About PepsiCo

PepsiCo is one of the world's leading food and beverage companies, with an iconic portfolio that includes beloved brands like Pepsi, Gatorade, Lay's, Quaker, and Tropicana. Headquartered in Purchase, New York, PepsiCo operates in over 200 countries, employing more than 300,000 people globally. The company is committed to sustainable growth, innovation, and delivering consumer-pleasing products while fostering positive impacts on communities and the planet. PepsiCo's Pepsi Beverages North America (PBNA) division powers the merchandising and distribution of refreshing beverages across the U.S., creating exciting entry-level opportunities like the Merchandiser role in Danville, Illinois.

Role Overview

As a Merchandiser at PepsiCo in Danville, Illinois, you'll play a vital role in ensuring our products shine on store shelves and displays. This full-time, labor-intensive position involves stocking large-volume grocery stores, rotating products, building eye-catching displays, and maintaining organized backrooms. With a consistent schedule, specific start times, and the chance to build routes with loyal customers, this role offers reliability and variety. Earn $21.85 per hour while working independently, interacting with store personnel, and delivering top-tier customer service. Ideal for those with retail experience seeking a dynamic career start in the food and beverage industry.

Key Responsibilities

The Merchandiser position demands hands-on effort to keep PepsiCo products front and center. Primary accountabilities include:

• Merchandising store shelving, coolers, and displays with PepsiCo products in assigned accounts.
• Rotating products in backrooms and on shelves to ensure freshness and availability.
• Transporting products from storage to sales floor using equipment like U-Boats, hand trucks, and pallet jacks.
• Displaying promotional materials such as signs and banners to drive sales.
• Maintaining neat and orderly backroom stock conditions.
• Communicating store issues to managers and PepsiCo leadership while building strong customer relationships at the store level.
• Complying with operating procedures, including scan-in/scan-out and designated routes.
• Delivering exceptional customer service through communication, rapport building, and attentiveness.
• Operating under minimal supervision using handheld devices for orders.
• Maintaining regular, reliable attendance.

This role requires physical stamina, including lifting cases of 20-45 pounds, bending, reaching, squatting, pushing, and pulling.

Qualifications & Requirements

To succeed as a PepsiCo Merchandiser, candidates must meet these basic qualifications:

• Be 18 years or older.
• Pass the physical capabilities test (if applicable).
• Possess a car or personal transportation for multi-store locations within assigned shifts.
• Hold a valid U.S. Driver's License and proof of insurance.

Helpful experience includes working in retail or grocery stores, moving products with equipment, merchandising shelves and displays, managing backroom inventory, and serving customers effectively. Following a conditional offer, PepsiCo conducts background checks, drug screenings, and verifies education, employment, and driving history in compliance with fair chance laws like the Fair Credit Reporting Act, San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative.

Physical Demands

This is a field-based role involving regular visits to customer locations, requiring the ability to handle labor-intensive tasks safely and efficiently.

Benefits & Perks

PepsiCo values its team members with competitive compensation and support:

• Hourly pay of $21.85, equating to approximately $45,448 annually based on standard hours.
• Mileage reimbursement for using a personal vehicle on sales routes.
• Consistent schedules with opportunities to attain preferred work times as you gain experience.
• Comprehensive equal opportunity policies, considering qualified applicants with criminal histories per applicable laws.
• Access to PepsiCo's broader benefits package, including potential for health insurance, retirement plans, and employee discounts (details provided upon hire).
• Training resources, including a Realistic Job Preview Video for the Merchandiser role.

Career Growth

Starting as a Merchandiser opens doors to advancement within PepsiCo's vast network. Many team members progress to roles like Route Sales Representative, Sales Supervisor, or District Manager. With performance-based opportunities, self-managed responsibilities build skills in sales, operations, and leadership. PepsiCo invests in employee development through training programs, mentorship, and internal mobility, helping you grow a long-term career in the consumer goods industry.

Why Join Us

Joining PepsiCo as a Merchandiser in Danville means becoming part of a global leader that's fun, fast-paced, and forward-thinking. Enjoy the satisfaction of visible impact—your work ensures customers grab a Pepsi or Gatorade daily. Benefit from a supportive culture emphasizing diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity for females, minorities, veterans, and those with disabilities. In Danville, Illinois, contribute to local communities while accessing mileage perks and schedule flexibility. PepsiCo's commitment to sustainability and innovation makes it an employer of choice for motivated individuals ready to refresh the world.

Role FAQs

Is this a full-time position?

Yes, this is a full-time role with a consistent schedule and designated routes.

What is the pay rate?

The disclosed rate is $21.85 per hour, with mileage reimbursement for vehicle use.

Do I need my own car?

Yes, a personal vehicle is required to access multiple store locations, with reimbursement provided.

Are criminal backgrounds considered?

Yes, qualified applicants with records are evaluated per fair chance ordinances and applicable laws.

How physical is the job?

Very labor-intensive: lifting 20-45 lbs, pushing/pulling, bending, and using equipment.

Where can I learn more?

Watch the Merchandiser Realistic Job Preview Video via the application link.