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 Mountain Dew. Headquartered in Purchase, New York, PepsiCo operates globally, delivering more than $86 billion in revenue annually and employing over 300,000 people worldwide. In the U.S., PepsiCo Beverages North America (PBNA) drives growth through innovative products, sustainable practices, and a commitment to community impact. As a Merchandiser in Erie, Pennsylvania, you'll join a team that's shaping the future of retail merchandising while enjoying the stability of a Fortune 500 company dedicated to employee success.

Role Overview

The Merchandiser position at PepsiCo in Erie, PA, is a hands-on, full-time role perfect for motivated individuals who thrive in fast-paced retail environments. Reporting to local management, you'll ensure PepsiCo products are prominently displayed and readily available in high-volume grocery stores and other key accounts. This labor-intensive job involves stocking shelves, building eye-catching displays, managing inventory, and fostering strong relationships with store personnel. With a consistent schedule, specific start times, and opportunities to adjust routes over time, this role offers reliability and flexibility. Starting at $19.26 per hour, it's an entry point into PepsiCo's merchandising career path, where physical fitness and customer focus are key to success.

Day-to-Day Impact

Expect to visit multiple stores daily, using your personal vehicle (with mileage reimbursement) to transport products efficiently. You'll handle cases weighing 20-45 pounds, operate equipment like U-boats, hand trucks, and pallet jacks, and maintain neat backroom organization. This self-managed role emphasizes minimal supervision, reliable attendance, and proactive communication with store managers and PepsiCo leadership.

Key Responsibilities

In this Merchandiser role, your primary duties focus on product visibility, inventory control, and customer satisfaction:

• Merchandise store shelving, coolers, and displays with PepsiCo products in assigned accounts to maximize sales potential.
• Rotate products in backrooms and on shelves to ensure freshness and eliminate out-of-date items.
• Transport products from storage to sales floor using equipment such as U-boats, hand trucks, and pallet jacks.
• Display promotional materials like signs and banners to drive impulse purchases.
• Keep backroom stock neat and orderly while managing inventory effectively.
• Communicate store issues to managers and build lasting customer relationships at the store level.
• Comply with operating procedures, including scan-in/scan-out protocols and designated routes.
• Deliver exceptional customer service through attentiveness, rapport-building, and responsiveness.
• Operate handheld devices to input orders and track activities under minimal supervision.

Qualifications & Requirements

PepsiCo seeks candidates who meet these basic qualifications and bring helpful experience:

Basic Qualifications

• 18 years or older.
• Must pass the physical capabilities test (lifting 20-45 lbs, bending, reaching, squatting).
• Valid U.S. Driver's License and proof of insurance.
• Car or personal transportation for multi-store routes.
• Regular, reliable, predictable attendance.

Helpful Experience

• Retail or grocery store background, including stocking aisles, understanding backroom operations, and inventory management.
• Merchandising products: filling shelves, building displays, rotating stock, and eliminating out-of-stocks.
• Moving products safely with equipment like u-boats, dollies, or pallet jacks.
• Customer service skills: handling complaints, meeting needs, and building rapport.

Post-offer, a background check, drug screening, and verification of education, employment, and driving history are required. PepsiCo is an Equal Opportunity Employer, considering qualified applicants with criminal histories per fair chance laws like the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance and Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative.

Benefits & Perks

PepsiCo values its Merchandisers with competitive compensation and support:

• Hourly pay of $19.26, equating to approximately $40,061 annually based on standard hours.
• Mileage reimbursement for using your personal vehicle on sales routes.
• Consistent schedules with opportunities for varied work times as you gain experience.
• Comprehensive training, including a Realistic Job Preview Video.
• Access to PepsiCo's broader benefits like health insurance, 401(k), and employee discounts (eligibility varies).
• Career mobility within PBNA and PepsiCo's global network.

Career Growth

Starting as a Merchandiser opens doors to advancement at PepsiCo. Excel in this role, and you could progress to Bulk Merchandiser, Route Sales Representative, or supervisory positions. PepsiCo invests in talent through leadership development programs, tuition reimbursement, and internal promotions. Many employees begin in merchandising and climb to regional management, leveraging skills in sales, operations, and customer relations. In Erie, PA, you'll gain hands-on experience in a supportive market, positioning you for long-term success in the beverage industry.

Why Join Us

Choose PepsiCo for stability, impact, and culture. As a Merchandiser, you'll contribute to brands that refresh the world while enjoying a premium work environment. Erie, Pennsylvania, offers a vibrant community near Lake Erie, with local stores eager for PepsiCo partnerships. Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion ensures all qualified applicants—regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, veteran status, or disability—receive fair consideration. Join a company that's not just selling products but building futures.

Role FAQs

Is this a full-time position?

Yes, this is a full-time Merchandiser role with a consistent schedule.

What physical demands are involved?

The job is labor-intensive, requiring lifting 20-45 lb cases, pushing/pulling, bending, reaching, and squatting.

Do I need my own vehicle?

Yes, a personal car is required for multi-store access, with mileage reimbursement provided.

Are criminal backgrounds considered?

Qualified applicants with records are evaluated per fair chance ordinances and applicable laws.

How do I apply?

Click to view the Realistic Job Preview Video and submit your application through PepsiCo's careers portal.