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, Doritos, and Quaker. 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 U.S. market with refreshing beverages and snacks, making it a powerhouse in the consumer goods industry. Joining PepsiCo means becoming part of a legacy of excellence, where your contributions help refresh the world and create moments of joy for millions.

Role Overview

The Merchandiser position for the Athens/Sweetwater Area, based out of Knoxville, Tennessee, is a hands-on, field-based role perfect for motivated individuals who thrive in dynamic retail environments. Reporting to local management, you'll service large-volume grocery stores on a consistent Friday-Monday schedule. This labor-intensive position involves stocking shelves, rotating products, building eye-catching displays, and ensuring backroom organization. With a disclosed starting pay of $21.50 per hour (equating to $44,720 annually), you'll enjoy mileage reimbursement for using your personal vehicle to visit multiple stores. This self-managed role offers minimal supervision, reliable hours, and opportunities to build lasting customer relationships while advancing within PepsiCo's robust career ladder.

Why This Role Stands Out

As a PepsiCo Merchandiser, you'll directly impact product visibility and sales in high-traffic stores. The position emphasizes physical activity, customer interaction, and operational efficiency, making it ideal for those with retail or grocery experience seeking stable employment with growth potential.

Key Responsibilities

In this role, you'll be the face of PepsiCo in assigned accounts, ensuring products are perfectly positioned for maximum appeal. Primary duties include:

• Merchandising store shelving, coolers, and displays with PepsiCo products to drive impulse buys.
• Rotating products in backrooms and on shelves to maintain freshness and eliminate out-of-date stock.
• Transporting products from storage to sales floor using equipment like U-boats, hand trucks, and pallet jacks.
• Setting up promotional materials such as signs, banners, and end-cap displays.
• Maintaining neat and orderly backroom stock while communicating issues to store managers and PepsiCo leadership.
• Delivering exceptional customer service, building rapport, and operating under minimal supervision with handheld devices for order input.

Expect to lift cases weighing 20-45 pounds, bend, reach, squat, push, and pull throughout your shift, following designated routes and scan-in/scan-out procedures.

Qualifications & Requirements

PepsiCo seeks reliable, physically capable candidates ready to excel in a fast-paced setting. Basic qualifications include:

• Being 18 years or older.
• Passing the physical capabilities test (if applicable).
• Possessing a valid U.S. Driver's License and proof of insurance.
• Having a car or personal transportation for multi-store visits.

Helpful experience encompasses retail or grocery operations, product movement with equipment, merchandising shelves and displays, backroom inventory management, and customer service. 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 team members with competitive compensation and supportive perks:

• Hourly wage of $21.50, annualizing to $44,720 based on standard hours.
• Mileage reimbursement for sales route travel in your personal vehicle.
• Consistent scheduling (Friday-Monday) with potential for varied shifts over time.
• Opportunities for training, development, and internal promotions.
• Inclusive culture promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion for all backgrounds.

Career Growth

At PepsiCo, entry-level roles like Merchandiser are launchpads for bigger opportunities. Excel here, and you could advance to Bulk Merchandiser, Route Sales, Sales District Leader, or beyond. The company's investment in employee development includes leadership training, mentorship programs, and performance-based promotions. Many current executives started in field roles, proving PepsiCo's commitment to from-within growth. With PBNA's expansive network, your career trajectory in Knoxville and beyond is limitless.

Why Join Us

Choose PepsiCo for stability, impact, and excitement. Work with world-class brands, collaborate with store partners, and contribute to a company driving sustainable innovation. In Knoxville, TN, enjoy a vibrant community near the Great Smoky Mountains while securing a role with reliable pay and perks. PepsiCo's focus on safety, fairness, and opportunity makes it the employer of choice in the beverage industry. Ready to stock success? This Merchandiser role offers the perfect blend of physical challenge, customer focus, and professional upside.

Role FAQs

Q: What is the work schedule?
A: Friday-Monday with specific start times; opportunities for different schedules with tenure.

Q: Is a personal vehicle required?
A: Yes, with mileage reimbursement provided.

Q: What physical demands are involved?
A: Lifting 20-45 lb cases, bending, reaching, squatting, pushing/pulling.

Q: Are criminal backgrounds considered?
A: Yes, per fair chance ordinances and applicable laws.

Q: How do I apply?
A: Submit your application online; top candidates advance to interviews and screening.

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