MARIJA RADULOVIC
25 Thornhill Drive, Guelph ON,Canada
Summary
Seasoned R&D Manager with strong background in leading research and development teams. Proven ability to manage multiple projects, streamline operations, and improve product development processes. Strengths include exceptional leadership skills, strategic planning capabilities, and a deep understanding of technical specifications and industry trends. Past work has resulted in improved operational efficiency and innovative solutions in competitive markets.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
R&D Manager
PepsiCo Foods North America – Canada Region
Cambridge, ON
09.2022 - Current
- Directed innovation product development for Core Snacking, Renovation, and Pep+ reformulation across Canadian region.
- Defined R&D strategies with key stakeholders, ensuring team clarity on objectives and project execution.
- Led R&D team of five in cross-functional ideation and commercialization processes for innovation launches.
- Served as Sr. R&D Project Manager on Pep+ renovation projects, executing within compressed timelines.
- Represented Canadian R&D in global forums and local executive committee discussions.
- Managed broader Global R&D initiatives in Canada, aligning quality performance reviews with improvement processes.
- Facilitated efficient communication between manufacturing and R&D as Cambridge site liaison, enhancing collaboration.
- Oversaw EHS initiatives for R&D team, promoting a culture of safety at the site.
R&D Associate Manager
PepsiCo Foods Canada – Frito Lay
Cambridge, Ontario
08.2019 - 09.2022
- Manage packaging R&D scientists (2) and productivity scientist (1)
- Project Manager for Pep+ R&D helping define strategy, consult on strategy with NA R&D stakeholders, align ExCom to execution strategy including budget and timelines
- Lead weekly cross-functional meetings on Pep+ projects ensuring all projects executed on time and on budget
R&D Senior Scientist
PepsiCo Foods Canada – Frito Lay
Cambridge, Ontario
09.2017 - 08.2019
- R&D packaging lead for innovation and productivity projects, leading development of primary and secondary packaging and display ready pallets for key customers
- Responsible for design & implementation of new packaging specification system for Canadian specs and supporting integration of the packaging system into PepsiCo’s commercialization system
- Manage R&D technical lab ensuring all product and packaging prototypes, shipments, and consumer responses are completed accurately and on time
- Manage packaging R&D project lead ensuring project deliverables are accurate and on time
R&D Scientist
PepsiCo Foods Canada – Frito Lay
Cambridge, Ontario
09.2016 - 09.2017
- Became development lead for tortilla chip, popcorn, salsa, and multipack platforms with key brand growth over 200% vAOP and over $1.0MM in productivity
- Coached project leads in R&D project management through PDP and other business forums
R&D Associate Scientist
PepsiCo Foods Canada – Frito Lay
Cambridge, Ontario
05.2013 - 09.2016
- Developed 80% of core brand projects from ideation to commercialization, ensuring strict adherence to timelines through stage-gated PDP process.
- Investigated Canadian compliance for desired import products by utilizing CFIA, Health Canada, and FDA resources.
- Managed relationships with internal cross-functional teams, PepsiCo global partners, and co-packers to preemptively address product and process challenges.
- Innovated and remodeled formulations to enhance growth, achieve cost savings, and promote Human Sustainability initiatives.
- Led development with core seasoning and flavor vendors, aligning with brand standards to create strong consumer concepts that drive growth.
- Created and maintained product specifications, ingredient lists, nutrition facts panels, and packaging requirements.
Education
Food Science Certificate -
University of Guelph
Guelph, ON12.2011
Bachelor of Science Honours Degree - microbiology
University of Guelph
Guelph, Ontario06.2010
Skills
- R&D expertise in innovation and sustainability
- Formulation design
- Risk assessment
- Effective communication
- Task prioritization
- Budget management
- Strategic planning
- Staff management
- Team development
- Project management and execution
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Vendor relations
- Team leadership
References
References available upon request
Accomplishments
PepsiCo R&D Transform for Growth Award – Global Strategist 2019
Champion of global collaboration and initiates and promotes breaking down barriers, while motivating multicultural teams to work together seamlessly to achieve Global R&D goals
PepsiCo UXL Award 2018
Move of salsa manufacturing to Canadian co-manufacturer, increasing margins, reducing costs, and supporting local procurement
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
R&D Manager
PepsiCo Foods North America – Canada Region
09.2022 - Current
R&D Associate Manager
PepsiCo Foods Canada – Frito Lay
08.2019 - 09.2022
R&D Senior Scientist
PepsiCo Foods Canada – Frito Lay
09.2017 - 08.2019
R&D Scientist
PepsiCo Foods Canada – Frito Lay
09.2016 - 09.2017
R&D Associate Scientist
PepsiCo Foods Canada – Frito Lay
05.2013 - 09.2016
Food Science Certificate -
University of Guelph
Bachelor of Science Honours Degree - microbiology
University of Guelph
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