About PepsiCo

PepsiCo is a global leader in the food and beverage industry, proudly crafting some of the UK's favourite snacks and drinks. Brands like Walkers, Quaker, Doritos, Pipers, and Monster Munch are household names, produced across key sites including the Quaker mill in Cupar, Doritos factory in Coventry, and one of the world's largest crisp factories in Leicester. As PepsiCo UK prepares for an exciting move to a vibrant new office in Reading town centre by the end of 2025—opposite Reading train station—the company is poised for renewed purpose and bold aspirations in the UK and Ireland market.

With an integrated Corporate Affairs team, PepsiCo UK drives corporate reputation through innovative internal and external communications. This maternity cover role offers a pivotal opportunity to contribute to storytelling for a portfolio of iconic brands, including Pepsi MAX, in a fast-paced, purpose-driven environment.

Role Overview

The Corporate Communications Manager & Digital Lead (Maternity Cover) is a key position within the UK & Ireland Corporate Affairs team, based in PepsiCo's brand-new modern office in Reading. Reporting to the Senior External Communications Manager with a dotted line to the Senior Internal Communications Manager, this role blends strategic communications planning with hands-on digital leadership.

You will devise and deliver engaging digital content across corporate social media channels and internal forums, while developing 360-degree communications plans to elevate PepsiCo's corporate stories, particularly in health and sustainability. This is a full-time maternity cover position, ideal for a self-motivated professional ready to make an impact at a transformative time for PepsiCo UK.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Communications Planning

Develop, present, and activate comprehensive 360 communications plans to proactively tell PepsiCo's corporate stories. Focus on health and sustainability initiatives, identifying compelling news hooks and tailoring content for diverse stakeholder audiences, from media to employees.

Digital and Social Media Leadership

As Digital Lead, manage owned media strategy and content for PepsiCo UK’s corporate social channels in partnership with agencies. Oversee video and photo shoots, ensuring creative, relevant plans that amplify global and local brand campaigns.

Brand Integration and Marketing Counsel

Integrate brands like Walkers and Doritos into corporate PR opportunities, collaborating closely with Marketing teams. Provide daily advice on marketing campaigns, overseeing review and governance processes to protect brand and corporate reputation.

Internal and Reactive Communications

Share news and stories across internal channels, support reactive issues and change management with sensitivity under pressure. Coordinate corporate reporting (e.g., Gender Pay Gap report), awards entries, and website updates at www.pepsico.co.uk.

Project Management and Evaluation

Project manage company events like conferences and town halls. Use data and insights to produce evaluation reports, recommending enhancements for communication effectiveness.

Qualifications & Requirements

Essential Experience

Minimum 5-7 years in corporate communications, marketing, or a related field, gained in a large, fast-paced environment (in-house or agency). Proven track record in devising and delivering strategically driven plans with measurable results.

Key Skills

Outstanding writing and editing skills with meticulous attention to detail. Digitally savvy with expertise in corporate social best practices, basic graphic design, and proficiency as a media handler. Self-motivated, organized, and able to manage multiple priorities autonomously. Strong collaborator skilled in influencing cross-functional teams.

Desirable Attributes

Video editing abilities, community management experience, budget management, and a degree in a relevant discipline. A keen follower of food and drink industry news, applying insights to proactive and reactive communications creatively.

Benefits & Perks

PepsiCo UK offers a competitive salary, performance bonus, and car allowance. Enjoy flexible working arrangements, critical illness cover, discounted gym memberships, and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your wellbeing and work-life balance. Join a modern office in a prime Reading location with excellent transport links.

Career Growth

This role provides exposure to high-impact projects at a pivotal moment for PepsiCo UK, including the office relocation and sustainability-focused storytelling. Gain experience in agency management, digital innovation, and cross-functional leadership, building a strong foundation for long-term advancement in Corporate Affairs or broader PepsiCo careers. PepsiCo invests in employee development, offering opportunities to grow within a global powerhouse.

Why Join Us?

Be part of PepsiCo's bold future in the UK, contributing to beloved brands and purpose-led initiatives. This maternity cover role immerses you in a collaborative team, leveraging your communications expertise to drive reputation and engagement. With Reading's vibrant town centre location and comprehensive perks, it's an ideal launchpad for your career in the food and beverage sector.

Role FAQs

Is this a permanent position?

This is a maternity cover role, offering full-time employment with PepsiCo UK during the cover period.

What is the location and setup?

Based in the new Reading office opposite the train station, with flexible working options.

Do I need prior agency experience?

Yes, experience in agency relationship management is essential.

What salary can I expect?

Estimated £65,000 - £95,000 GBP annually, plus bonus and benefits (based on sector rates).

How does this role support PepsiCo's brands?

By integrating brands into corporate PR and amplifying campaigns across channels.