About PepsiCo

PepsiCo is one of the world's leading food and beverage companies, proudly serving billions of customers daily with iconic brands like Pepsi, Gatorade, Lay's, and Quaker. With operations spanning over 200 countries, PepsiCo employs hundreds of thousands of passionate professionals dedicated to delivering innovative products and sustainable growth. In the USA, PepsiCo's Pepsi Beverages North America (PBNA) division powers retail success through efficient merchandising and distribution. Joining PepsiCo means becoming part of a legacy of excellence, where your contributions directly impact consumer satisfaction and market leadership. Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion ensures every team member thrives in an environment that values unique perspectives.

Role Overview

The Merchandiser Servicing Southwest Cookeville position at PepsiCo in Cookeville, Tennessee, is a hands-on, field-based role perfect for detail-oriented individuals who enjoy dynamic work in grocery and large-volume stores. Servicing areas like Smithville and McMinnville, you'll ensure PepsiCo products shine on shelves, in coolers, and through eye-catching displays. This labor-intensive position offers a consistent schedule—either Tuesday-Saturday or Sunday-Thursday—with specific start times and dedicated customer routes. Starting at $19.80 per hour, this role provides mileage reimbursement for personal vehicle use, making it ideal for reliable self-starters in the region. Watch our Realistic Job Preview Video to see a day in the life.

Key Location Details

Based in Cookeville, TN, this role covers Southwest routes, allowing you to serve local communities while enjoying the scenic beauty of Tennessee's Upper Cumberland region. No prior experience required, but retail backgrounds are a plus.

Key Responsibilities

As a PepsiCo Merchandiser, your primary focus is maintaining impeccable product presentation and availability in high-traffic stores. Daily tasks include:

• Stocking and rotating products on shelves, in coolers, and displays to ensure freshness and appeal.
• Organizing backroom inventory, moving products to sales floors using U-Boats, hand trucks, and pallet jacks.
• Setting up promotional materials like signs and banners to drive sales.
• Communicating store issues to managers and building strong relationships with store personnel.
• Using handheld devices for order input and following scan-in/scan-out procedures.
• Delivering top-tier customer service through attentiveness and rapport-building.

This self-managed role demands physical stamina—lifting 20-45 lb cases, bending, reaching, and squatting—while operating under minimal supervision for maximum efficiency.

Qualifications & Requirements

PepsiCo seeks motivated candidates ready to hit the ground running. Basic qualifications include:

• Being 18 years or older.
• Possessing a valid U.S. Driver's License and proof of insurance.
• Having a personal vehicle to access multiple store locations per shift.
• Passing a physical capabilities test (if applicable).
• Demonstrating regular, reliable attendance.

Helpful experience encompasses retail or grocery operations, product movement, merchandising, backroom management, and customer service. Post-offer, expect a background check, drug screening, and verification of driving history to prioritize safety in field work. 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:

• $19.80 hourly pay, equating to approximately $41,184 annually based on standard hours.
• Mileage reimbursement for sales route travel in your personal vehicle.
• Consistent schedules with opportunities to switch routes over time.
• Comprehensive training and tools like handheld devices for seamless operations.
• Inclusive culture supporting females, minorities, veterans, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those with disabilities.
• Access to PepsiCo's broader benefits portfolio upon eligibility, fostering work-life balance.

Career Growth

This entry-level role is a launchpad for PepsiCo careers. Excel as a Merchandiser to advance into sales, route supervision, or distribution management. PepsiCo invests in employee development through training programs, leadership opportunities, and internal mobility. Many leaders started in field roles, proving dedication pays off in a company committed to long-term growth.

Why Join Us

Choose PepsiCo for stability, impact, and community. In Cookeville, TN, you'll contribute to local stores while enjoying Tennessee's vibrant lifestyle. Our merchandisers are the face of the brand, driving product visibility and customer loyalty. With fair pay, reimbursement perks, and a supportive team, this role offers immediate rewards and future potential. PepsiCo's global reach means endless possibilities—join us to refresh the world, one shelf at a time.

Role FAQs

Q: What schedule does this job follow?
A: Tuesday-Saturday or Sunday-Thursday, with fixed start times and routes; flexibility grows with tenure.

Q: Is experience required?
A: No, but retail, merchandising, or customer service experience is helpful.

Q: What physical demands are there?
A: Lifting 20-45 lb cases, pushing/pulling, bending, and using equipment; a physical test may apply.

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

Q: How does PepsiCo handle background checks?
A: We review criminal history per applicable fair chance laws, ensuring safety without discrimination.

Ready to stock success? Apply now for the Merchandiser role at PepsiCo in Cookeville, TN.