About PepsiCo

PepsiCo is a global leader in the food and beverage industry, renowned for its iconic portfolio of billion-dollar brands including Pepsi, Gatorade, Lay's, and Quaker. Operating in over 200 countries, PepsiCo Sales drives innovation, sustainability, and purpose-driven growth. Pepsi Beverages United States (PBUS) powers the company's beverage manufacturing, sales, and distribution across the U.S. At PepsiCo, we Win with Purpose, fostering a diverse, inclusive culture where every individual can dare to be themselves and make a global impact. Our North America Beverage organization offers dynamic opportunities for game changers and history makers to thrive in a supportive environment.

Role Overview

The Merch Effectiveness Coach position at PepsiCo in Twinsburg, Ohio, is a pivotal leadership role within the PBUS team. This full-time position focuses on staffing, onboarding, and performance evaluation of new-hire Account Merchandisers. As the primary people leader during their training period, you'll manage the full employee lifecycle from hiring to certification, ensuring alignment with PepsiCo's high standards. This role reports in a dotted line to the field sales capability team and collaborates closely with location leadership to build a high-performing merchandising workforce. Ideal for experienced trainers passionate about developing frontline talent in the fast-paced beverage industry.

Key Responsibilities

In this role, you'll spearhead the development of new merchandisers, driving productivity through hands-on coaching and structured programs. Key duties include leading onboarding activities, managing hiring processes via ADP, facilitating interviews, and implementing performance management. You'll conduct work-withs and route rides to enhance merchandising and customer service skills, validate peer trainer quality, and lead 30-day reviews with Sales District Leaders. Additionally, coordinate training schedules, apply merchandising principles for efficiency, and partner across teams to meet sector capability goals. This position demands strong execution of virtual and in-person training while enforcing company policies, including disciplinary actions as needed.

Training and Development Focus

Own the training agenda by setting up schedules, collaborating on peer trainers, and tracking progress with in-trade feedback. Your expertise will ensure new hires master PBUS processes and tools, contributing to sales organization success.

Qualifications & Requirements

To excel as a Merch Effectiveness Coach, candidates should possess proven leadership in training or merchandising environments, with experience in full-cycle recruiting and performance coaching. Key qualifications include knowledge of sales metrics, ADP systems, and merchandising best practices. Strong communication, organizational skills, and the ability to manage project plans are essential. A background in food and beverage sales or distribution is highly valued, along with the capacity to foster team development in a dynamic field setting. PepsiCo values diverse experiences that align with our commitment to inclusive growth.

Benefits & Perks

PepsiCo offers a robust compensation package for the Merch Effectiveness Coach role, with a salary range of $60,600 - $94,450 based on experience, location, and skills. Eligible employees receive a 10% performance bonus paid quarterly, plus comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability coverage, health and dependent care reimbursement accounts, and the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Enjoy paid time off encompassing vacation, sick leave, bereavement, and parental leave, subject to eligibility. These perks support work-life balance and long-term well-being for you and your family.

Career Growth

At PepsiCo, career advancement is fueled by our Dare for Better culture. As a Merch Effectiveness Coach, you'll gain exposure to sales leadership, capability building, and cross-functional partnerships, positioning you for roles in district management, training specialization, or broader operations. Our supportive teams provide learning opportunities, skill development, and global impact potential. Many leaders started in frontline roles and progressed through dedicated development programs.

Why Join Us

Joining PepsiCo as a Merch Effectiveness Coach means becoming part of a winning team that blazes trails in the beverage industry. In Twinsburg, Ohio, you'll contribute to a local operation with national reach, enjoying a premium work environment focused on innovation and excellence. Stand out with your unique skills, influence teams, and grow professionally while enjoying competitive pay, benefits, and a purpose-driven mission. PepsiCo invites you to explore this opportunity and elevate your career.

Role FAQs

What is the reporting structure?

This role has a dotted-line report to the field sales capability team and accountability to sector objectives, with close collaboration with Sales District Leaders and HRBPs.

Is travel required?

Expect local travel for work-withs, route rides, and location support within the Twinsburg area.

What training tools are used?

Utilize PBUS processes, virtual/in-person programs, peer trainers, and project management for comprehensive onboarding.

How is performance measured?

Through new-hire certification rates, KPI achievement, training completion, and alignment with company standards.