Annmarie Bull-Austin
McKinney,TX
Summary
Results-driven with expertise in Food, Beverages, Hair Care, and Hair Color Industries. Demonstrated success in leading global teams and driving innovation in product development, quality management, and strategic planning. Proven track record in Annual Operating Plan & Budgets, Change Management, Project Management, and skilled collaboration with internal and external partners to achieve business goals. Adept at implementing global Ingredient and Formula Specifications, Standards, and Governance, as well as managing Document Management Systems and Project Portfolios. Well-versed in GLPs, GMPs, and Quality Management Systems. Experienced and proficient in reporting, budgeting and compliance areas. Adept at high level communication and interaction/collaboration with executive leadership teams. Bringing superior skills in planning, negotiation and complex problem-solving gained with over 25 years of research and development experience.
Overview
35
35
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Manager, R&D Process & System Solutions
PepsiCo Inc.
Valhalla, NY
11.2018 - 03.2023
- Managed the financial expenditures and governance of Global Ingredient Teams, comprising of over 100 Associates from diverse disciplines and regions (LATAM, AMESA, APAC, Europe, US, and Canada) in R&D Organization.
- Facilitated cross-functional collaboration among various stakeholders, including Product Developers, Quality Assurance, Regulatory Affairs, Food Safety, Measurement Science, Microbiology, and Subject Matter Experts.
- Sustained and ensured governance, consistency, and a unified approach to ingredient standards and processes across PepsiCo, driving data integrity and accurate vendor information.
- Spearheaded change management and harmonization/synchronization of Data Systems to align with Global Ingredient Standards, enhancing efficiency and compliance.
- Influenced decision-making processes related to standards, leveraging insights to optimize ingredient-related practices for the organization.
- Provided valuable input and expertise to shape user and business requirements, contributing to the improvement of product development and quality management.
- Supported objectives, checkpoints and timelines, managing team members to meet project tasks and expectations.
- Maintained adequate staffing to meet objectives within budget.
- Developed and led process improvements to optimize operations and reduce costs.
- Managed vendor relationships to foster performance monitoring, issue resolution and statement of work reviews.
- Led Ingredient Budget, Forecasting, and Annual Operating Plan (AOP) for the Legacy Ingredient Specification Team, managing global resources with a budget of $4.0MM.
- Collaborated with Budget Owners and Finance Teams across sectors to ensure effective resource planning, cost control, and accurate financial reporting for planned, forecasted, and actual expenditures during full-year periods.
- Implement strategic resource allocation, aligning budgets with business objectives to optimize team performance and project outcomes.
- Developed and executed effective communication strategies via newsletter articles, disseminating updates and progress reports to the organization.
- Actively contributed to organizational growth and success, driving initiatives towards achieving Faster, Stronger, and Better platforms for the team.
- Recruited and interviewed college students to promote Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion within the R&D Organization.
- Delivered mentorship to young women as a member of Million Women Mentorship Program to ignite, elevate, and promote Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM).
Senior Manager - R&D Specification Data & Systems
Pepsico Inc.
Purchase, NY
10.2008 - 11.2018
- Managed the Specification Data and Systems Administration Team, ensuring the delivery of complete and accurate beverage manufacturing documents (ingredients and formulas) to support global business product launch initiatives across Co-packers, Concentrate Plants, and Bottlers.
- Collaborated with various stakeholders, including PepsiCo Beverages Quaker Foods Business Partners, Ingredient Developers, Product Developers, Packaging Developers, Engineers, Regulatory, IT, Analytical Science, Microbiology, Global R&D Regional Centers, Global Concentrate Plants, Co-Packers, and Bottlers, to streamline processes and ensure seamless process flow.
- Oversaw the R&D System Analyst Team, facilitating ingredient and formula workflow approvals and documentation dissemination to key stakeholders such as Product Developers, Regulatory, Microbiology, Bottlers, and Co-packers, enabling timely manufacturing of PepsiCo portfolio products.
- Successfully executed R&D Product Designs, supporting domestic and international business projects to meet product launch timelines for global markets.
- Managed critical systems, including Product Vision/Formula Specification System, Document Management System, and Global Supplier Quality Assurance System to ensure secure access, maintain data integrity, and accurate documentation.
- Conducted continuous system training for global business partners, equipping them with the necessary knowledge to navigate and improve their understanding of different portfolio document types essential for manufacturing high-quality beverage products.
- Partnered in strategic discussions with key business stakeholders; Regulatory, Product Development, Quality, IT Business Solutions, Bottler Manufacturing, Concentrate Manufacturing, and Nutrition Teams.
- Provided customized reports and metrics to support data-driven decision-making and enhance operational efficiency across various teams and departments.
- Provided valuable information, consultation, and insights to stakeholders, contributing to effective decision-making processes and driving positive business outcomes.
- Collaborated on system enhancements and improvements.
- Partnered with cross-functional teams through a change management process to optimize system functionalities and meet evolving business needs.
Manager - R&D Analytical Sciences
Pepsico Inc.
Valhalla, NY
01.2004 - 10.2008
- Successfully managed the Analytical Sciences team in both Concentrate and Beverage Laboratories, ensuring the delivery of accurate and high-quality data for ingredients, concentrates, and beverage products.
