About PepsiCo

PepsiCo is a global leader in the food and beverage industry, with products enjoyed by consumers more than one billion times a day across over 200 countries. In 2024, PepsiCo generated nearly $92 billion in net revenue, fueled by its iconic portfolio of complementary beverages and convenient snacks. In the UK, PepsiCo proudly produces nation's favourites like Walkers, Quaker, Doritos, Pipers, and Monster Munch. With manufacturing sites including the Quaker mill in Cupar, Doritos factory in Coventry, and one of the world’s largest crisp factories in Leicester, PepsiCo is deeply embedded in the UK food manufacturing landscape. By the end of 2025, PepsiCo will relocate its UK office to a vibrant new location in Reading town centre, just minutes from Reading train station, enhancing accessibility and fostering innovation.

Role Overview

The Technical Process Lead (Non-Potato Chip Technologies) role at PepsiCo in Reading, UK, is pivotal in supporting site teams across core non-potato chip process platforms, including tortilla chip processes, extrusion (BC72), and baked processes. This position also extends support to non-core lines like SAJ/Squares. Reporting into the technical leadership team, you will drive performance excellence through deep technical expertise, standard deployment, and capability building. As PepsiCo advances its SPARK (TPM) deployment and transformational projects, this role serves as the single point of contact for non-potato chip assets, ensuring seamless integration of standards, loss elimination, and vertical start-ups.

Key Responsibilities

In this dynamic role, you will enable performance excellence by creating UK Site Expert Trainer capability build strategies for all non-potato chip technologies, collaborating with other Technical Process Leads and the Management Operating System team. You will cascade operational optimisation training, validate frontline employee competencies, and lead/co-facilitate expert trainer courses, supporting individual development plans to certification.

Own loss elimination within SPARK (TPM), delivering workshops on 6W2H, UPS, and changeovers during run-to-target phases. Provide hands-on coaching in the zone with frontline employees, shift leaders, support staff, and site leadership on live issues, improving standards for quality, yield, and E2E waste. Lead live problem-solving using 6W2H or UPS to root causes, implementing permanent standards.

Serve as the point of contact for major transformations on non-potato chip assets, supporting commercial change projects, complex trials with data analysis, and vertical start-up processes. Lead capability builds to certify site teams as Start-up managers, ensuring all KPIs in commissioning, qualification, and verification are met. Support SPARK AM pillar leads on Centre line, Clean/Inspect/Lubricate, and Defect Handling DMS’s, conducting health checks and coaching across levels.

Qualifications & Requirements

To succeed, you need significant operational manufacturing experience and deep knowledge in core non-potato chip technologies, with SET certification preferred. Proven competence in delivering performance, experience in technical capability building, and in-depth understanding of IPS linked to SPARK (TPM) DMS’s (CL/CIL/DH) are essential.

Be a very capable people leader with standard-setting, influencing, motivating, and coaching skills. Demonstrate high communication credibility from shop floor to senior executives, broad end-to-end Supply Chain understanding, and a flexible, customer-driven focus. Strong analytical skills, including Lean Six Sigma (Green Belt preferred), for data-based recommendations, plus Lean Manufacturing knowledge and influencing skills across operations peers and seniors.

Benefits & Perks

PepsiCo offers a competitive salary, performance bonus, and car allowance. Enjoy flexible working, critical illness cover, discounted gym memberships, enhanced parental leave, and electric car schemes. These benefits underscore PepsiCo's commitment to employee wellbeing, recognised as a Top Employer for 14 consecutive years.

Career Growth

At PepsiCo, career progression is a priority. This Technical Process Lead role provides exposure to advanced TPM methodologies, cross-site leadership, and transformational projects, building expertise for senior technical or operations roles. Leverage internal training, mentorship, and global networks to advance in food manufacturing leadership.

Why Join Us

Join PepsiCo to contribute to beloved UK brands while advancing cutting-edge process technologies. Work in a collaborative environment driving innovation in snacks production, with relocation to a prime Reading location. Benefit from robust development opportunities, comprehensive perks, and a culture of excellence in one of the world's top food companies.

Role FAQs

What processes does this role cover?

Core non-potato chip technologies like tortilla chips, extrusion (BC72), baked processes, and support for non-core lines.

Is travel required?

Yes, frequent site visits across UK manufacturing locations.

What is SPARK (TPM)?

PepsiCo's Total Productive Maintenance system integrating IPS, loss elimination, and autonomous maintenance.

What's the estimated salary range?

£65,000 - £95,000 GBP annually, plus bonus and benefits.

How does PepsiCo support career development?

Through trainer certifications, workshops, leadership coaching, and global opportunities.