R&D Communications Manager

Overview

About PepsiCo

PepsiCo products are enjoyed by consumers more than one billion times a day in more than 200 countries and territories around the world. PepsiCo generated nearly $92 billion in net revenue in 2024, driven by a complementary beverage and convenient foods portfolio that includes Lay's, Doritos, Cheetos, Gatorade, Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, Quaker, and SodaStream. PepsiCo's product portfolio includes a wide range of enjoyable foods and beverages, including many iconic brands that generate more than $1 billion each in estimated annual retail sales.

Our Vision

PepsiCo Positive (pep+) is PepsiCo's global transformation program that seeks to drive long-term business performance and value. From how we source our ingredients to how we make and sell our products, pep+ connects the future of our business with the future of the world. The PepsiCo Corporate Affairs team is a key player in this work, partnering closely with our global Sustainability, R&D, Procurement, Foundation and Operations teams.

The Role

The R&D Communications Manager will play a key role on a high-visibility cross-functional team, responsible for supporting the design and implementation of PepsiCo's R&D Communications strategy and the execution of external communications, as well as partnering with the PepsiCo Positive (pep+), Public Policy Government Affairs (PPGA), and Social Impact & Foundation Communications teams. The Manager will serve as a communications counselor and advisor for the R&D function, including the Chief Science Officer who oversees R&D. Their responsibilities will center around strengthening corporate reputation by elevating R&D capability-building and world-class innovation.

Responsibilities

Reporting to the Director, Portfolio Transformation Communications, the R&D Communications Manager will:

• Serve as a Communications Business Partner to the R&D Function.
• Support the development of the R&D communications strategy, working with key stakeholders to ensure the plan supports and enables the achievement of business priorities. Coordinate across Comms function partners, R&D Chief of Staff, and communications agency on execution of plan.
• Provide executive communication support for Chief Science Officer (CSO) and Senior Leadership Team (SLT); prepare briefing documents; vet external speaking opportunities; provide/cascade existing talking points that support enterprise priorities.
• Story mine across R&D, develop media materials, and provide guidance to spokespeople.
• Develop and execute LinkedIn strategy for R&D CSO in partnership with Director of Portfolio Transformation Communications.
• Lead review on Global R&D Scientific Publication, Presentation and Sponsorship review systems and Open Innovation portal.
• Coordinate with Media Relations and Issues Centers of Excellence on proactive and reactive media engagements as necessary.
• Review and counsel on partner announcements and external communications.
• Support communications related to sustainability/ESG agenda, specifically for the Positive Choices strategy

Compensation & Benefits:

• The expected compensation range for this position is between $106,400 - $178,100.
• 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 12% 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.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (Communications or relevant degree preferred)
• 10+ years of experience in communications, marketing, and/or PR.
• Experience working with and managing agencies.
• Experience working in science, innovation, food and beverage, or related fields.
• Ability to think and act independently, using sound judgment, in an often ambiguous and dynamic environment.
• Strong decision-making and resourceful, problem-solving skills.
• Executive presence and comfort around senior executives.
• Culturally and politically astute. Great judgment, empathy, perception and ability to ascertain a situation quickly and effectively.
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills, particularly under tight deadlines and through the lens of general public, employees, stakeholders and KOLs.
• An awareness of the challenges facing global food and beverage companies through the lens of R&D and how that extends to other functions on the team (Sustainability, PPGA, Social Impact & Foundation).

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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 4901-4919, 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 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

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