About PepsiCo

PepsiCo is one of the world's leading food and beverage companies, with a portfolio that includes iconic brands like Pepsi, Quaker, Gatorade, and Lay's. Operating in over 200 countries, PepsiCo employs more than 300,000 people globally and generates annual revenues exceeding $86 billion. In China, PepsiCo has a strong presence, particularly in the nutrition and hot beverage segments through brands like Quaker. The company is committed to sustainable growth, innovation, and delivering consumer-relevant products that promote healthier lifestyles. As a leader in the food and beverage industry, PepsiCo invests heavily in R&D to pioneer new products tailored to local markets.

Role Overview

The VA Innovation Assistant Manager (高价值热冲新品开发副经理) role at PepsiCo in Shanghai is pivotal in driving innovation within the VA hot segment. This position focuses on supporting the development and execution of high-impact innovation initiatives, including product ideation, channel-portfolio planning, and pilot activations. Aligned with PepsiCo's 'fewer, bigger' innovation agenda, the role ensures business growth by leveraging consumer insights and coordinating cross-functional teams. With a de-prioritization of non-meal platforms, this Assistant Manager level position emphasizes executional excellence in big-bet innovations for the VA hot segment, contributing to Quaker's broader innovation strategy in China.

Key Focus Areas

This role bridges consumer needs with market execution, involving everything from idea validation to post-launch tracking. It's ideal for professionals passionate about food innovation in China's dynamic consumer market.

Key Responsibilities

In this role, you will play a hands-on part in bringing innovations to life. Responsibilities include:

• Applying consumer insights and market data to identify and prioritize innovation ideas in the VA hot segment.
• Assisting in channel-focused portfolio planning to align with evolving priorities.
• Coordinating cross-functional teams for seamless product launches, ensuring operational readiness.
• Resolving executional challenges to deliver projects on time and within budget.
• Collaborating with the TMKT team on go-to-market strategies tailored to China’s channel dynamics.
• Collecting and analyzing post-launch consumer feedback and sales data for continuous improvement.
• Tracking project budgets, KPIs like innovation launch success rate, pilot activation completion, and net revenue contributions.

Performance Metrics

Success is measured by KPIs such as Innovation Launch Success Rate (%), Pilot Activation Completion (%), Consumer Feedback Scores, and Contribution to Net Revenue Target Achievement (%).

Qualifications & Requirements

To excel in this position, candidates should possess:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Marketing or a related field.
• Proven experience leveraging consumer insights for successful product innovations.
• Hands-on background in local-for-local product development.
• Preference for experience in consumer insights, strategy, and the nutrition category.
• Strong collaboration skills across global, regional, and local teams.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.

PepsiCo values candidates who thrive in fast-paced, cross-functional environments and have a track record of driving innovation in competitive markets.

Benefits & Perks

PepsiCo offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your professional and personal well-being:

• Competitive salary estimated at $65,000 - $95,000 USD annually, based on Food & Beverage sector rates in China with a buffer.
• Performance-based bonuses and incentives tied to innovation KPIs.
• Full medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus wellness programs.
• Generous paid time off, parental leave, and flexible working arrangements.
• Access to learning platforms, leadership training, and global mobility opportunities.
• Employee discounts on PepsiCo products and partnerships.

Career Growth

At PepsiCo, career progression is a priority. This Assistant Manager role serves as a launchpad for senior innovation positions, such as Innovation Manager or Category Lead. With exposure to global teams and high-visibility projects, you'll build expertise in product development, consumer strategy, and market execution. PepsiCo's talent development programs, mentorship, and internal mobility ensure long-term growth in China's booming F&B sector.

Why Join Us

Joining PepsiCo means being part of a company that shapes the future of food and beverages. In Shanghai, you'll work on cutting-edge innovations for the VA hot segment, impacting millions of consumers. Enjoy a collaborative culture, state-of-the-art facilities, and the chance to contribute to sustainable business growth. PepsiCo's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion fosters an environment where your ideas drive real change.

Role FAQs

What is the VA hot segment?

VA refers to high-value hot instant products, focusing on premium, meal-oriented innovations under Quaker in China.

Is relocation support provided?

PepsiCo offers relocation assistance for eligible candidates moving to Shanghai.

What level of experience is required?

Assistant Manager level requires 3-5 years in innovation or product development, with proven launches.

Is Mandarin proficiency required?

While English is key, Mandarin supports local collaboration.

How does this role fit into PepsiCo's China strategy?

It aligns with the 'fewer, bigger' agenda, prioritizing high-impact innovations in key segments.