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, Quaker, and Tropicana. Headquartered in Purchase, New York, PepsiCo operates globally, delivering approximately 200 billion servings of products annually to consumers in over 200 countries. The company's PepsiCo Beverages North America (PBNA) division focuses on sparkling beverages, waters, juices, and snacks, driving innovation and sustainability across its supply chain. PepsiCo is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, offering equal employment opportunities regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability. With a strong emphasis on community impact and environmental responsibility, PepsiCo invests in programs like sustainable sourcing and reducing plastic waste, making it a leader in the consumer goods industry.

Role Overview

The Sales Rep - Relief Large Grocery/Mass Merch position at PepsiCo in Pontiac, Michigan, is a dynamic, hands-on role perfect for motivated individuals who thrive in fast-paced retail environments. As a relief sales representative, you will fill in as the primary store-level salesperson for large accounts such as supermarkets and mass merchandisers. This labor-intensive position involves ordering products for delivery, generating sales through customer service, and merchandising products on shelves, in coolers, and backrooms. Expect 10-12 hour shifts with potential weekend and holiday work, requiring physical stamina for lifting 20-45 pound cases repeatedly. With a disclosed pay rate of $24.00 per hour, this role offers immediate earning potential and mileage reimbursement for those using personal vehicles on sales routes. It's an entry point into PepsiCo's sales career ladder, ideal for those with retail or beverage industry experience.

Key Responsibilities

In this role, you'll drive PepsiCo's success at the ground level by executing core sales and merchandising tasks. Primary accountabilities include growing sales volume, market share, product distribution, space allocation, and customer service in assigned accounts. You'll take inventory, place orders for future delivery, and sell product inventory to standard while soliciting new business to boost volume and package distribution. Expect to sell and execute promotions, place equipment, and utilize point-of-purchase materials like pricing signs and banners to stimulate sales. Merchandising duties encompass maintaining and increasing shelf facings, cleaning shelves, rotating products, and building eye-catching displays. Providing excellent service means building rapport with store management, attentively addressing customer needs, and handling issues like incorrect orders or out-of-stock products. You'll also complete accurate, legible paperwork in a timely manner and support additional duties such as warehouse tasks as assigned by your manager. Regular, reliable attendance is essential for success.

Daily Tasks Breakdown

Each shift involves frequent interaction with store personnel, pushing and pulling equipment, bending, reaching, and squatting to stock products efficiently. You'll prioritize route stops, manage delivery windows, and perform financial calculations for profit margins and display sizing, ensuring every account meets PepsiCo's high standards.

Qualifications & Requirements

Basic qualifications are straightforward: candidates must be 18 years or older, possess a valid U.S. driver's license with proof of insurance, and have a car or personal transportation to access multiple store locations within assigned shifts. Helpful experience elevates your candidacy and includes working with consumer products in various packages and sizes, beverage industry knowledge of segments, customers, competitors, and trends, and proficiency with power equipment like pallet jacks or hand-held computers for inventory management.

Strong performers often have backgrounds in business-to-business selling, merchandising per planograms, managing routes and incremental sales through upselling, resolving order discrepancies, performing mathematical calculations, and adhering to safety procedures like proper lifting techniques. No advanced degree is required, but a track record in retail sales, grocery stocking, or route sales positions you for quick success.

Benefits & Perks

PepsiCo values its team members with competitive compensation starting at $24.00 per hour, translating to an annual base of approximately $49,920 for full-time hours, plus mileage reimbursement for route travel. As an equal opportunity employer, PepsiCo adheres to fair chance hiring practices under laws like the Fair Credit Reporting Act, San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative. Employees enjoy a supportive culture with access to training, Realistic Job Preview videos, and opportunities for overtime. Broader perks include potential health benefits, retirement plans, and employee discounts on PepsiCo products, fostering long-term financial wellness.

Career Growth

This relief sales rep role is a launchpad for advancement within PepsiCo's vast network. High performers can progress to full-time route sales, key account management, or supervisory positions. PepsiCo invests in employee development through internal training programs, leadership academies, and mentorship, with many executives starting in field sales roles. The company's scale offers relocation opportunities across the U.S., from local markets like Pontiac to regional or national roles in sales operations, marketing, or supply chain.

Why Join Us

Joining PepsiCo means aligning with a global powerhouse that prioritizes innovation, sustainability, and people. In Pontiac, Michigan, you'll contribute to local grocery giants while building skills in high-demand areas like sales and merchandising. Enjoy the stability of a Fortune 500 company with a fun, brand-driven culture, physical activity in your workday, and the satisfaction of visible impact on store shelves. PepsiCo's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion ensures everyone has a seat at the table, making it more than a job—it's a career with purpose.

Role FAQs

Q: Is this a full-time position? Yes, it's a full-time relief role with 10-12 hour shifts, including potential weekends/holidays.

Q: What physical demands should I expect? Lifting 20-45 lb cases repeatedly, bending, squatting, and using equipment over long shifts.

Q: Do I need prior sales experience? Helpful but not required; training provided for motivated candidates.

Q: Is mileage reimbursed? Yes, for positions using a personal vehicle on sales routes.

Q: How does PepsiCo support career advancement? Through training, internal promotions, and a clear path from field sales to leadership.