About PepsiCo

PepsiCo UK is a powerhouse in the food and beverage industry, proudly crafting some of the world's most beloved products. From everyday favourites like Walkers crisps, Doritos, and Quaker oats to a global portfolio of 22 billion-dollar brands, PepsiCo generates over $1 billion in annual retail sales per line. With a stellar reputation as a Top Employer for the sixth consecutive year, PepsiCo UK offers an exceptional workplace focused on innovation, consumer love, and sustainable growth. Our Reading location serves as a hub for strategic initiatives driving the UK Business Unit (BU) forward in a competitive landscape.

Role Overview

As Business Strategy Manager at PepsiCo in Reading, UK, you will join the UK BU Strategy and Transformation team, playing a pivotal role in shaping long-term enterprise strategy. This full-time position involves strategic problem-solving, data-driven diagnostics, solution design, execution, and influential communication to deliver sustainable, profitable growth. You will partner with UK executives, cross-functional leaders, and Europe Sector stakeholders to accelerate top-line revenue and bottom-line efficiency across end-to-end value chains.

Strategic Impact

Expect to inform the UK BU's commercial priorities, act as an internal consulting partner, and drive governance of transformation agendas. From integrating external data like Nielsen, Kantar, ONS, and IGD with internal financials to managing project portfolios, your work will directly influence PepsiCo's UK success.

Key Responsibilities

Your day-to-day will encompass a dynamic mix of high-impact tasks:

• Strategic Problem Solving: Frame problems, test hypotheses, and develop solutions using multifaceted data sources to shape the long-term UK BU agenda.
• Diagnose and Analyse: Map current states, benchmarks, and key drivers from fragmented datasets including external market intelligence and internal performance metrics.
• Design and Prioritize: Collaborate with business leaders to craft growth opportunities, productivity enhancements, and roadmaps across short, medium, and long-term horizons.
• Plan & Execute: Lead initiative delivery, resolve bottlenecks, coordinate resources, and monitor progress against milestones and KPIs.
• Influence & Communicate: Deliver compelling, data-backed proposals to senior audiences, fostering alignment and change management.
• Project Management: Oversee governance of strategy initiatives, including business cases, timelines, risks, investments, and capabilities, while maintaining an external focus on consumer trends, competitors, and macroeconomic factors.

Qualifications & Requirements

To thrive in this role, bring a results-oriented mindset with a bias for action. Key qualifications include:

• Proven strategic problem-solving and critical thinking skills in ambiguous environments.
• Expertise in external datasets (e.g., Nielsen, Kantar) and analytical prowess to synthesize disparate information.
• Superior communication and influence skills, with the ability to present succinctly to executives.
• Strong project management in matrixed organizations, prioritizing effectively amid competing demands.
• Familiarity with PepsiCo's UK business, F&B sector challenges, consumer dynamics, channels, and macroeconomic trends.
• Team-oriented flexibility, excelling in agile, collaborative settings with diverse tasks.

Preferred Experience

Background in strategy consulting, business transformation, or commercial roles within food & beverage is ideal. A can-do attitude and people skills are essential for partnering across functions.

Benefits & Perks

PepsiCo UK prioritizes employee well-being and professional fulfillment:

• Recognition as a Top Employer, reflecting our commitment to inclusive, supportive culture.
• Exposure to global billion-dollar brands and innovative product launches.
• Comprehensive health, wellness, and flexible working arrangements.
• Professional development through internal mobility and leadership programs.
• Competitive compensation package, estimated at £65,000 - £95,000 annually, based on Food & Beverage sector benchmarks in the UK.

Career Growth

This role is a launchpad for ambitious professionals. Gain visibility with UK BU executives and Europe Sector leaders, building expertise in strategy, analytics, and transformation. PepsiCo's vast portfolio offers pathways to senior strategy, commercial, or operations roles, fostering long-term career acceleration in a company renowned for talent development.

Why Join Us

At PepsiCo UK, you're not just joining a company—you're shaping the future of beloved brands in a Top Employer environment. Work on high-stakes projects driving profitable growth, collaborate with top talent, and maintain an external mindset amid evolving consumer and competitive landscapes. Based in vibrant Reading, enjoy proximity to London while contributing to national impact. If you're a strategic thinker ready to influence UK BU transformation, this is your opportunity to excel.

Role FAQs

Q: What is the reporting structure?
A: Reports to the UK BU Strategy & Transformation VP, aligned with UK BU GM and executives.

Q: Is travel required?
A: Occasional travel within the UK and Europe for cross-functional alignment.

Q: What tools or data platforms are used?
A: External sources like Nielsen/Kantar/ONS/IGD, plus internal financial and analytics systems.

Q: How does this role support PepsiCo's broader goals?
A: Directly advances sustainable growth, end-to-end transformation, and data analytics capabilities across the UK BU.

Q: Application process?
A: Submit your CV highlighting strategy experience; interviews include case studies and stakeholder presentations.