About PepsiCo

PepsiCo is one of the world's leading food and beverage companies, with an extensive portfolio that includes iconic brands like Pepsi, Gatorade, Lay's, and Quaker. Operating in over 200 countries, PepsiCo employs more than 300,000 people dedicated to delivering positive growth for portfolios, people, and the planet. In Ireland, PepsiCo drives innovation across international foods and beverages, focusing on sustainable, human-centric solutions that power accelerated growth. The Commercialization function within Consumer Groups plays a pivotal role in this agenda, blending marketing, insights, design, and R&D to create winning E2E solutions.

Role Overview

The Commercialization Director, Whitespace Innovation, International Beverages (Int'l Bev) is a senior leadership position based in Dublin 2, Ireland. Reporting into the International Beverages Commercialization team, this role is a key member of the Beverages Commercialization Council. You will spearhead the innovation and change agenda for European FOBO (Franchise-Owned Bottling Operations), delivering program and project management excellence. Focused on rapidly developing and deploying PepsiCo's Big Bet innovation programs, this position enables the Triple 15 vision across global categories in Europe. Embrace ambiguity, lead cross-functional teams through divergent and convergent thinking, and scale human-centric solutions using design-thinking, Agile, and Waterfall methodologies.

Key Responsibilities

As Commercialization Director, your mandate includes powering positive growth through smart, end-to-end solutions. Key responsibilities encompass:

• Leading the commercialization function for Whitespace Innovation in International Beverages, building a team environment that champions breakthrough thinking.
• Integrating cross-functional inputs from teams and franchise bottlers to craft make-to-learn plans addressing consumer desirability, technical feasibility, and business viability.
• Partnering with suppliers and customer supply chains to pioneer innovative E2E business models.
• Managing scope, risks, contingencies, costs, and resources at program and project levels, while developing integrated timelines for in-market pilots.
• Facilitating cross-functional meetings, engaging senior leadership for rapid decision-making, and managing the innovation hopper and pipeline to optimize portfolio choices.
• Proactively collaborating with Business Units (BU) and Global teams to commercialize Horizon 2 & 3 initiatives, embedding world-class people, processes, systems, and scorecards.
• Driving continuous improvement in innovation governance and Commercialization KPIs, leading Stage Gate processes for FOBO Europe.

Qualifications & Requirements

This role demands seasoned leadership with a track record of excellence in complex environments. Essential qualifications include:

• 8-10 years of project or program management experience, with proven results delivering significant business change in fast-paced, cross-functional, matrix settings.
• Comfort with ambiguous thinking and iterative development, employing design-thinking, Agile, and Waterfall techniques.
• High business acumen, exceptional critical thinking, storytelling, and analytical problem-solving skills.
• Key competencies: Results orientation, Clarity in communication, External Perspectives, Inspirational Leadership, Forward Thinking, Inclusive & Respectful approach, and Networks.
• Strong ability to influence at all levels, empower teams, and drive intentional trade-offs while balancing urgency with quality.

Candidates must demonstrate emotional intelligence, trend anticipation, and the capacity to simplify complexity for senior stakeholders.

Benefits & Perks

PepsiCo offers a premium compensation package tailored for senior leaders in Ireland:

• Estimated salary range of €140,000 - €200,000 annually, with performance-based bonuses and incentives.
• Comprehensive health insurance, including medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family.
• Generous pension contributions and retirement savings plans with employer matching.
• Flexible hybrid working model in state-of-the-art Dublin offices, plus 25+ days annual leave.
• Professional development programs, leadership training, and global mobility opportunities.
• Wellness initiatives, employee assistance programs, and sustainability-focused perks like electric vehicle schemes.

Career Growth

At PepsiCo, career progression is intentional and agile. As a Commercialization Director, you'll gain exposure to senior leadership councils, global innovation pipelines, and cross-category projects. Develop expertise in European FOBO operations while influencing PepsiCo's Triple 15 vision. High performers advance to VP-level roles, regional general management, or global innovation leadership. PepsiCo's commitment to inclusive leadership ensures diverse perspectives fuel your growth, with mentorship, stretch assignments, and executive coaching standard.

Why Join Us

Join PepsiCo's International Beverages team in Dublin 2 to lead whitespace innovation that shapes the future of beverages. Be part of a mission-driven culture delivering one smile at a time, with bold choices, agility, and winning execution. Leverage PepsiCo's vast resources for impactful work on human-centric, sustainable solutions. In Ireland's vibrant tech and business hub, enjoy a collaborative environment fostering breakthrough thinking and positive growth for portfolios, people, and the planet.

Role FAQs

What is the focus of Whitespace Innovation?

Whitespace Innovation targets untapped opportunities in International Beverages, driving Big Bet programs through E2E commercialization for Europe FOBO.

Is travel required?

Yes, occasional travel across Europe for stakeholder engagements and pilots.

What project management methodologies are used?

A blend of design-thinking, Waterfall, and Agile to enable fast, iterative learning.

How does this role contribute to PepsiCo's vision?

It powers the Triple 15 vision by scaling innovations across global categories.

What support is provided for team building?

Access to PepsiCo's world-class talent development, processes, and resources.