Brand Communications Manager - Beverages

Overview:

We are seeking a seasoned Communications Manager to join the PBUS Functional Hydration communications team, leading communications and PR efforts for several marquee brands in our sports portfolio, Propel and Muscle Milk, while also supporting Gatorade. This role will be critical to the success of our high-growth businesses, with an expectation of driving awareness, increasing positive perception, and disrupting culture with smart, human-centric storytelling. Reporting to the Senior Director of Communications, you will shape the narrative for our brands across media, consumer, influencer, and internal audiences. You’ll work closely with marketing leaders, business stakeholders, and peers across the PepsiCo communications function to deliver connected strategies and executional excellence. This is a Chicago-based role. Responsibilities:

Strategic Planning & Execution

• Develop and lead integrated communications strategies for Propel and Muscle Milk, to drive positive business impact, including campaigns, product launches, culture programing, and purpose initiatives.
• Strategically utilize consumer insights and human truths to build campaigns and stories curated towards key audiences
• Collaborate cross-functionally with business leaders, brand marketing, consumer engagement, sports marketing, R&D, and agency partners to ensure cohesive storytelling across all touchpoints.

Media Relations & Storytelling

• Lead proactive media relations to drive meaningful storytelling for Propel and Muscle Milk across top-tier consumer, trade, and sports/lifestyle outlets.
• Oversee PR for the Gatorade Player of the Year program.
• Develop compelling brand stories, messaging frameworks, media materials, executive talking points, and media kits.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with key journalists, creators, and sports media.

Leadership & Issues Management

• Serve as a communications advisor to brand leaders with an ability to influence decision making and provide thought leadership.
• Identify and mitigate potential reputational risks, support crisis communications, and ensure message alignment across teams.
• Act as a collaborative partner and liaison to PBUS communications COE teams, as well as PepsiCo corporate communications and employee engagement teams.

Measurement & Reporting

• Leverage data and analytics to inform communications strategies, focusing on consumer insights and meaningful results that drive business growth.

Compensation and Benefits:* The expected compensation range for this position is between $110,700 - $185,250.

• Location, confirmed job-related skills, experience, and education will be considered in setting actual starting salary. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range during the hiring process.
• Bonus based on performance and eligibility target payout is 12% of annual salary paid out annually.
• Paid time off subject to eligibility, including paid parental leave, vacation, sick, and bereavement.
• In addition to salary, PepsiCo offers a comprehensive benefits package to support our employees and their families, subject to elections and eligibility: Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, Health, and Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Insurance (Accident, Group Legal, Life), Defined Contribution Retirement Plan.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or related field.
• 6-8 years of progressive experience in brand communications or public relations. Previous experience both agency and in house is preferred.
• Proven track record of developing and executing successful PR campaigns for consumer brands—direct experience in sports/fitness is required.
• Strong media relations skills with an established network of national, lifestyle, and sports media contacts.
• Deep understanding of building strategies based in human truths and cultural moments, with a keen eye for reaching specific audience targets.
• Ability to manage complex agency teams, providing leadership and consistent direction and feedback.
• Exceptional writing and editing skills, with an eye for both consumer and corporate styles.
• Adept at balancing strategic thinking with hands-on execution in a fast-paced, matrixed environment.

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Our Company will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Fair Credit Reporting Act, and all other applicable laws, including but not limited to, San Francisco Police Code Sections 4901-4919, commonly referred to as the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance; and Chapter XVII, Article 9 of the Los Angeles Municipal Code, commonly referred to as the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status.

PepsiCo is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Female / Minority / Disability / Protected Veteran / Sexual Orientation / Gender Identity / Age

If you'd like more information about your EEO rights as an applicant under the law, please download the available EEO is the Law & EEO is the Law Supplement documents. View PepsiCo EEO Policy.

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