Associate Experience Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Associate Experience Design Manager

Company: PepsiCo

Location: Mexico City, Mexico

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Marketing / Creative Operations

Date Posted: 2026-10-02

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the conceptualization and creative development of brand experiences, events, and activations, transforming briefs and strategies into compelling narratives and spatial solutions.

• Coordinate and manage multidisciplinary teams and external vendors, ensuring alignment on responsibilities, priorities, timelines, and quality of deliverables.

• Oversee the creative and production development process, including mood boards, storytelling, layouts, renders, and presentation materials, maintaining brand consistency across all touchpoints.

• Collaborate closely with production teams to assess technical feasibility, manage budgets, and oversee assembly and operation, guiding projects from ideation through to execution.

• Drive innovation by exploring new trends, formats, and technologies to enhance audience experiences and contribute to the company's mission of creating joy through food and beverages.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Associate Experience Design Manager," the responsibilities and experience requirements (10+ years) suggest a role with significant autonomy and strategic input, bordering on a senior or lead position within a creative or GTM operations context. The emphasis on "hands-on" indicates a need for direct contribution to design and execution, not solely managerial oversight.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the conceptual and creative development of brand experiences, events, activations, product launches, and entertainment projects, translating strategic briefs into innovative concepts, engaging narratives, and functional spatial designs.

• Actively participate in the hands-on design process, creating mood boards, developing storytelling elements, crafting layouts, generating renders, and preparing compelling presentations that align with brand identity.

• Manage and direct multidisciplinary teams and external suppliers, clearly assigning tasks, setting priorities, and meticulously tracking progress against timelines, quality standards, and key deliverables.

• Ensure rigorous brand consistency across all consumer touchpoints by overseeing the creative output and production of all related materials and environments.

• Collaborate closely with production teams to conduct thorough evaluations of technical feasibility, budget constraints, material selection, and operational requirements, providing expert guidance from the initial concept phase through to final on-site execution.

• Participate in the ideation phase for new proposals and commercial pitches, actively contributing to client presentations and championing the adoption of emerging trends, formats, and technologies to elevate audience engagement.

• Effectively manage a portfolio of multiple concurrent projects, continuously optimizing inter-departmental workflows and providing constructive direction and feedback to team members to foster professional growth and uphold exceptionally high standards of quality.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description emphasizes "hands-on" involvement, indicating that this role requires direct contribution to design and creative output, not just high-level management. This is crucial for candidates to understand, as it implies a blend of strategic leadership and active creative execution.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Design, Architecture, Industrial Design, Visual Communication, Art Direction, or a closely related field. Experience:

• Over 10 years of progressive experience in experience design, BTL (Below The Line) marketing, event design and production, entertainment experiences, retail design, or ephemeral architecture.

• Proven track record of leading creative teams and managing projects from inception through to successful completion.

• Demonstrated experience in collaborating effectively with clients, vendors, and production teams. Required Skills:

• Expertise in creative conceptualization and art direction for immersive brand experiences.

• Strong proficiency in spatial design principles and the ability to translate concepts into tangible environments.

• Advanced storytelling capabilities, translating brand narratives into engaging experiences.

• Skill in creating high-quality renders, mood boards, and presentation materials for stakeholder buy-in.

• Comprehensive understanding of BTL marketing strategies and event production processes.

• Proficiency in managing project lifecycles, including planning, execution, and post-event analysis.

• Demonstrated leadership skills in guiding and motivating creative teams.

• Strong ability to manage project budgets and optimize resource allocation.

• Excellent technical feasibility assessment skills for design and production.

• Proven ability to foster cross-functional collaboration and manage external vendor relationships.

• Exceptional problem-solving skills to address challenges during the design and execution phases.

• Superior communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate creative vision to diverse audiences.

• Good oral and written English proficiency. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with retail design and creating impactful in-store experiences.

• Familiarity with entertainment industry event production standards.

• Knowledge of emerging technologies and their application in experience design (e.g., AR/VR, interactive installations).

• Experience in developing and executing large-scale brand activations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a "solid portfolio" is critical. Candidates should be prepared to showcase a diverse range of experience in brand experiences, activations, events, or spatial projects, demonstrating their hands-on capabilities and creative vision. The "10+ years" explicitly points to a senior-level candidate.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A robust and diverse portfolio showcasing a minimum of 10 years of hands-on experience in designing and executing impactful brand experiences, events, activations, or spatial projects.

• Demonstrations of creative conceptualization, including ideation sketches, mood boards, and narrative development for past projects.

• Visual evidence of spatial design capabilities through floor plans, 3D renders, and photographic documentation of executed environments.

• Case studies detailing the project lifecycle, from initial brief and concept development through to final execution, highlighting problem-solving and innovative solutions.

• Examples of collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and external vendors, illustrating effective project coordination.

• Evidence of budget management and resource allocation within project constraints.

• Projects that clearly articulate brand coherence and the successful translation of brand strategy into tangible experiences. Process Documentation:

• Examples of process workflows for creative development, from brief interpretation to final design handover.

• Documentation of collaboration protocols between design, production, and client teams.

• Case studies that detail the process of evaluating technical feasibility and operational execution for complex projects.

• Evidence of how new trends and technologies were integrated into the design and execution process.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the "hands-on" nature and the requirement for a strong portfolio, candidates should prepare to present detailed case studies that not only showcase creative output but also their direct involvement in the process, problem-solving, and execution management. This is a key differentiator for operations roles requiring practical application.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Given the role's seniority (10+ years of experience), the location (Mexico City, a major metropolitan area), and the company's stature (PepsiCo), a competitive salary range is expected. Based on industry benchmarks for Associate Managerial roles in Creative/Marketing Operations in Mexico City, the estimated annual salary range would be between MXN 700,000 to MXN 1,200,000. This range can vary significantly based on the candidate's specific experience, negotiation skills, and the precise internal banding for this role at PepsiCo. Benefits:

• Comprehensive professional development programs designed for continuous learning and skill enhancement.

