About PepsiCo

PepsiCo is one of the world's leading food and beverage companies, with a portfolio that includes iconic brands like Pepsi, Gatorade, Lay's, Quaker, and Tropicana. Operating in over 200 countries, PepsiCo employs hundreds of thousands of passionate individuals dedicated to delivering innovative products that bring joy to consumers. In the U.S., PepsiCo Beverages North America (PBNA) drives growth through exceptional merchandising, distribution, and customer partnerships. As a Merchandiser in Fort Smith, Arkansas, you'll play a vital role in ensuring these brands shine on shelves across grocery stores and retailers, contributing to PepsiCo's mission of Creating More Smiles per Day.

Role Overview

The Merchandiser position at PepsiCo in Fort Smith, Arkansas, is a full-time, hands-on role perfect for detail-oriented individuals who thrive in dynamic retail environments. Reporting to local management, you'll be responsible for product merchandising in high-volume stores such as grocery chains. This labor-intensive job involves stocking shelves, rotating products, building eye-catching displays, and maintaining backroom organization. With a consistent schedule and specific start times, this role offers reliability while providing opportunities to build customer relationships and operate with minimal supervision. Starting at $18.85 per hour, this position includes mileage reimbursement for those using personal vehicles to service multiple accounts.

Day-to-Day Impact

Each day, you'll visit assigned stores, using handheld devices to input orders, scan in/out, and follow designated routes. Expect to lift cases weighing 20-45 pounds, push/pull equipment, and perform tasks like bending, reaching, and squatting. This self-managed role rewards initiative, physical stamina, and a customer-first mindset, making it ideal for those with retail or grocery experience.

Key Responsibilities

As a PepsiCo Merchandiser, your core duties focus on flawless execution and store excellence:

• Merchandise store shelving, coolers, and displays with PepsiCo products in assigned accounts to maximize visibility and sales.
• Rotate products in backrooms and on shelves to ensure freshness and eliminate out-of-date items.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 like U-Boats, hand trucks, and pallet jacks.
• Display promotional materials such as signs and banners to drive impulse buys.
• Maintain neat and orderly backroom stock while communicating store issues to managers and PepsiCo leadership.
• Build strong relationships at the store level through excellent customer service, attentiveness, and rapport-building.
• Comply with operating procedures, including scan-in/scan-out protocols and servicing accounts during designated times.

Qualifications & Requirements

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

Basic Qualifications

• 18 years or older.
• Must pass physical capabilities test (if applicable).
• Valid U.S. Driver's License and proof of insurance.
• Car or personal transportation to access multi-store locations within assigned shifts.
• Regular, reliable, predictable attendance.

Helpful Experience

• Retail or grocery store background, including understanding operations, backroom inventory, and shelf stocking.
• Moving products safely with equipment like U-Boats, hand trucks, or dollies.
• Merchandising expertise: filling shelves, building displays, rotating stock, and managing out-of-stocks.
• Backroom management: organizing pallets and inventory.
• Customer service skills: handling complaints, responding to requests, and meeting needs.

Post-offer, candidates undergo background checks, drug screening, and verification of education, employment, and driving history. PepsiCo is committed to fair chance hiring, considering qualified applicants with criminal histories per applicable laws like the Fair Credit Reporting Act and local ordinances.

Benefits & Perks

PepsiCo values its team members with competitive compensation and support:

• Hourly pay of $18.85, equating to approximately $39,208 annually based on standard hours.
• Mileage reimbursement for sales route travel using personal vehicles.
• Consistent schedules with opportunities to attain varied shifts over time.
• Comprehensive equal opportunity employment practices, embracing diversity in race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, veteran status, and disability.
• Access to PepsiCo's broader benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, and employee discounts (details provided upon hire).

Career Growth

This Merchandiser role is a launchpad for advancement within PepsiCo. High performers often progress to supervisory positions, sales routes, or operations management. With PBNA's focus on development, you'll gain skills in sales, inventory, and leadership. PepsiCo invests in training, including Realistic Job Preview videos, to set you up for success. Many start here and climb to regional roles, leveraging the company's global network for long-term career mobility.

Why Join Us

Choose PepsiCo for stability, impact, and a fun work culture. In Fort Smith, you'll partner with local retailers to keep communities refreshed with beloved brands. Enjoy a supportive team, physical activity in your workday, and the pride of visible results—like fully stocked shelves boosting store sales. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, PepsiCo champions inclusion and provides a platform for your talents to thrive. Watch our Merchandiser Realistic Job Preview Video to see the role in action.

Role FAQs

Is this a full-time position?

Yes, full-time with a consistent schedule and designated start times.

What physical demands are involved?

Lifting 20-45 lb cases, pushing/pulling, bending, reaching, squatting, and using equipment.

Do I need my own vehicle?

Yes, with valid license and insurance; mileage reimbursement provided.

What's the pay and benefits?

$18.85/hour, mileage pay, and PepsiCo's full benefits suite.

How does PepsiCo support fair hiring?

We comply with FCRA, Fair Chance Ordinances, and consider qualified applicants with criminal histories per law.

Ready to stock success? Apply now for the Merchandiser role at PepsiCo in Fort Smith, AR.