Innov Commercialization Sr Manager

Overview

Innov Commercialization Sr Manager

PepsiCo’s ambition to accelerate growth requires a significant step-up in our innovation delivery.

The Innovation & Commercialization function’s key role is to enable accelerated growth by driving the prioritization, rapid development & winning E2E execution at scale of our big bet innovation platforms. We use the three lenses framework to develop E2E value chain solutions aligned to the Growth Navigator 5-Steps to Smiles, which we deliver via excellence in platform, program and project management. We are the owners of PEP’s Stage Gate process, and partner with consumer & commercial functions to plan and activate 360 commercial calendars covering a complex innovation agenda.

To enable that innovation growth ambition, we need to invest in winning capabilities to underpin the agenda while embracing new, agile ways of working, leveraging technology more holistically across the innovation chain and being more collaborative – cross-functionally and cross-geography.

The Innovation & Commercialization Capability Manager will report into the Director, Global Commercialization Capability.

We are also open to exploring exceptional talent across other European markets. If you are interested but not based in one of these locations, we still strongly encourage you to apply or reach out.

Responsibilities

• Own Thought leadership on Capability : diagnose Capability needs across the function in Europe, in conjunction with Global Function Capability Director and local MU / OU Innovation & Commercialization Leads. Align and set the overall Capability agenda across the function, reflecting the needs of Global and MU / OU teams across both Foods and Beverages.
• Build targeted action plans to address Capability priorities : design, develop and roll‑out of best‑in‑class functional tools / programs and training, or leverage via industry‑leading third parties. Key examples would include E2E Program & Project Management, Innovation Governance, Innovation Pre & Post Launch Tracking and Hypercare, Speed to Market, etc.
• Drive “one way on the how” across PepsiCo : identify genuine global best practices and ensure that these can be scaled and rolled out across all Innovation & Commercialization teams locally. Push towards standardization within the function, to drive scale and expand team impact and influence at MU / OU level.
• Build & leverage a strong network of Innovation & Commercialization SMEs, with the intent of 'raising the bar' across the MU / OUs. Anticipate risks, request support and address issues on execution of different functional tools / programs / training.
• Provide ongoing access to Innovation & Commz toolkit via PEPU Academy : role has full ownership for the ongoing delivery of functional tools / training materials in the MU / OU via the PEPU Academy website. Accountable for ensuring tools are up to date, engaging, and continuing to add value to associates within the function.
• Build governance to gauge progress : design and implement a sustainable approach to understand the impact of our Capability agenda (ie where are we making progress, where do we still have gaps, what remedial actions do we need to take etc etc?) Drive ongoing dialogue with the local MU / OU Innovation & Commercialization leads to ensure continuous improvement.
• Own and deliver the Training and ongoing follow‑up / Hypercare that is required to maintain and embed myInnovation across the MU / OU; continue to iterate and build on in‑market learnings around both Data Quality and Stage Gate Business Case effectiveness. Drive proactive interventions to elevate standards and improve decision‑making effectiveness.

Qualifications

Experiences

• Minimum 8-10 years business experience, preferably in PepsiCo, if not the broader CPG industry
• Minimum Bachelor’s Degree education
• Solid experience in managing complex projects including cross geography coordination and partnering with multiple business functions.
• Deep knowledge of Innovation & Commercialization function and PEP Innovation strategy, commercial business processes, governance and functions.
• Proficient with new technologies & high level of intellectual curiosity.
• Translates strategies into plans that can be effectively executed.
• Results oriented, adept in conflict resolution, skilled at prioritization and change management.
• High Emotional Intelligence and verbal and written communication skills that educate and influence senior leaders; ability to “manage up”.
• Excellent coordination and planning skills – Robust problem solving and critical mindset.
• Able to work autonomously and be comfortable with the ambiguity of a Global role, based in the market.
• Strong strategic and process thinking skills; High level of competency in change management.

Leadership Competencies Execution:

• Translates strategies into plans that can be effectively executed; expectation at that this role holder will be much actively involved in shaping our go-forward plans.
• Balances competing priorities without losing momentum behind execution. Prioritizes best ideas and courses of action needed to drive strategies, bringing an enterprise perspective to the discussion.
• Considers issues from differing perspectives, takes the initiative to find ways to get better results and develops creative solutions that add value.
• Effectively uses Governance and appropriate follow-up processes to manage challenges and risk; expectation of high level of ownership for managing risks / issues in landing key Capability programs
• Demonstrates resiliency when presented with significant and unexpected challenges. Minimizes & removes barriers and confronts/resolves tough issues

Relationships :

• Inspires commitment from others, even outside her/his direct team, towards a shared vision and goal. Focuses the team on what needs to get done.
• Demonstrates Global Acumen: Identifies how decisions can impact and interact with different parts of the business, demonstrating also an appreciation for, and adapting to, cultural differences across geographies. Europe is key area of focus, but expectation of broader perspective across all Sectors.
• Proactively seeks out and integrates diverse perspectives to make better decisions
• Models active listening that deepens relationships and facilitates meaningful exchanges within the team
• Embraces & adapts well to change. Can be direct/forceful as well as tactful/diplomatic
• Understands & uses informal networks at the appropriate level to get things done