About PepsiCo

PepsiCo is one of the world's leading food and beverage companies, with an iconic portfolio that includes beloved 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 high-quality products. In Russia, PepsiCo has a strong presence with state-of-the-art manufacturing plants, including the Cherrizon facility in Moscow, where cutting-edge production meets rigorous quality standards. As a leader in the food and beverage sector, PepsiCo invests heavily in employee development, fostering a culture of excellence, safety, and continuous improvement.

Role Overview

The Section Chief position at PepsiCo's Cherrizon Plant in Moscow is a pivotal leadership role overseeing production quality, food safety, and operational efficiency. Reporting to senior production management, you will drive world-class manufacturing practices, ensure compliance with international standards like HACCP and ISO, and optimize costs while maintaining the highest product integrity. This full-time role demands a strategic thinker with hands-on experience in food production, offering the chance to impact PepsiCo's Russian operations and contribute to global supply chain excellence.

Key Responsibilities

In this dynamic role, you will spearhead initiatives to uphold PepsiCo's uncompromising standards. Key duties include creating optimal conditions for product and material quality through advanced production processes and quality management systems. You will organize timely employee training on food safety, sanitation, and quality protocols, conducting regular workplace audits to verify compliance by shop leaders.

Should product holds occur, you will lead root cause analysis and corrective action plans to prevent recurrence. Coordinate internal and external audits across food safety, sanitation, fire safety, and occupational health, interacting with auditors to develop and execute improvement measures. Analyze quality metrics, assess risks of defective product release, and deploy resources to mitigate spoilage risks for raw materials, semi-finished goods, and final products.

Quality and Safety Leadership

Participate in HACCP/ISO plan development and updates, ensuring staff training and adherence. Oversee monitoring and corrections at critical control points (CCPs) and control points (CPs) per HACCP and prerequisite programs. Facilitate communication between production teams and the HACCP leader for deviation analysis and remedies. Maintain rigorous sanitary controls over production areas, equipment, and premises, aligning with Russian regulations, food safety standards, and GMP. Organize hygiene training and medical check-ups for staff and contractors.

Cost Management and Innovation

Control budgeted expenses to eliminate waste and losses, planning human and material resources annually and monthly. Coordinate production tests for new products and materials, preparing equipment and approving based on targets. Manage direct and indirect costs to meet annual plans. Lead production planning teams to create efficient schedules, boosting resource utilization and minimizing raw material losses. Drive best practice implementation, knowledge sharing across PepsiCo sites, and teams for lean production and efficiency gains.

Qualifications & Requirements

To excel as Section Chief, candidates need a bachelor's degree in food technology, chemical engineering, or a related discipline, coupled with at least 5-7 years of progressive experience in food or beverage manufacturing management. Certification in HACCP, ISO 22000, FSSC 22000, or similar is essential, alongside proven expertise in quality audits, risk management, and regulatory compliance. Strong leadership skills to motivate teams, analytical abilities for data-driven decisions, and proficiency in Russian (fluent) and English (intermediate) are required. Familiarity with lean manufacturing, ERP systems, and Russian food safety laws is highly desirable. A commitment to PepsiCo's values of integrity, collaboration, and sustainability sets top candidates apart.

Benefits & Perks

PepsiCo offers a premium compensation package tailored to Russia's competitive market. Enjoy a competitive base salary estimated at $65,000-$95,000 USD annually (adjusted for local equivalents with a 5-10% buffer), plus performance-based bonuses and incentives. Comprehensive benefits include private health insurance, dental coverage, and wellness programs promoting work-life balance. Employees receive subsidized meals, transportation allowances, and access to on-site fitness facilities at the modern Cherrizon Plant. Additional perks encompass generous paid vacation, parental leave, and employee assistance programs. PepsiCo invests in your growth with tuition reimbursement, leadership training, and global mobility opportunities.

Career Growth

At PepsiCo, career progression is a reality for high performers. As Section Chief, you'll gain exposure to senior leadership, cross-functional projects, and international best practices. Excel here to advance to Plant Manager, Quality Director, or regional operations roles. PepsiCo's robust talent development includes mentorship, online learning platforms like PepsiCo University, and annual performance reviews with clear promotion paths. Many leaders started in roles like this, building long-term careers in a company that values innovation and results.

Why Join Us

Joining PepsiCo's Moscow Cherrizon Plant means becoming part of a global powerhouse dedicated to joyful consumer experiences through superior products. Work in a high-tech environment with collaborative teams, cutting-edge equipment, and a focus on sustainability—reducing water usage, waste, and emissions. Benefit from stability in Russia's food sector, diverse professional networks, and the pride of contributing to iconic brands enjoyed worldwide. PepsiCo's inclusive culture celebrates diversity, supports employee resource groups, and prioritizes safety with zero-harm goals.

Role FAQs

What is the work schedule?

Full-time position, typically 40 hours per week with shift flexibility based on production needs. Overtime compensated per company policy.

Is relocation support available?

Yes, for qualified internal or external candidates, PepsiCo offers relocation assistance including temporary housing.

What software tools are used?

Experience with SAP, production planning software, and quality management systems is advantageous.

How does PepsiCo support professional certification?

We reimburse costs for relevant certifications like HACCP and provide study leave.

Is this role eligible for remote work?

Primarily on-site at the Moscow Cherrizon Plant due to operational requirements.

Ready to lead quality excellence at PepsiCo? Apply now and elevate your career in food manufacturing.