Laboratory Quality Internship at PepsiCo

PepsiCo South Africa is inviting driven and detail-oriented graduates to join their world-class supply chain team as a Laboratory Intern in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. This hands-on internship provides an exceptional entry point for aspiring food science and quality assurance professionals seeking direct industrial laboratory exposure within a globally recognized FMCG enterprise. As an integral team member on shift, the successful intern will assist with continuous quality verification, data collation, and testing processes that keep South Africa's favorite beverage and food brands compliant with world-class quality benchmarks.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform routine analytical and finished product quality testing, including In-Market Testing (IMT), to verify full conformance to specifications.

• Investigate out-of-specification results promptly, assist in determining root causes, and support the implementation of corrective actions.

• Execute precise calibration, routine maintenance, and verification of analytical laboratory instrumentation.

• Coordinate data collation and reporting of process statistics across shifts to ensure clear visibility for operational decision-making.

• Conduct allergen swabbing, environmental monitoring, and active investigations into foreign objects or customer quality complaints.

• Monitor Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) parameters and support adherence to AIB International and FSSC 22000 food safety standards.

• Manage laboratory chemical and consumable stock levels, documentation audits, and the handling of released, held, or rejected production batches.

• Support plant trials, commissioning activities, and internal ASHA laboratory audits under senior quality leadership.

Why Join the Company

Working at PepsiCo means joining an organization celebrated globally for ethics, inclusion, and early career development. Interns in Durban gain unmatched practical exposure to modern high-speed manufacturing, rigorous international food safety systems, and continuous mentorship from seasoned industry scientists. PepsiCo fosters a performance-driven culture where young talent is empowered to build technical mastery, solve real-world operational challenges, and fast-track their careers in quality assurance and supply chain management.

Application Strategy (Exclusive)

• Emphasize Food Safety Standards: Clearly showcase your theoretical understanding of HACCP, FSSC 22000, GMP, and GLP on your CV, referencing any academic modules, practical projects, or certifications completed.

• Highlight Wet Chemistry & Equipment Skills: Specify exact laboratory equipment and analytical techniques you operated during your tertiary studies (e.g., pH meters, refractometers, titrations, swabbing protocols).

• Demonstrate Shift Readiness: Explicitly state your availability and willingness to work rotating shifts, underscoring adaptability, punctuality, and commitment to operational excellence.

Interview Preparation

Candidates shortlisted for this position should prepare to answer targeted technical and behavioral questions, such as:

• "How would you handle an unexpected out-of-specification result during a production run where immediate feedback to the manufacturing line is critical?"

• "What steps do you follow to ensure the accuracy and reliability of daily instrument calibrations in a high-volume testing environment?"

You can practice crafting structured, professional responses to these questions using the YouthNextStep Interview Simulator.

How to Apply

Submit your application through the official careers channel quoting Reference: 478301. If direct application links are not accessible, please apply using the Quick Apply button on this page.

Salary is estimated based on market research.

• Grade 12 / Matric qualification.

• National Diploma in Food Technology, Biotechnology, Analytical Chemistry, or an equivalent relevant tertiary qualification.

• Sound computer literacy (MS Excel, Word, and data processing tools).

• Demonstrated oral and written communication capabilities.

• Strong analytical mindset with high attention to detail and data integrity.

• Proven problem-solving skills and results-oriented approach.

• Willingness and physical capability to work rotational shifts in an operational manufacturing environment.