Cork Metropolitan Area
Currently working as an Open Innovation manager within the XI team. The purpose of the role is to grow and manage innovation opportunities in line with the PepsiCo innovation strategy. Working with academics, CROs, startups, ventures and suppliers to drive forward the innovation agenda for R&D. I also am the global lead for new innovations across food safety, microbiology, quality and regulatory affairs. Previously worked for PepsiCo R&D Europe supporting all product developers in the snacks, nutrition and dairy categories. I was their point of contact for food safety in the early stage of product development until transferred into operations. I was involved in the delivery of HACCP training and supporting development of HACCP plans across the region as well as auditing against BRC standards. Provided support for product developers across the European sector on the development of their projects and bringing them through a Technical Stage Gate program accessing the risks and hazards. I was also involved in reviewing and updating specifications and limits across all product categories in Europe. In my previous role in P&G I was responsible for the microbiology on site and helping improve compliance to Clean design standards. I was involved in all affected innovations and projects on site involving significant savings for the site including implementation of a new RO unit, new and faster testing methods and 'real time' data analysis and sample tracking. Completed my PhD in 2011 from University College Dublin. My PhD was a cross disipline project which comprised of pharmaceutical chemistry, microbiology and cell biology, looking into to anti cancer and anti bacterial effect of conjugated peptides on cell lines.
Responsible for the creation of new business opportunities for PepsiCo in the area of novel ingredients, processes, packaging and related fields. Maintain a deep and comprehensive understanding of the Food & beverage industry. Identify trends and technical challenges that demand the identification and creation of novel, disruptive solutions. Continuously scout the external environment to identify technologies that may fit with PepsiCo strategic objectives (Open Innovation) Establish and maintain a network with academic research, government agencies, Invention networks and suppliers. Ensure close internal collaboration with colleagues elsewhere within the business and support internal stakeholders as necessary. Demonstrate creativity and innovation on projects by maintaining up to date knowledge of technological advances in technologies both internal and external to the food & beverage industry.
I worked for P&G product supply as a site microbiology manager. The key tasks included daily management of site microbiological issues (including the site water system), Micro risk assessment of the site and its equipment, capability building, CAPAs, review of CAPEX projects to ensure clean design compliance on new projects. I was responsible for implementing KPIs around key microbiological parameters.