About PepsiCo

PepsiCo is one of the world's leading food and beverage companies, with a portfolio that includes iconic brands like Pepsi, 7Up, Mountain Dew, Aquafina, and more. Operating in over 200 countries, PepsiCo generates billions in revenue annually through innovative products and sustainable practices. In Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), PepsiCo's beverages business is a powerhouse, particularly through key bottler partnerships like Crown Beverages and MOHA, which contribute $36 million in NOPBT. These partnerships form the profit engine for our SSA operations, with Uganda standing as the only stronghold for Low Risk Beverages (LRB) in the region. As a Marketing Manager based in Johannesburg, you'll play a pivotal role in this high-stakes cluster spanning Uganda, Ethiopia, and Kenya.

Role Overview

This is a newly created senior marketing leadership role designed to spearhead the marketing function for PepsiCo's two most profitable bottlers in SSA: Crown Beverages and MOHA. Reporting to the Marketing Director, you'll lead the execution of a 3-year growth plan and annual operating plans (AOP) to deliver sustainable business growth. Your focus will be on building powerhouse brands like Pepsi, Pepsi Zero Sugar, Mirinda, 7Up, Mountain Dew, Sting, Aquafina, and Evervess. By partnering with bottlers, global category teams, and commercialization experts, you'll ensure flawless alignment on strategy, innovation deployments, and calendar planning. This position demands a strategic thinker who thrives in a fast-paced FMCG environment, driving profitable growth through insights, creativity, and leadership.

Key Responsibilities

Business Planning and Growth

Partner with the Marketing Director to craft the Business Unit (BU) AOP, identifying locally relevant activations to boost P&L. Translate AOP opportunities into account-specific marketing execution plans that drive volume, share, and business targets. Influence bottler partners to execute agreed plans flawlessly, creating competitive gaps via value chain efficiencies.

Brand Management and Execution

Lead the brand business planning process across stakeholders, ensuring on-time-in-full execution by defining who, what, and when. Conduct total brand performance tracking and monthly audits with commercial teams. Champion consumer intimacy by simplifying insights into actionable strategies, while aligning all activities with brand essence and vision.

Team Leadership and Development

Set challenging goals, provide actionable feedback, and coach Brand Managers. Lead cross-functional teams, inspire stakeholders, and manage multiple direct reports to foster a high-performance culture.

Customer and Innovation Focus

Provide strategic input for channel, customer, and field sales strategies. Execute brand pack price architecture, including new pack sizes, and lead affinity initiatives. Work closely with commercial teams on shopper marketing based on robust research and insights.

Qualifications & Requirements

To succeed in this role, candidates need a relevant Marketing Honours qualification or degree, coupled with 7-9 years of experience in FMCG or agency environments. Proven expertise in brand building, consumer needs fulfillment, successful communication programs, innovation launches, and activations is essential. Demonstrable use of consumer, customer, and business insights to shape strategies is required, alongside creativity that generates buzz beyond paid media. You must excel in leading cross-agency teams, briefing communications plans through to execution, and leveraging analytical skills for robust insights. Strong leadership experience in managing and coaching direct reports, while inspiring diverse stakeholders, is non-negotiable.

Benefits & Perks

PepsiCo offers a competitive salary estimated at ZAR 650,000 - 950,000 annually, reflecting Food & Beverage sector rates in South Africa with a growth buffer. Enjoy comprehensive health insurance, retirement contributions, and performance-based bonuses. Additional perks include generous paid time off, flexible work arrangements, and access to wellness programs. As part of a global giant, you'll benefit from subsidized products, employee discounts, and family-friendly policies tailored to South African standards.

Career Growth

This role is a launchpad for senior leadership within PepsiCo's SSA and global structure. With exposure to high-profit clusters and direct partnership with the Marketing Director, you'll gain invaluable experience in strategic planning, bottler management, and innovation. PepsiCo invests heavily in talent development through leadership academies, mentorship programs, and international rotations. High performers advance rapidly to roles like Marketing Director or regional VP positions, with a track record of internal promotions exceeding 70% for mid-level managers.

Why Join Us

Joining PepsiCo means contributing to a purpose-driven company focused on sustainable growth and joyful consumer experiences. In this critical SSA cluster, you'll lead initiatives that power profitability across three key markets. Benefit from a collaborative culture, cutting-edge tools for data-driven decisions, and the prestige of managing powerhouse brands. Johannesburg's vibrant location offers an ideal base for regional impact, with PepsiCo's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion ensuring every voice is heard.

Role FAQs

What markets does this role cover?

The role leads marketing for Uganda, Ethiopia, and Kenya, focusing on beverages through Crown Beverages and MOHA bottlers.

Is travel required?

Yes, expect periodic travel to cluster markets and bottler sites to ensure execution alignment.

What brands will I manage?

Pepsi, Pepsi Zero Sugar, Mirinda, 7Up, Mountain Dew, Sting, Aquafina, and Evervess.

How does PepsiCo support professional development?

Through coaching, global training programs, and clear career paths with regular performance reviews.

Is this a full-time position?

Yes, full-time employment with standard South African benefits.