Overview
You’ve learned a lot as a student already. Want to put it into practice at PepsiCo?
Our placement programmes are structured to give you the chance to make an impact on some of the world’s biggest brands. From day one, you’ll be working on projects that matter. You will shake things up, shape trends, and get guidance and development to help you discover your potential.
We are looking for enthusiastic undergraduates to join our R&D teams on a 12-month placement programme starting in July 2026 on a full-time basis. All our Research & Development opportunities are based out of Beaumont Park, Leicester.
Innovation takes centre stage at PepsiCo! That means our Global R&D team are at the heart of the action and are kept busy creating the products of the future, for our global consumers. In a fast-paced consumer environment, our research and development capability is crucial to provide a fresh twist to our favourite brands as well as creating new to the world healthy choices that we need to succeed in the market. Our research and development focusses on building a consumer-centric understanding, enabling us to design products for the latest consumer needs - whether nutrition, refreshment, or indulgence – driving our growth both now and in the future.
You’ll have lots of autonomy where your decisions will really make a difference to our business and in return, you’ll have the chance to develop your skills and experience in a fast paced, energetic environment.
Overview of the role
Our Packaging Team plays a critical role in shaping the packaging strategy for all PepsiCo Foods products across Europe. We are responsible for delivering innovative, sustainable, and consumer-centric packaging solutions for a diverse portfolio of iconic brands, including Quaker, Walkers, Lay’s, Duyvis, and many others.
In this role, you will support the successful execution of packaging projects across the European sector. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams—including Marketing, Commercial, and Supply Chain—to ensure timely and effective delivery of initiatives that align with business objectives. This is a dynamic and fast-paced environment where your contributions will directly impact product performance, brand perception, and sustainability goals.
Responsibilities
What you will be doing:
As part of the R&D Packaging team, you will be actively involved in the development of creative and sustainable packaging solutions that support PepsiCo’s innovation and environmental goals. Your responsibilities will include:
1. Packaging Development: Supporting and leading a variety of packaging development activities, including developing digital solutions to practical problems and analysing and reporting results to peers and line management.
2. Cross-functional Collaboration: Working closely with product insights and analytical teams to evaluate and measure key packaging attributes, ensuring alignment with product performance and consumer expectations.
3. Prototyping & Preparation: Creating packaging prototypes and preparing samples for internal reviews, testing, and stakeholder presentations.
4. Testing & Analysis: Arranging and conducting packaging trials, coordinating desk top & laboratory analyses, and compiling and communicating results to relevant team members and stakeholders.
Qualifications
What are we looking for?
5. Students that have the full right to work for the duration of the full time placement (July 2026-July 2027).
6. Students currently in their penultimate year of university studies, where the course includes the option of completing a sandwich placement before returning to study after the placement.
7. Following path to a degree level qualification in design engineering, engineering, materials science, chemistry
8. Technical Aptitude – Understanding of materials science, packaging technologies, and manufacturing processes.
9. Analytical Thinking – Ability to interpret data from tests and trials to draw meaningful conclusions.
10. Creativity & Innovation – Interest in developing new, sustainable, and consumer-friendly packaging solutions.
11. Project Management – Capable of managing tasks, timelines, and priorities effectively within a project framework.
12. Communication Skills – Clear and professional communication with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
13. Team Collaboration – Comfortable working in a team environment and contributing to group objectives.
14. Problem-Solving – Proactive in identifying issues and proposing practical, data-driven solutions.
15. Software Proficiency – Familiarity with tools such as Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint), and understanding of how digital solutions can provide practical results
What else do you need to know?
Our placements start in July 2026 on a full-time basis and will last for 12 months. The salary is £25,500.
Other benefits:
16. Vibrant culture
17. Development and mentoring
18. 25 days annual leave plus 8 days bank holidays, birthday leave
19. Discounted PepsiCo products
20. Competitive pension scheme
21. Market-leading health and wellbeing benefits: Virtual GP: available to you and your family 24/7, Discounted gym membership, SWORD; online free digital physiotherapy service
Our application process involves:
22. Online application
23. One way video interview sent to you by Talent Acquisition team: September- October 2025
24. Virtual Assessment Centre November- December 2025 (subject to change)
Application Closing Date: 20th October 2025
Our application window is scheduled to close on the above date, however, in the event of a large response we will close applications early. We would therefore encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
About PepsiCo
PepsiCo products are enjoyed by consumers more than one billion times a day in more than 200 countries and territories around the world. PepsiCo generated nearly $92 billion in net revenue in 2024, driven by a complementary beverage and convenient foods portfolio that includes Lay’s, Doritos, Cheetos, Gatorade, Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, Quaker, and SodaStream. PepsiCo’s product portfolio includes a wide range of enjoyable foods and beverages, including many iconic brands that generate more than $1 billion each in estimated annual retail sales.
Guiding PepsiCo is our vision to Be the Global Leader in Beverages and Convenient Foods by Winning with pep+ (PepsiCo Positive). pep+ is our strategic end-to-end transformation that puts sustainability and human capital at the centre of how we will create value and growth by operating within planetary boundaries and inspiring positive change for planet and people.