About PepsiCo

PepsiCo is a global leader in beverages and convenient foods, with products enjoyed over one billion times daily across more than 200 countries. In 2024, PepsiCo achieved nearly $92 billion in net revenue, powered by iconic brands like Lay’s, Doritos, Cheetos, Gatorade, Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, Quaker, and SodaStream. Many of these brands surpass $1 billion in annual retail sales. At the heart of PepsiCo’s strategy is pep+ (PepsiCo Positive), an end-to-end transformation focusing on sustainability and human capital to drive value within planetary boundaries while inspiring positive change for people and the planet. PepsiCo’s Direct Sales function, including Pipers, lays the foundation for long-term profitable growth by building awareness, developing new channels, acquiring customers, and fostering loyalty.

Role Overview

As a Pipers New Business Development Executive based in Reading, covering West Midlands and Gloucestershire, you will spearhead the acquisition of new customers through strategic prospecting and cold calling. This full-time role within PepsiCo’s Field Sales team demands passion for the Pipers brand, a drive for success, and the ability to convert pre-identified targets into loyal customers. You’ll sell the unique benefits of Pipers crisps and the Direct Delivery Model, thinking strategically to identify independents and key group accounts. Collaborating with the Field Sales Manager and internal teams, you’ll ensure exceptional customer experiences that boost sales and retention across the UK food and beverage sector.

Key Responsibilities

Achieving Targets and Productivity

Deliver on daily, weekly, and monthly new business productivity measures, including acquisition targets, order revenue, and retention goals. Plan and organise your time efficiently to maximise results.

Prospecting and Conversion

Identify, prospect, and convert independent and group prospects into customers via cold calling at their locations. Introduce Pipers crisps, highlighting USPs and services to secure first orders.

Sales Pipeline Management

Use the CRM system to record visits, interactions, and orders. Maintain a healthy sales pipeline and negotiate commercial trading agreements with key customers.

Collaboration and Monitoring

Work closely with the Field Sales Manager and stakeholders for customer retention. Monitor competitor and wholesale activity, attend trade shows, and implement marketing initiatives while providing feedback.

Qualifications & Requirements

Success in this role requires a target-driven mindset with a passion for results. Ideal candidates are team players who thrive on their own initiative, possessing excellent presentation, communication, and influencing skills. You must be proactive, well-organised, able to prioritise under pressure, and a structured thinker. Commercial acumen, dynamism, and proficiency across IT platforms like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, CRM, and NAV are essential. Experience in food and beverage sales, particularly new business development, is highly advantageous.

Benefits & Perks

PepsiCo offers a competitive annual salary estimated at £32,000–£42,000, reflecting UK Food & Beverage sector rates with a buffer for top talent. Additional perks include a company car, company mobile, and a flexible benefits package featuring 25 days holiday (with buy/sell options), company pension, and discounted private health care. As an equal opportunity employer compliant with the Equality Act 2010, PepsiCo values diversity and does not discriminate based on age, pregnancy, marital status, religion, sex, gender, disability, race, or ethnicity.

Career Growth

Joining PepsiCo’s Pipers team opens doors to dynamic career progression in sales and business development. Excel in this role to advance to Field Sales Manager positions or broader commercial leadership within PepsiCo’s global portfolio. Benefit from ongoing training, internal mobility across brands, and exposure to innovative pep+ initiatives. PepsiCo invests in human capital, providing tools for skill development in CRM, negotiation, and strategic sales to fuel your professional journey.

Why Join Us

Be part of a powerhouse driving the future of snacks with Pipers crisps. Work for a company that combines billion-dollar brands with a commitment to sustainability and positive impact. Enjoy autonomy in the field, collaborative support, and tangible rewards for your sales achievements. In Reading and surrounding areas, this role offers the perfect blend of local impact and global reach, making you a key player in PepsiCo’s UK growth story.

Role FAQs

What does a typical day look like?

You’ll plan visits to prospects, conduct cold calls, update CRM, negotiate deals, and liaise with your manager—all while building Pipers’ presence in independents and groups.

Is travel required?

Yes, covering West Midlands/Gloucestershire from a Reading base, with a company car provided for field visits and trade shows.

What experience is needed?

Prior sales or new business development in food/beverage is ideal, but strong soft skills and drive can compensate for entry-level candidates.

How does PepsiCo support diversity?

We comply with the Equality Act 2010, embracing diversity as core to our success across all backgrounds.

Are there opportunities for advancement?

Absolutely—high performers move into management and beyond within PepsiCo’s expansive network.