About PepsiCo

PepsiCo is one of the world's leading food and beverage companies, with a diverse portfolio that includes iconic brands like Pepsi, Gatorade, Lay's, and Quaker. Headquartered in Purchase, New York, PepsiCo operates globally, delivering innovative products that delight consumers while driving sustainable growth. The company's Design & Innovation team stands at the forefront of this mission, harnessing Design Thinking to solve complex brand and business challenges. With a consumer-centric approach and a startup mentality within a Fortune 500 powerhouse, PepsiCo Design elevates design as a core function, process, and culture across the organization.

Role Overview

The Brand Design Manager (Gatorade) role in Chicago, Illinois, offers a dynamic opportunity to shape the future of one of PepsiCo's flagship brands. Reporting into the PepsiCo Design & Innovation team, you will partner on high-impact projects that span brand identity, packaging, 360 campaigns, social media strategies, promotions, and immersive activations. This position demands a blend of creative excellence, strategic vision, and technical prowess, particularly in leveraging AI tools like Adobe Firefly to revolutionize design workflows. Ideal for multidisciplinary designers with agency or client-side experience, this role bridges creative ideation with operational execution, ensuring designs deliver both aesthetic appeal and business results.

Key Responsibilities

In this pivotal role, you will drive Gatorade's brand evolution across North America. Key responsibilities include conceiving and implementing innovative design strategies for retail marketing, social media, and experiential activations. You will energize internal teams and external partners from concept to commercialization, generating breakthrough solutions that foster brand love and loyalty. Collaboration is core: partner closely with Marketing, Insights, R&D, Operations, and Sales to align designs with customer needs and logistical realities. Actively incorporate AI-powered tools to enhance creativity, efficiency, and output quality in generating images, animations, and motion graphics. Support the broader PepsiCo Design Organization by cultivating talent, inspiring creative direction, and building a robust external design network.

Strategy, Design, and Innovation

Develop holistic experiences spanning print, packaging, digital, environmental, and new media. Identify self-initiated programs that deliver critical business value.

Design Project Management

Bridge vision with execution, managing timelines, resources, and stakeholder alignment for seamless delivery.

Qualifications & Requirements

To succeed, candidates need 8+ years as a multidisciplinary designer, with full-time agency or client-side experience taking projects from concept to completion. Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and Firefly software is essential, alongside a strong understanding of AI tools for design enhancement. Preferred skills include exceptional typography, conceptual design, 360 brand experience (print, packaging, digital, experiential), and motion graphics generation via AI platforms. Demonstrate extraordinary design taste, trend awareness, and the agility to thrive in dynamic, uncertain environments. Strong stakeholder management, influence across organizational levels, and 15% travel willingness are required. A portfolio showcasing high-impact, innovative work is crucial.

Benefits & Perks

PepsiCo offers a competitive compensation package for the Brand Design Manager role, with salaries ranging from $106,400 to $178,100 USD annually, adjusted based on location, skills, experience, and education. Eligible candidates receive a 12% performance-based bonus, paid annually. Comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage; disability insurance; Health and Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts; Employee Assistance Program (EAP); accident, group legal, and life insurance. Enjoy paid time off subject to eligibility, encompassing parental leave, vacation, sick time, and bereavement. A Defined Contribution Retirement Plan rounds out the package, supporting long-term financial wellness for you and your family.

Career Growth

At PepsiCo, career progression is fueled by innovation and impact. As Brand Design Manager, you'll expand your expertise across Gatorade's ecosystem while partnering with world-class teams in PBUS Design, R&D, and Marketing. Opportunities abound for talent development, creative leadership, and leading design culture in US Divisions. With a focus on forward-thinking solutions and external network building, this role positions you for advancement into senior design strategy, innovation leadership, or cross-functional executive positions. PepsiCo's startup mentality within a global giant ensures exposure to cutting-edge projects and rapid growth trajectories.

Why Join Us

Joining PepsiCo's Design & Innovation team means contributing to brands that touch billions of lives daily. Work on Gatorade, the sports hydration leader, with resources to push creative boundaries using AI and emerging technologies. Benefit from a collaborative, purpose-driven culture that values risk-taking, consumer insights, and measurable business outcomes. Based in vibrant Chicago, enjoy a premium work environment blending startup agility with corporate stability. PepsiCo invests in your success through training, mentorship, and a network of top-tier partners, making this the ideal launchpad for design professionals seeking premium impact.

Role FAQs

What experience level is required?

8+ years in multidisciplinary design, with agency or client-side projects from ideation to execution.

Is AI experience mandatory?

Yes, strong understanding and active use of AI tools like Firefly for design workflows is required.

What is the travel expectation?

Up to 15% travel for meetings, activations, and partner collaborations.

How does PepsiCo support work-life balance?

Through generous PTO, parental leave, comprehensive health benefits, and flexible hybrid options where applicable.

What salary and bonus can I expect?

Base salary $106,400-$178,100 USD, plus 12% performance bonus and full benefits suite.

This role at PepsiCo in Chicago represents a rare chance to blend creativity, strategy, and technology for Gatorade. Apply now to shape the future of brand design.