About PepsiCo
PepsiCo is delighted to be acknowledged as one of the world’s most successful food and beverage companies. The company is dedicated to the daily pursuit of their mission, aiming to bring more joy into the world with each bite and sip they offer. With a global reach, over two hundred nations and territories experience the consumption of over one billion servings of PepsiCo products every day.

Their diverse portfolio includes renowned brands such as Lay’s, Doritos, Gatorade, Pepsi, and Quaker. Each of these brands individually generates more than $1 billion in expected annual retail sales, contributing significantly to PepsiCo’s overall net revenue, which exceeded $70 billion in 2020. Employing over 13,000 individuals, PepsiCo Southern Africa operates across three distinct business segments: SA Food and Beverages, Essential Foods, and West, East, and Central Africa (WECA).

About the PepsiCo WIL (Work Integrated Learnership) 2026
PepsiCo is offering qualified candidates the chance to obtain credible experiences in the company through their professional work integrated learnership programme. PepsiCo extends a valuable opportunity to qualified candidates seeking to gain substantial and credible experiences within the company through their professional Work Integrated Learnership (WIL) programme.

This initiative serves as a platform for individuals to immerse themselves in practical and hands-on learning experiences, contributing to their professional development while actively engaging with the dynamic and innovative environment that PepsiCo offers. The PepsiCo WIL is structured to provide participants with a holistic understanding of the industry, fostering skills enhancement and preparing them for successful careers in their chosen fields.

The PepsiCo WIL (Work Integrated Learnership) requires you to perform the duties below:

1. Overarching Duties

• Assist in developing trial protocols and issue them to key stakeholders after alignment with the R&D Technologist or R&D Manager
• Organise and execute assigned research and development projects for the SA R&D team, ensuring delivery according to the calendar schedule and managing varying levels of project ownership from partial autonomy to transactional tasks
• Support the R&D Technologist across relevant product platforms in delivering low-complexity projects, with a specific focus on executing prototypes for pilot plant trials
• Execute production trials for low-complexity projects and report trial results to the R&D Manager using the TSG methodology
• Define and align trial protocols in collaboration with the R&D Technologist prior to execution
• Communicate trial requests to relevant stakeholders and coordinate pre-trial meetings
• Attend pilot plant and factory trials as required by the R&D Technologist.

2. Specific Responsibilities

• Lead the collection of base product samples from production lines for development at pilot plant level
• Collaborate with product developers to support product development activities
• Support effective operations in the pilot plant while maintaining GMP standards and good hygiene practices
• Support the R&D Technologist and New EHS representative in implementing EHS initiatives, including both local and ad hoc onsite requirements
• Complete online training to enhance business knowledge and technical capability
• Conduct seasoning applications and ensure salt results meet specification requirements
• Perform laboratory tests, including salt analysis, oil analysis, bulk density analysis, particle size analysis, and moisture analysis
• Provide support across additional project-related activities as required
• Compile project timelines and communicate them to relevant teams to ensure availability of required equipment and resources
• Execute scale-up activities within PepsiCo-owned production plants and selected co-manufacturers in close collaboration with the project lead
• Deliver clear, accurate, and complete project reports to the line manager and project teams, including recommendations on ingredients, formulations, and process conditions
• Draft R&D technical documentation, including artwork specifications, process specifications, and finished pack standards, for approval by the project manager
• Collaborate with the regulatory team to ensure full legal compliance.

Eligibility Criteria
Begin by acquainting yourself with the eligibility standards of the PepsiCo Work Integrated Learnership (WIL). These criteria collectively determine your suitability as a candidate for the program. To verify your qualifications, consult the list of qualifying prerequisites provided below. To maximize your likelihood of success, aim to fulfill all the requirements outlined in the following list.

The PepsiCo WIL (Work Integrated Learnership) Eligibility Criteria are as follows:

1. Basic Qualifications

• Successfully complete the theoretical component of your studies in a scientific field (Biochemistry, Food Technology, or Engineering) with an average above 60% and be in your final year of study
• Hold South African citizenship
• Demonstrate strong technical and analytical skills, including basic statistical knowledge, and the ability to interpret data and translate it into practical insights
• Contribute as a supportive team player by maintaining an accurate, methodical, organized, and reliable approach to work
• Exhibit excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Focus on achieving results by showing perseverance and providing timely, clear feedback to others
• Maintain a high level of self-motivation along with strong organizational and interpersonal abilities
• Show eagerness to learn, take initiative, and act as a self-starter
• Work independently while effectively managing change and increasing complexity
• Uphold integrity by protecting the company’s designs, formulations, processes, and reputation at all times
• Obtain a valid driving license, as it will be advantageous.

2. Advantageous Qualities

• Collaborate and communicate effectively within the R&D team and, when required, engage with multiple business functions such as SC/OPS, Commercialization, and external partners (e.g., CFAM, Clextral, Schaaf)
• Apply effective negotiation skills to ensure fair and efficient use of shared resources
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant technologies and apply this knowledge effectively
• Generate innovative, practical ideas within the scope of assigned projects through creative thinking
• Drive results by demonstrating persistence and determination
• Work independently while adapting to change and managing increasing complexity
• Take initiative by acting as a self-starter and maintaining strong self-motivation.

Application Instructions
Apply online (PepsiCo WIL (Work Integrated Learnership) 2026):

• R&D WIL Learnership (Beverages) – Req ID: 444091
• R&D WIL Learnership (Packaging) – Req ID: 444089
• R&D WIL Learnership (Nutrition Science) – Req ID: 444071
• R&D WIL Learnership (Bakeries) – Req ID: 444077
• R&D WIL Learnership (Snacks) – Req ID: 444070
• R&D WIL Learnership (Productivity) – Req ID: 444092
• R&D WIL Learnership (Seasoning) – Req ID: 444068
• R&D WIL Learnership (Foods) – Req ID: 444090

Please enter your email address in the designated box, and an application form will be promptly dispatched to your inbox. Complete the form by inputting your pertinent responses into the designated fields, ensuring the accuracy of all personal information aligned with your current circumstances.

Furthermore, candidates are required to submit a valid copy of their Identity Document along with certified copies of their most recent education certificates. For added convenience, applicants can opt to apply using their mobile phones, a more practical approach than using a computer. Android users can employ Google Chrome as their web browser, eliminating the need for additional installations.

All information provided will undergo comprehensive review by the entire selection committee, inclusive of the applicant. Hence, it is imperative to double-check and ensure the absence of any fictitious information. Applicants should be mindful that submitting false information poses a significant risk to their application standing.

Submission of applications implies consent for the selection committee to utilize the provided personal information for registration purposes. It is essential for candidates to process their applications through the designated portal, as submissions via alternative methods such as hand delivery or fax will not be entertained or accepted by the selection committee.

Closing Date
Application is available as long as it is not deleted on its official website.

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