About PepsiCo

PepsiCo is one of the world's leading food and beverage companies, with a portfolio that includes iconic brands like Pepsi, Gatorade, Lay's, Doritos, and Quaker. Headquartered in Purchase, New York, PepsiCo operates in over 200 countries, employing more than 300,000 people globally. The company is committed to sustainable growth, innovation, and creating joyful consumer experiences through its diverse product offerings. PepsiCo's Global Merchandising and Licensing team plays a pivotal role in extending brand equity into lifestyle products, partnerships, and promotional merchandise across its food and beverage pillars.

Role Overview

The Associate Design Manager, Global Merchandising and Licensing, based in New York, New York, is a dynamic role supporting the creation and execution of lifestyle products for PepsiCo's renowned portfolio. This position spans licensing, partnerships, and promotional merchandise, requiring expertise in graphic, fashion print, and packaging design. The ideal candidate brings experience with apparel, accessories, and hardgoods, going beyond design to codify PepsiCo's visual identity. Collaborating with Brand Design, Marketing, and Business functions, you'll plan, organize, and implement consistent design principles for quality and efficiency. This cross-functional role demands strong relationship-building, communication, and process innovation to deliver on time and within budget.

Key Pillars of the Role

• Licensing: Develop style guides and manage approvals.
• Partnerships: Lead creative immersions with collaborators.
• Promotional Merchandise: Oversee full development from brief to production.

Key Responsibilities

In this role, you'll drive the end-to-end design process with precision and creativity.

Fashion Graphic and Print

Develop compelling graphics and prints for apparel, accessories, and packaging that embody PepsiCo's brand DNA. Translate complex briefs into visual executions balancing creative vision and commercial goals. Stay ahead of trends in color, typography, prints, and graphics through competitive research, ensuring deliverables remain relevant and aspirational. Assemble persuasive presentations that convey design intent, storytelling, and business rationale.

Merchandise Production

Create detailed sketches, CADs, print callouts, and production-ready packages. Produce realistic visual mock-ups using Photoshop and AI tools. Track development, revisions, approvals, timelines, and costs. Prepare artwork files with exact scale, color, and placement accuracy. Collaborate on costing for graphics and embellishments, and participate in sample and bulk production reviews.

Licensing Style Guide Creation

Build comprehensive licensing style guides and brand toolkits for product and packaging consistency. Conduct audits with licensing and brand teams. Lead kick-offs and immersions with new licensees. Maintain a master artwork library and manage external agencies from brief to delivery.

Licensing Approvals and Project Management

Lead product approvals with Brand Design, Marketing, Legal, and agencies via digital systems. Review physical samples and ensure timely SLAs. Create calendars for accountability, secure cross-functional approvals, communicate updates, anticipate resources, prioritize efforts, and identify efficiency opportunities.

Qualifications & Requirements

To succeed, candidates need:

• Bachelor’s degree in design or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years in graphic, packaging, and/or fashion design across categories.
• Deep knowledge of product creation from concept to factory.
• Expert proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, Firefly, and related tools.
• Thrives in fast-paced, ambiguous environments with entrepreneurial ownership.
• Exceptional organization, collaboration, and communication skills.

Benefits & Perks

PepsiCo offers a premium compensation package tailored to top talent:

• Expected salary range: $89,000 - $149,000, adjusted for location, skills, experience, and education.
• 10% annual performance bonus based on eligibility.
• Comprehensive health benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, Health & Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts.
• Paid time off including parental leave, vacation, sick, and bereavement.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Accident, Group Legal, and Life Insurance.
• Defined Contribution Retirement Plan for long-term security.

This package supports work-life balance and family needs, with recruiters providing specifics during hiring.

Career Growth

At PepsiCo, this role is a launchpad for design leaders. Gain exposure to global brands, cross-functional teams, and high-impact projects. Develop skills in strategic design management, licensee partnerships, and process optimization. PepsiCo invests in employee growth through training, mentorship, and internal mobility, positioning you for advancement in merchandising, brand design, or marketing leadership.

Why Join Us

Join PepsiCo to shape the future of lifestyle merchandising for world-famous brands. Work in a collaborative, innovative environment in the heart of New York City. Influence products that reach millions, while enjoying competitive pay, robust benefits, and career acceleration. PepsiCo values diversity, sustainability, and bold ideas—perfect for entrepreneurial designers ready to make an impact.

Role FAQs

What design experience is required?

5+ years in graphic, fashion print, or packaging design, with apparel and hardgoods expertise.

Is relocation support offered?

Discuss with your recruiter; position is New York-based.

What tools must I know?

Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, Firefly; CAD and mock-up skills a plus.

How cross-functional is the role?

Highly—partners with Design, Marketing, Legal, Licensing, and agencies.

What's the salary upside?

$89K-$149K base + 10% bonus; total comp competitive with market leaders.