Manufacturing Process Improvement Coordinator Review

Supported operational efficiency and continuous improvement initiatives across Quality and Operations at PepsiCo’s
Skelmersdale manufacturing site.
• Developed digital solutions using Power BI, Power Apps and Power Automate to improve data collection, reporting, workflow
efficiency and operational visibility.
• Built a Power BI Site Expert Trainer dashboard used to monitor certification activity across PepsiCo sites; it recorded 318 views
from 29 users and received a Monetary Smiles award.
• Developed an Excel-based Walkers Baked production planner that improved planning visibility and was subsequently used as a
template at other PepsiCo sites.
• Created a True Efficiency tracker for Monster Munch Line 1, standardising product-variant run-rate comparisons to support weekly
performance reviews and operational decisions.
• Supported defect handing on the shop floor, using MFG Pro + to log defects and contribute to 168 defects logged. This resulted in
decreased stoppages and increased machine efficiency.

Yes, I was given a significant amount of responsibility during my placement at PepsiCo, which helped me develop both professionally and personally.
Working within the Manufacturing Excellence and Change department, I was trusted to take ownership of projects that supported operational efficiency and continuous improvement. For example, I developed an Excel-based production planner for Walkers Baked, which was later used as a template at other PepsiCo sites. I also created Power BI dashboards and digital solutions to improve reporting, performance tracking and decision-making.
Alongside my project work, I was trusted to deliver Continuous Improvement inductions when the CI lead was unavailable and organise a manufacturing site tour for placement students from other sites. This involved coordinating with managers and team leaders while working around live production requirements.
Overall, I felt that I was treated as a valued member of the team rather than just a placement student. Having responsibility for real projects that made a difference to the business helped me build my confidence, independence and ability to manage competing priorities.

Yes, I developed a wide range of new skills during my placement at PepsiCo, particularly in data analysis, digitalisation, problem-solving and communication.
One of the biggest areas of development was my technical ability. I gained practical experience using Power BI, Power Apps, Power Automate and advanced Excel to develop solutions that improved reporting, production planning and operational efficiency. I also became more confident analysing data, identifying areas for improvement and turning information into practical solutions that supported business decisions.
I also significantly developed my communication and stakeholder management skills through working with colleagues across different departments, including managers and shop-floor teams. Delivering Continuous Improvement inductions and leading a manufacturing site tour helped improve my confidence in presenting and communicating with different audiences.
Finally, I strengthened my time management, organisation and problem-solving skills by taking ownership of projects and managing competing priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Overall, the placement allowed me to apply what I had learnt at university in a real business environment while developing new technical and professional skills that I can carry forward into my graduate career.

During the earlier stages of my placement at PepsiCo, I received a good level of support and guidance from my manager and colleagues. They helped me understand the manufacturing environment, develop my technical skills and build confidence in taking ownership of projects.
However, as the placement progressed, a major new business initiative led to changes within the department, including a change in my line manager. This meant that the level of direct support and guidance I received became more limited as priorities shifted towards the new initiative.
Although this was challenging at times, it encouraged me to become more independent, take greater initiative and develop my problem-solving skills. I became more confident managing my own workload, finding solutions and approaching colleagues across different departments when I needed advice or support.
Overall, while the level of guidance varied throughout my placement, I found the experience valuable as it helped me become more adaptable, resilient and comfortable working independently in a changing business environment.

At the beginning of my placement at PepsiCo, the company culture and general atmosphere were very positive. I felt welcomed into the team, colleagues were supportive and approachable, and there was a strong sense of teamwork. It was an enjoyable environment to work in, and I felt encouraged to learn, contribute ideas and develop my skills. There where also many inclusivity events for different demographics of people.
However, as the placement progressed, the atmosphere changed significantly. A change in site leadership, alongside redundancies and the introduction of a major new business initiative, created a period of uncertainty across the site. These changes affected employee morale, and the working environment became noticeably more pressured and less positive than it had been initially.
The new initiative also brought changes to departmental priorities, management structures and ways of working, which affected the level of support and communication within the team.
Although the latter part of my placement was more challenging, it gave me valuable experience of how organisational change can affect employees and workplace culture. It also helped me understand the importance of effective leadership, clear communication and maintaining employee morale during periods of uncertainty.
Overall, I really enjoyed the culture during the earlier stages of my placement, but the changes towards the end demonstrated how quickly the atmosphere within a business can shift when significant organisational changes take place.

Overall, I enjoyed my placement at PepsiCo, particularly during the earlier stages when the working environment was positive, supportive and encouraged learning and development. I really enjoyed being given responsibility for meaningful projects and having the opportunity to apply my university knowledge in a real manufacturing environment.
One of the most enjoyable aspects was developing digital solutions and seeing the impact of my work, particularly when projects I had developed were adopted by other teams and sites. I also enjoyed working with colleagues across different departments, building relationships and gaining a better understanding of how a large organisation operates.
However, my enjoyment of the placement declined towards the latter stages due to changes in site leadership, redundancies and the introduction of a major new initiative. These changes affected the working atmosphere, departmental priorities and the level of support available, making the experience more challenging than it had been initially.
Despite this, I still consider the placement an extremely valuable experience. I gained a wide range of technical and professional skills, became more independent and developed a better understanding of both the positive and challenging aspects of working in a large business.
Overall, while I enjoyed the first part of my placement considerably more than the latter stages, I am grateful for the opportunities and experience I gained throughout the year.

Yes