Associate Project

At PepsiCo design, we have a saying: "We're crazy enough to think we can inspire the future." This is what drives us, in everything we imagine, develop and execute. 

Design is a strategic global function for PepsiCo that drives business value by leading innovation, creating experiences, and brand engagements. We are one of the first major food & beverage companies to integrate multiple design disciplines—brand design, design thinking, industrial design, design strategy, front-end innovation—into a single group. 

Our goal is clear: to connect PepsiCo's food & beverage portfolios, with today's hyper-connected, networked users and consumers hungry for meaningful, authentic, and relevant brand experiences across multiple touchpoints and regions of the world.

As a Associate Project & Operations Manager on the Design and Innovation team, you will lead complex, cross-functional initiatives that drive strategic value across the organization. You will be responsible for overseeing the full project lifecycle—from concept through execution—ensuring alignment with business goals, design excellence, and innovation outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Lead the definition and execution of high-impact design and innovation projects, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.
• Collaborate with senior stakeholders across Design, R&D, Marketing, and Business teams to shape project vision, scope, and success metrics.
• Develop and manage integrated project plans, timelines, and budgets for multiple concurrent initiatives.
• Anticipate resource needs and proactively manage capacity, including internal teams and external partners.
• Serve as the primary point of accountability for project delivery, risk mitigation, and stakeholder communication.
• Facilitate cross-functional collaboration and ensure momentum, clarity, and quality across all project phases.
• Drive continuous improvement by analyzing project performance and implementing best practices.
• Mentor junior project managers and coordinators, fostering a culture of ownership, agility, and innovation.
• Champion design thinking and agile methodologies to accelerate experimentation and learning.
• Oversee vendor relationships, contracts, and deliverables to ensure alignment with project goals and standards.

Compensation and Benefits:

• The expected compensation range for this position is between $89,000 - $149,000.
  
• Location, confirmed job-related skills, experience, and education will be considered in setting actual starting salary. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range during the hiring process.
  
• Bonus based on performance and eligibility target payout is 10% of annual salary paid out annually.
  
• Paid time off subject to eligibility, including paid parental leave, vacation, sick, and bereavement.
  
• In addition to salary, PepsiCo offers a comprehensive benefits package to support our employees and their families, subject to elections and eligibility: Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, Health, and Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Insurance (Accident, Group Legal, Life), Defined Contribution Retirement Plan.

• Over 6 years' project management experience in design or creative fields; agency background preferred.
• Proven track record of leading complex, cross-functional projects from inception to delivery.
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills with the ability to navigate ambiguity.
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills, including executive-level reporting.
• Deep understanding of project management methodologies (Agile, Waterfall, Hybrid) and tools (e.g., Monday, Office 365, Miro).
• PMP or equivalent certification strongly preferred.
• Experience mentoring or managing junior team members is a plus.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, iterative environment with a start-up mindset.
• Passion for design, innovation, and creating meaningful user experiences.

Our Company will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Fair Credit Reporting Act, and all other applicable laws, including but not limited to, San Francisco Police Code Sections , commonly referred to as the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance; and Chapter XVII, Article 9 of the Los Angeles Municipal Code, commonly referred to as the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status.

PepsiCo is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Female / Minority / Disability / Protected Veteran / Sexual Orientation / Gender Identity / Age

If you'd like more information about your EEO rights as an applicant under the law, please download the available EEO is the Law & EEO is the Law Supplement documents. View PepsiCo EEO Policy.

 Please view our Pay Transparency Statement