About PepsiCo

PepsiCo is one of the world's leading food and beverage companies, with a portfolio that includes iconic brands like Pepsi, Sting, Gatorade, and Lay's. Operating in over 200 countries, PepsiCo generates annual revenues exceeding $90 billion and employs more than 300,000 people globally. In China, PepsiCo has a strong presence through joint ventures and bottler partnerships, driving growth in beverages and snacks. Our mission is to deliver refreshing products while advancing sustainability through the pep+ (PepsiCo Positive) agenda, focusing on positive impact for people and the planet.

Role Overview

As Marketing Associate Director, Energy in Shanghai, you will spearhead PepsiCo's entry into China's booming energy drink category with the Sting pilot launch planned for 2025. This high-impact role involves developing and executing long-term strategies to build muscular brands, drive innovations, and achieve sustainable growth. You will lead end-to-end portfolio management, align with global and local teams, and ensure alignment with bottler needs. Reporting to senior leadership, this position offers visibility across PepsiCo's International Beverages (IB) structure and a chance to shape the future of energy drinks in one of the world's largest markets.

Key Responsibilities

Portfolio Management

Oversee the total Energy category across China, managing performance and growth of brands like Sting. Develop pilot launch plans aligned with IB and bottlers, monitor business metrics, and adjust strategies based on consumer, channel, and competitor trends. Identify innovation opportunities and recommend optimal pack-price architectures.

Strategy Planning

Craft portfolio and brand strategies with long-, mid-, and short-term goals informed by market insights. Build brand expansion roadmaps through cross-functional collaboration, ensuring initiatives stay within PepsiCo brand guardrails.

Leadership and Team Management

Build collaborative relationships with cross-functional partners, manage stakeholder meetings, and guide Energy marketing teams in strategy, analysis, and campaign execution. Own external agency relationships for project success.

Marketing Campaigns and Execution

Lead development of consumer-exciting communications, creative strategies, media, PR, and in-store activations tailored to China. Localize global campaigns, evaluate effectiveness, and roll out VIS and packaging designs.

Innovation and Launch

Evaluate and advance innovation projects through stage-gate processes with R&D, Operations, and Finance. Create launch plans and ensure seamless execution with internal and bottler teams.

Alignment and Agency Oversight

Drive alignment on marketing plans, innovations, and A&M with global, local, and bottler teams. Lead agency briefings, influencer partnerships, and 360-degree execution plans. Monitor budgets and report to CMO.

Trade Execution

Collaborate with sales teams to ensure product availability and effective brand strategies at retail.

Qualifications & Requirements

To succeed in this role, candidates should have 10+ years of marketing experience in FMCG, ideally in beverages or energy drinks, with proven success in China market launches. A bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, or related field is required; an MBA is preferred. Key qualifications include strategic thinking, leadership of diverse teams, deep consumer insights expertise, and strong project management skills. Fluency in English and Mandarin is essential, along with experience in cross-functional alignment and agency management. Passion for innovation and understanding of PepsiCo's pep+ sustainability goals are critical.

Benefits & Perks

PepsiCo offers a premium compensation package, including an estimated salary range of $180,000 - $320,000 USD annually (adjusted for China market equivalents with 5-10% buffer). Additional perks include performance-based bonuses, comprehensive medical insurance, retirement plans, and generous paid time off. Employees enjoy subsidized meals, fitness programs, and family support benefits. As a global leader, PepsiCo provides stock options, relocation assistance for international hires, and access to world-class training platforms.

Career Growth

This role is a launchpad for senior leadership within PepsiCo's Asia-Pacific and global marketing functions. High performers advance to Director or VP levels, with opportunities in International Beverages or franchise leadership. PepsiCo invests in talent through leadership development programs, mentorship, and global rotations, fostering a culture of continuous learning and promotion from within.

Why Join Us

Join PepsiCo at this pivotal moment to lead the Energy category revolution in China. Work with world-class brands, influence global strategies, and contribute to sustainable growth. Shanghai's vibrant hub offers an unmatched lifestyle, blending innovation, culture, and opportunity. Be part of a company committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, where your ideas drive real impact.

Role FAQs

What is the focus of the Sting pilot launch?

The role centers on preparing and executing the 2025 Sting energy drink pilot in China, building toward full portfolio expansion.

Is relocation support provided?

Yes, PepsiCo offers comprehensive relocation packages for qualified international candidates.

What teams will I collaborate with?

You'll partner with Global/IB teams, R&D, Insights, Finance, Operations, bottlers, and local sales/marketing.

Is Mandarin fluency required?

Yes, excellent proficiency in Mandarin and English is essential for market alignment and team leadership.

How does this role support pep+?

Initiatives integrate sustainability in innovations, packaging, and marketing to align with PepsiCo's positive impact goals.