Pepsico: R&G Traineeship Programme 2026

2 days ago 21

Location: Gauteng, Western Cape

Overview

Assist with trial protocols and issue to key stakeholders post alignment with R&D Technologist / R&D Manager
Assist with organizing and execute assigned research and development projects for SA R&D team. (Calendar Delivery) covering work streams ranging from very limited partial autonomous ownership through to transactional and hoc delivery.
Support the R&D Technologist across the relevant product platform to deliver low complexity projects. Specifically focused on execution of prototype to support around pilot plant trials.
Support the R&D technologist to execute production trials for low complexity projects and report trial results to R&D Manager utilizing the TSG methodology:
- Define and align trial protocols which is pre-aligned with the R&D technologist.
- Communicate trial request with relevant stakeholders and support the setup of pre-trial meetings.
- Attend pilot plant and factory trials as and when needed by the R&D technologist.

Responsibilities

Responsible for routine analytical and product quality tests.

Lead base product collection from the production lines for development at pilot plant level
Collaborate with product developers
Supporteffective work in the pilot plant keeping GMP andgeneral good hygiene practices in place.
Support R&D Tech/ New EHS representative on EHS initiatives (both local and onsite requirements- a few of which areadhoc)
Online training to enhance business knowledge
Conduct seasoning applications, ensuring in specification salt results are attained
Conduct following Laboratory tests:
- Salt Analysis
- Oil Analysis
- Bulk Density Analysis
- Particle Size Analysis
- Moisture Analysis

Other project support areas

Compile project timelines and communicate to relevant teams to ensure required equipment and resources are available for use
Execute scale-up activities within PepsiCo owned Production Plants and pre-selected Co-manufacturers by working closely with Project lead
Deliver concise,accurateand complete reporting on projects to Line Manager and Project Teams, with guidance on recommendations for ingredient, formulae and process conditions
Draft R&D technical data such as artwork specifications, processspecificationsand finished pack standards with approval from Project Manager
Work with Regulatory to ensure legal compliance

Qualifications

Minimum Qualification:

Successfully completed the Theoretical part of their studies in scientific field with > 60% Average and in there last year of studies. (Biochemistry, Food Technology or Engineering)
South African citizen
Good technical and analytical skills, basic knowledge of statistics, ability to interpret data and distil into useful and actionable information
Supportive team player with an accurate, methodical, tidy and reliable approach
Excellent people skills
Results driven, demonstrate an ability to persevere and provide timely and direct feedback to others
High degree of self-motivation combined with good organisational and interpersonal skills
Eager to learn and use initiative, self-starter
Ability to work independently and to deal with change and increasing complexity
Integrity, Safeguard the Company’s designs, formulations, processes and reputation in all matters
Driving License will be an advantage.

Preferred Qualification:

Ability to collaborate and communicate well within the R&D team and when needed with selected multiple business functions including SC/OPS, Commercialization and external partners (eg. CFAM, Clextral , Schaaf)
Effective negotiation skills to ensure equitable use of shared resources.
Have an up to date knowledge of technology and be able to absorb and apply this knowledge
Creative thinking, be able to generate creative, workable ideas within the scope of projects.
Results driven, demonstrate an ability to persevere.
Ability to be able to work independently and to deal with change and increasing complexity.
Self starter, self-motivating.