Project Leader

Overview

The Project Leader will be responsible for the planning, execution, and successful delivery of medium-scale capital projects ($2M) and continuous improvement projects within a 24/7 food manufacturing environment. This role involves managing all aspects of projects, including design, budgeting, scheduling, procurement, risk management, and coordination with multiple teams to ensure projects meet safety, quality, regulatory, and operational performance expectations

What you can expect from us:

• Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits designed to fit your unique needs

• A dynamic and inclusive culture that promotes you to bring your whole-self to work

• Inspiring positive change for people and the planet with sustainability goals

• A supportive team that will encourage your professional growth and development

Total Compensation: $63,300 - $103,200

Responsibilities

• Coordinate end to end project management for food processing and packaging initiatives, from scope development through commissioning.

• Develop and manage project schedules, budgets, and resource plans to ensure on time, on budget delivery.

• Prepare engineering specifications, designs, and drawings; maintain up to date documentation and standards.

• Ensure all projects comply with regulatory and corporate requirements, including sanitary design, GMP, HACCP, OHSA, and environmental regulations.

• Coordinate procurement activities, including RFQs, vendor evaluation, contract negotiation, and equipment purchasing.

• Provide direct supervision of contractors and internal teams during equipment installation, start up, and commissioning.

• Deliver technical support and training to maintenance and operations teams on new equipment and systems.

• Support continuous improvement initiatives to enhance safety, throughput, and cost efficiency.

• Collaborate with cross functional stakeholders to ensure alignment, effective communication, and successful project outcomes.

• Participate in Factory Acceptance Tests (FATs), site commissioning, and plant‑wide shutdown activities, including occasional off‑shift work.

• Other job duties as required

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Electrical, Chemical, Mechanical, Industrial, or related discipline)

• A minimum of 3 years manufacturing experience with a focus on:

  • Experience with continuous and batch process optimization
  • Experience with high-speed packaging machinery

• Strong technical and analytical aptitude required

• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with cross‑functional teams in a manufacturing environment

• Strong interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills, including experience managing people or contractors

• Proficiency with MS Office 365

Preferred

• Experience programming, troubleshooting, and commissioning Allen‑Bradley PLCs

• Experience preparing P&IDs, process flow diagrams, and layout drawings using CAD tools.

• Experience with Quality Management Systems in a regulated environment.

• PMP designation or P.Eng license considered an asset.

Careers to Smile About:

At PepsiCo, you’ll discover a place where our mission is to create smiles around the world. With a portfolio of more than 500 beloved brands including, Gatorade, Lay’s and Quaker, our work touches millions of people every day. At the heart of the company is a team of thinkers, creators, and problem-solvers who collaborate to innovate and turn ideas into action. Driven by innovation and a focus on creating joyful moments through food and drinks, our decisions are guided by consumer centricity, creating opportunities for our associates to do meaningful work and make a lasting impact in the communities we serve. Whatever your role, you’ll be part of a global community that values your ideas and empowers you to make an impact, on your career and on the world around you. PepsiCo may use Artificial Intelligence as part of its hiring process. Specifically, we may use AI-based tools to screen, assess, or select applicants. This posting is for an existing vacancy.