Join PepsiCo’s R&D Ag Science Division and play a key role in developing and deploying new potato varieties through local field trials, agronomic research, and collaboration with internal and external partners. You will deliver research agronomy, project management, and subject matter expertise to support critical research programmes for global sectors, focusing on agronomic, breeding, and Ag-Tech initiatives for core crops.

Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

Co-manage and execute potato agronomic field trials and qualification tests in mainland Europe, including standardised trial protocol implementation, data capture, and analysis for variety performance.
Streamline and support trial seed management, budget tracking, variety import, data compilation, process improvement, and payment organisation.
Develop and maintain effective working relationships with internal teams, commercial partners, contract research organisations (CROs), growers, and third-party breeders.
Manage CRO contracts, track data compliance, set up KPIs, and provide support for CROs throughout the research process.
Consolidate, validate, and interpret trial data; present outcomes and recommendations to business units and stakeholders.
Oversee trial seed import, quarantine, and production in mainland Europe.
Provide regular project progress updates to ensure alignment with business objectives.
Deliver research and recommendations that support grower experience, supply chain continuity, and future advances in EU potato raw material.

Qualifications

Essential Qualifications

MSc in Breeding/Agriculture/Crop Science or equivalent.
At least 5 years’ experience in agricultural trial research, including field trial design, execution, and data analysis (preferably with potato).
Experience managing CROs for field and post-harvest research, including contract negotiation and reporting.
Experience with seed production, management, and/or European country-specific import regulations.
Strong communication skills for reporting complex scientific concepts to technical and non-technical audiences.
Proficiency with modern software (MS Teams, PowerPoint, Excel, Power BI) for data analysis and team efficiency.
High organizational skills, as well as accuracy, precision, and consistency
Willingness and ability to travel across Europe during trialling season.
Innovative, self-starter, self-motivated – very high drive for results and able to deal with uncertainty and complexity.