About PepsiCo

PepsiCo is a global leader in beverages and convenient foods, with products enjoyed over one billion times daily across more than 200 countries. In 2024, PepsiCo generated nearly $92 billion in net revenue, powered by iconic brands like Lay’s, Doritos, Cheetos, Gatorade, Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, Quaker, and SodaStream. In the UK, PepsiCo produces beloved snacks and drinks such as Walkers, Quaker, Doritos, Pipers, and Monster Munch. The company operates key sites including the Quaker mill in Cupar, Doritos factory in Coventry, and one of the world’s largest crisp factories in Leicester. Guiding PepsiCo’s strategy is pep+, an end-to-end transformation focusing on sustainability and human capital to create value within planetary boundaries while inspiring positive change for people and the planet. Recognized as a Top Employer for 14 consecutive years, PepsiCo emphasizes wellbeing, career growth, and innovation in the food and beverage sector.

Role Overview

As Senior Operations Manager at PepsiCo’s Leicester facility, you will take ownership of end-to-end operational performance. This pivotal role involves leading a large, multi-layered organization across multiple production and packaging lines. Your focus will be driving sustainable performance, continuous improvement, and operational excellence in a fast-paced FMCG environment. Managing up to 1,000 employees, you will ensure the delivery of safety, quality, service, cost, and people metrics while advancing PepsiCo’s Integrated Work System (IWS). This position offers a chance to shape the future of one of the UK’s largest crisp production sites.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Accountability

Take full accountability for safety, quality, service, cost, and people performance across all manufacturing operations. Deliver the Annual Operating Plan (AOP) and Productivity to Plan (P2P) outcomes through rigorous standards, discipline, and flawless execution.

Leadership & Improvement

Lead and advance IWS maturity, driving measurable results and continuous improvement. Deploy IWS pillars and spearhead the SPARK agenda to accelerate operational excellence.

Team & Talent Development

Develop future leaders by embedding PepsiCo operating systems for sustainable, long-term performance. Drive people engagement, talent development, and capability building across all organizational levels. Oversee end-to-end operational management of manufacturing sites.

Qualifications & Requirements

To succeed in this role, candidates need a proven track record of senior leadership in large-scale operations, ideally within FMCG environments. Deep knowledge or hands-on experience with Integrated Work Systems (IWS/TPM) is essential. You should demonstrate the ability to lead complex organizations, balancing cost, performance metrics, and people engagement. Strong execution skills to deliver results under pressure are critical, alongside exceptional people leadership focused on coaching, developing, and inspiring teams. Highly adaptable individuals who thrive in dynamic, fast-paced settings with experience managing large teams and senior direct reports will excel.

Benefits & Perks

PepsiCo offers a competitive salary, performance-based bonus, and car allowance. Enjoy flexible working arrangements and comprehensive benefits including critical illness cover, discounted gym memberships, enhanced parental leave, and electric car schemes. These perks underscore PepsiCo’s commitment to employee wellbeing and work-life balance.

Career Growth

Joining PepsiCo means investing in your professional future. This Senior Operations Manager role provides opportunities to develop future leaders, embed advanced operating systems, and drive strategic initiatives. With a focus on talent development and capability building, PepsiCo supports internal mobility and progression in a global organization. As a Top Employer, PepsiCo fosters a culture of continuous learning and high-performance leadership.

Why Join Us?

Be part of a world-class team at PepsiCo’s Leicester site, contributing to iconic brands loved nationwide. Benefit from a supportive environment prioritizing sustainability, innovation, and employee success. With pep+ at its core, PepsiCo is transforming for a better future. This role offers stability, impact, and rewards in the heart of the UK food industry.

Role FAQs

What is the team size?

You will oversee operations with responsibility for up to 1,000 employees across multiple lines.

What is IWS?

Integrated Work System (IWS) is PepsiCo’s framework for operational excellence, similar to TPM, focusing on safety, quality, and productivity.

Is experience in FMCG required?

Ideally yes, but proven senior leadership in large-scale operations is key.

What benefits stand out?

Competitive pay, bonus, car allowance, flexible working, and unique perks like electric car schemes.

How does PepsiCo support career growth?

Through leadership development, talent programs, and embedding operating systems for long-term success.