- Led a team of four (4) Scientists and one (1) Technician, overseeing the analysis of concentrates and beverage products using state-of-the-art instrumentation to determine product specifications prior to launch.
- Monitored staff performance and addressed issues to uphold high quality service.
- Led team meetings and one-on-one coaching sessions to continuously improve performance.
- Minimized staff turnover through appropriate selection, orientation and training.
- Provided valuable insights and influenced Product Development Teams during the development and expansion of carbonated and non-carbonated beverage portfolios for global markets.
- Established strong partnerships with R&D, Global Regional Centers (LATAM, AMESA, APAC, Europe, and Americas), Global Concentrate Labs, and Beverage Labs to ensure accurate analysis of products from development to commercialization.
- Led the development of quality procedures to establish laboratory and analytical testing best practices. These procedures included protocols for statistical control charting, check standard usage, proficiency testing, systems operational verification, calibration, and more.
- Ensured performance consistency in testing products by conducting monthly Round Robins between Global R&D Labs. These assessments verified testing accuracy and application of methodologies. Provided statistical analysis and interpretation to participants to identify areas for improvement in accuracy and precision.
- Created the comprehensive PepsiCo Global Laboratory Approval Program (GLAP) through collaboration with cross-functional international partners. This program qualified third-party laboratories to analyze and test ingredients and various beverage matrices with a high level of confidence. Domestic and international audits were conducted to determine the qualification of third-party laboratories.
- Partnered with Portfolio Management team to customize systems and allocate resources across strategic areas of R&D. Provided system training to R&D Managers to identify Full-Time Expenditure and Contractor resources necessary to meet the Global R&D Work Plan.
Principal Scientist - Analytical Sciences
Pepsico Inc.
Valhalla, NY
03.2001 - 01.2004
- Established the Concentrate Methods Team, focused on optimizing test methods, evaluating method variability, and ensuring accuracy in testing processes.
- Collaborated closely with R&D colleagues and engaged with twelve (12) Global Concentrate Plants to enhance testing methodologies and standardize processes.
- Coordinated, managed, and conducted training sessions on Test Methods and Statistical Process Control for Global PepsiCo Managers.
- Successfully led the development of the R&D Quality Management System, implementing ISO Principles and Guidelines.
- Designed and implemented a comprehensive program that facilitated the development and adoption of quality procedures, work instructions, and best practices across various R&D discipline groups.
- Ensured consistency in processes and practices by promoting the discipline of using quality standards throughout the organization.
Group Leader/Senior Chemist - Quality Assurance
Clairol Inc./Bristol Myers Squibb Co.
Stamford, CT
01.1988 - 03.2001
- Managed a team of Chemists involved in dye analyses, including semi-permanent, oxidative, intermediates, and certified FD&C Colors.
- Managed routine and non-routine analyses of raw materials and finished products and executed Round Robin Study for Dye testing validation among BMS Worldwide Laboratories and validation of mild surfactant blends.
- Led a computerized enhancement program for chemical receiving of raw materials, implementing templates and reducing test frequencies for all chemicals.
- Developed procedures for bulk/non-bulk chemical sampling.
- Provided training instruction for QA Chemists on HPLC instrumentation operation and troubleshooting techniques.
- Collaborated with Purchasing, Planning, Receiving, Shipping, and R&D Teams, playing a key role in the start-up and qualification of laboratory services for third-party contractors.
- Established strong alliances with suppliers, vendors, and distributors.
- Scheduled and prioritized chemist work assignments and responsibilities within the team.
- Gained skill-set in R&D sensory and olfactory to assess various fragrance levels in shampoos and conditioners.
- Experienced in Microbiological Plating for both chemicals and finished products.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Engineering Chemistry
State University of New York at Stony Brook
Stony Brook, NY12.1986
Skills
Ingredient and Formula Specifications, Standards, and Governance
Product Development Specifications
Analytical Sciences and Instrumentation (HPLC, UV/VIS Spectrometers, Densitometer, etc)
R&D Ingredient & Formula Management Systems: Product Vision System, SAP, Document Management System
Information Management System: WinLIM
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP): SAP
Annual Operating Plan & Budgets
Project Management
Change Management
Project Portfolio and Resource Management
Strategic Planning
Organizational Improvement
Quality Management Systems
GLPs and GMPs
Global Collaboration
Microsoft Suite: Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive, OneNote, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Publisher
References
Available upon request.
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Timeline
Senior Manager, R&D Process & System Solutions
PepsiCo Inc.
11.2018 - 03.2023
Senior Manager - R&D Specification Data & Systems
Pepsico Inc.
10.2008 - 11.2018
Manager - R&D Analytical Sciences
Pepsico Inc.
01.2004 - 10.2008
Principal Scientist - Analytical Sciences
Pepsico Inc.
03.2001 - 01.2004
Group Leader/Senior Chemist - Quality Assurance
Clairol Inc./Bristol Myers Squibb Co.
01.1988 - 03.2001
Bachelor of Science - Engineering Chemistry
State University of New York at Stony Brook