Cause Analysis (RCA), Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA) closure, and verification.
• Enhancing the SQA system, optimizing workstreams, and managing data and metrics via the SQA digital system platform.

Qualifications & Requirements

To succeed in this role, candidates should possess:

• Minimum 3-5 years of working experience in Food Safety & Quality management systems.
• Preferred background in supplier quality assurance (SQA) or third-party manufacturer (3PM) management.
• Strong auditing skills and experience; proficiency in problem-solving, data analysis, reporting, and presenting.
• Knowledge in Food Engineering, Food Safety, Food Science, and Microbiology.
• Excellent communication skills, including training and coaching, with literacy in both spoken and written Mandarin and English (mandatory).
• FSSC22000 Lead Auditor certification preferred.
• IT proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and applications for supplier data and system management.

Why These Skills Matter

These qualifications ensure you can effectively manage complex supplier relationships, conduct rigorous audits, and leverage data-driven insights to uphold PepsiCo's world-class quality standards in a fast-paced APAC environment.

Benefits & Perks

PepsiCo offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your professional and personal well-being:

• Competitive salary estimated at $65,000 - $95,000 USD annually, based on Food & Beverage sector rates in China with a buffer for top talent.
• Performance-based incentives and bonuses.
• Comprehensive health insurance, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Retirement savings plans with company matching.
• Paid time off, parental leave, and flexible working arrangements.
• Employee wellness programs, gym memberships, and mental health support.
• Access to PepsiCo's global employee discounts on products.

Career Growth

At PepsiCo, career advancement is a priority. This Associate Scientist role serves as a launchpad for leadership positions in R&D, Quality Assurance, Supply Chain, or Global SQA teams. With structured development programs, mentorship from senior leaders, and opportunities for international assignments, high performers can progress rapidly. PepsiCo invests heavily in employee training, including certifications like FSSC22000 and advanced data analytics tools.

Development Opportunities

Participate in PepsiCo's Leadership Development Programs, cross-functional projects, and innovation challenges that expose you to cutting-edge food technology and sustainability practices.

Why Join Us

Joining PepsiCo's Shanghai team means becoming part of a dynamic, innovative culture that values diversity, inclusion, and impact. Work on projects that shape the future of food in APAC, collaborate with global experts, and contribute to sustainable initiatives like PEP+. Shanghai's vibrant location offers an ideal blend of professional opportunities and urban lifestyle, with PepsiCo's state-of-the-art facilities providing the perfect setting for your success.

Role FAQs

Q: Is bilingual proficiency required? A: Yes, fluency in both Mandarin and English (spoken and written) is mandatory for effective communication with suppliers and global teams.

Q: What is the experience level needed? A: Minimum 3-5 years in food safety, quality management, preferably SQA or 3PM.

Q: Are there travel requirements? A: Yes, occasional travel across APAC for supplier audits and assessments.

Q: What tools will I use? A: SQA digital platforms, Excel for data analysis, PowerPoint for reporting, and auditing software.

Q: How does this role support PepsiCo's sustainability goals? A: Through PEP+ initiatives, ensuring suppliers meet environmental and quality standards for sustainable supply chains.

Ready to elevate your career? Apply now for the R&D SQA Associate Scientist role at PepsiCo Shanghai and be part of a world-class team driving quality and innovation.