OverviewAre you interested in creating the future for some of Pepsi’s most iconic and beloved brands? Leading and help re-invent how we create innovation leveraging cutting edge approaches?
We are seeking a strategic, passionate, resourceful, results-driven Innovation Associate Manager to join the Quaker Foods North America team. This role will lead the planning, development and execution of the innovation strategy and pipeline development of Quaker Rice Snacks and Pancake Mix/Syrup portfolios (Quaker, Pearl Milling Company).
As the Associate Manager for Rice Snacks and Pancake Mix/Syrup Innovation, you’ll be a critical leader that builds new ways of working that help us transform the growth trajectory for this business. You’ll work in a fast paced, dynamic environment which will develop and showcase your ability to think strategically, demonstrate flexibility & agility and lead projects from concept to launch.
The ideal candidate has previous marketing experience, creative thinking, and passion to delight our consumers. They should enjoy working in a fast-paced dynamic environment and thrive on cross-functional collaboration. This position needs an individual who is capable of operating in a matrixed environment and able to effectively influence to get things done.
ResponsibilitiesInnovation Strategy
Lead development of short and long-term innovation strategy across Rice Snacks and Pancake portfolios, balancing incremental and breakthrough opportunities
Translate consumer insights, macro trends, and Jobs To Be Done into clear innovation priorities and growth opportunities
Partner with brand and cross-functional teams to shape portfolio strategy and future innovation direction
Pipeline Development
- Build and manage a consumer-led innovation pipeline that drives growth across key brands
- Lead ideation, agile workshops, and concept development to translate strategy into actionable ideas
- Partner closely with Insights and Brand teams to identify opportunities, validate concepts, and refine pipeline priorities
Executing with Excellence
- Lead end-to-end execution of innovation initiatives, ensuring delivery across 2027 and beyond pipelines
- Drive alignment across cross-functional teams, acting as a connector and problem-solver to move projects forward
- Manage innovation through stage-gate and governance processes, ensuring strong execution and on-time delivery
Key Partners Include
- Brand teams
- Insights teams
- R&D teams
- Finance teams
- Sales teams
Compensation and Benefits:
- The expected compensation range for this position is between $93,500 - $156,450.
- 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 10% 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 required; MBA preferred
- 4–6 years of experience in marketing, innovation, strategy, insights, or consulting roles
- Demonstrated ability to lead both strategic thinking and day-to-day project execution simultaneously
- Experience leveraging consumer insights, market trends, and data to inform growth strategies
- Proven ability to influence and align cross-functional stakeholders (e.g., Brand, R&D, Supply Chain, Insights)
- Strong project management skills, including ownership of timelines and cross-functional deliverables
- Ability to operate effectively in ambiguous, fast-moving environments with evolving priorities
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to translate complex ideas into clear actions
- Proficiency in PowerPoint and Excel
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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