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, and Quaker. Operating in over 200 countries, PepsiCo employs hundreds of thousands of passionate individuals dedicated to delivering high-quality products that bring joy to consumers. In the U.S., PepsiCo's Pepsi Beverages North America (PBNA) division powers retail success through innovative merchandising and distribution. As a Merchandiser in Houghton Lake, Michigan, you'll play a vital role in ensuring these products shine on shelves and in coolers, driving sales and customer satisfaction. PepsiCo values diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity, adhering to fair chance hiring laws like the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance and Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative.

Role Overview

The Merchandiser position at PepsiCo in Houghton Lake, Michigan, is a hands-on, full-time role perfect for those who thrive in fast-paced retail environments. Reporting to local management, you'll service large-volume stores such as grocery chains, focusing on product placement, stock rotation, and display setup. This labor-intensive job requires physical stamina—lifting cases from 20-45 pounds, bending, reaching, and using equipment like U-boats and pallet jacks. With a consistent schedule and specific start times, it offers reliability and the potential for varied shifts over time. Earn $22.50 per hour ($46,800 annually), plus mileage reimbursement for using your personal vehicle across multi-store routes. This self-managed role emphasizes minimal supervision, customer rapport, and operational excellence.

Day-to-Day Impact

Expect to interact daily with store personnel, scan in/out via handheld devices, and maintain neat backrooms. It's more than stocking—it's about creating visually appealing displays that boost product visibility and sales.

Key Responsibilities

As a PepsiCo Merchandiser, your core duties include:

• Merchandising store shelving, coolers, and displays with PepsiCo products in assigned accounts to maximize appeal and accessibility.
• Rotating products in backrooms and on shelves to ensure freshness and eliminate out-of-date stock.
• 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 impulse buys.
• Maintaining backroom stock in neat, orderly condition and communicating issues to store managers and PepsiCo leadership.
• Building strong customer relationships at the store level through attentive service and rapport.
• Complying with operating procedures, including designated routes, scan-in/scan-out, and servicing accounts during set times.
• Operating handheld devices for order input and working under minimal supervision.

Regular, reliable attendance is essential in this field-based role.

Qualifications & Requirements

To succeed as a PepsiCo Merchandiser, you need:

Basic Qualifications

• Be 18 years or older.
• Pass the physical capabilities test (if applicable), demonstrating ability to lift, push, pull, bend, reach, and squat with 20-45 lb cases.
• Own a car or personal transportation for multi-store access within shifts.
• Hold a valid U.S. Driver's License with proof of insurance.

Helpful Experience

• Retail or grocery store work, including backroom operations, aisle stocking, and inventory management.
• Moving products safely with equipment like u-boats, dollies, or pallet jacks.
• Merchandising expertise: filling shelves, building displays, rotating stock, and handling out-of-stocks.
• Managing backroom inventory by organizing pallets and storage.
• Customer service skills, such as resolving complaints and meeting needs.

Post-offer, expect a background check, drug screening, education/employment verification, and driving history review (where applicable). Qualified candidates with criminal histories are considered per FCRA and local fair chance laws.

Benefits & Perks

PepsiCo supports its Merchandisers with competitive compensation and practical perks:

• $22.50 hourly rate, equating to $46,800 annually based on full-time hours.
• Mileage reimbursement for personal vehicle use on sales routes.
• Consistent schedules with fixed start times and opportunities for varied shifts.
• Watch our realistic Merchandiser job preview video for an insider look.
• Equal opportunity employment without discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, veteran status, or disability.
• Field-based flexibility with self-managed operations.

Career Growth

PepsiCo invests in employee development. Starting as a Merchandiser opens doors to roles in sales, distribution, route sales, and management. With performance and tenure, advance to senior positions with increased responsibility and pay. Our training programs, mentorship, and internal mobility ensure long-term success. Many leaders began in field roles like this, building expertise in retail execution and customer engagement.

Why Join Us

Choose PepsiCo for stability, impact, and community. In Houghton Lake, Michigan, you'll support local stores while contributing to a global powerhouse. Enjoy a premium work environment with fair pay, reimbursement perks, and inclusive policies. Be part of a team that refreshes the world—one shelf at a time. With our commitment to safety, compliance, and growth, this role offers more than a job—it's a launchpad for your career in the food and beverage industry.

Role FAQs

Q: Is this a full-time position? Yes, full-time with consistent schedules.

Q: What physical demands are involved? Lifting 20-45 lb cases, pushing/pulling, bending, and using equipment—pass our physical test if required.

Q: Do I need my own vehicle? Yes, with valid license and insurance; mileage reimbursed.

Q: What's the pay? $22.50/hour ($46,800/year), plus perks.

Q: Are criminal backgrounds considered? Yes, per fair chance laws and FCRA.

Q: How do I apply? Submit via our careers site—join PepsiCo today!