• Access to internal digital platforms offering self-paced learning opportunities.

• Structured leadership development programs to foster career progression.

• Specialized training tailored to the specific requirements of the role and the broader operations function.

• Recognition programs for longevity, impactful behaviors, leadership, and significant life events.

• Financial wellness programs to support employees in achieving their financial goals.

• Flexible work arrangements that promote a healthy work-life balance.

• Support services such as a Wellness Line for employee well-being.

• Access to a wide array of discounts and agreements with various partners.

• Scholarship programs available for employees' children.

• Various aid plans to support employees during different life stages. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work schedule, typically around 40 hours per week. The role may require flexibility and occasional work outside of standard hours to meet project deadlines, particularly during event execution phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on publicly available data for similar roles in Mexico City and considers PepsiCo's typical compensation structure for experienced professionals. It's essential for candidates to conduct their own localized research and be prepared to negotiate based on their experience and the value they bring. The benefits package is extensive, reflecting PepsiCo's commitment to employee well-being and development.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Food & Beverage Manufacturing and Distribution. PepsiCo is a global leader, renowned for its extensive portfolio of beloved brands such as Lay's, Gatorade, Quaker, Pepsi, and Doritos. This industry context means a focus on consumer-centricity, large-scale production, efficient supply chains, and impactful marketing campaigns.

Company Size: PepsiCo is a very large multinational corporation with tens of thousands of employees globally. This scale implies structured processes, significant resources, opportunities for global collaboration, and a well-defined corporate hierarchy. For operations professionals, this means working within established frameworks but also having the potential to influence large-scale initiatives.

Founded: PepsiCo was formed in 1965 through the merger of Pepsi-Cola and Frito-Lay. This long history signifies stability, established brand recognition, and a deep understanding of consumer markets, which informs its operational strategies and brand experience development.

Team Structure:

• The Experience Design team likely operates within the broader Marketing, Brand, or Go-To-Market (GTM) functions. It's expected to be a blend of creative specialists and project managers.

• Reporting structure may place the Associate Experience Design Manager under a Senior Manager or Director of Brand Experience or Marketing Operations, with direct reports or matrixed responsibilities for project teams.

• Cross-functional collaboration is paramount, involving close partnerships with Brand Marketing, Product Development, Sales, Legal, Finance, and external agencies/vendors to ensure cohesive and successful execution of brand initiatives. Methodology:

• Data-driven insights are likely used to inform experience design strategies, ensuring that concepts resonate with target consumers and drive desired outcomes (e.g., brand engagement, sales uplift).

• Workflow planning and optimization are critical for managing complex projects with multiple stakeholders and tight deadlines, ensuring efficient resource allocation and timely delivery.

• Automation and efficiency practices are likely employed in project management and communication tools to streamline processes and enhance team productivity.

Company Website: https://pepsicojobs.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The "CARRERAS PARA SONREIR" tagline and the description of creating "joy through food and beverages" highlight PepsiCo's consumer-focused and positive brand ethos. Operations professionals in this environment are expected to contribute to these overarching goals through meticulous planning, creative execution, and efficient project management.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Associate Manager. This level typically signifies an individual contributor or a first-level manager with significant responsibilities, requiring both hands-on execution and the ability to lead small teams or manage specific project workstreams. For an "Associate Experience Design Manager" with 10+ years of experience, this role is highly specialized and critical for translating strategic vision into tangible brand experiences.

Reporting Structure: The Associate Experience Design Manager will likely report to a Director or Senior Manager within the Marketing, Brand, or GTM Operations department. They may also have direct reports or manage project-specific teams composed of designers, event specialists, and external vendors. Collaboration with cross-functional teams (marketing, sales, legal, finance) is a key aspect of the role.

Operations Impact: This role directly impacts the company's brand perception and consumer engagement through the design and execution of memorable experiences. Successful management of brand activations, events, and launches contributes to increased brand loyalty, market penetration, and ultimately, revenue growth by creating positive consumer touchpoints and driving product trial/purchase.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Potential to move into a Senior Experience Design Manager or Director role, overseeing larger-scale projects, managing bigger teams, and taking on more strategic planning responsibilities. This could also involve specializing in specific areas like digital experience design or large-scale event production.

• Leadership Development: Opportunities to hone leadership skills through managing project teams, mentoring junior staff, and potentially leading global or regional initiatives. PepsiCo's structured leadership development programs are a significant asset here.

• Cross-Functional Mobility: The experience gained in managing complex GTM operations and brand activations can open doors to roles in broader marketing strategy, brand management, or even operational leadership within other divisions of PepsiCo.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of "programs of development according to Leadership skills" and "Specialized training according to the role" indicates a structured approach to career growth within PepsiCo, which is a strong draw for ambitious operations professionals.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Mexico City, likely within a PepsiCo corporate office. These environments are typically professional, modern, and designed to foster collaboration. Given the "on-site" requirement, expect a standard office setting with dedicated workspaces.

Office Location(s): The primary office is located at BOSQUES DE LOS DURAZNOS NO. 67, 11700, MIGUEL HIDALGO, Mexico City, DF, Mexico. This is a well-established business district, suggesting accessibility via public transport and proximity to amenities.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is expected to be collaborative, encouraging interaction with design teams, marketing colleagues, and project stakeholders.

• Access to necessary design software, presentation tools, and project management platforms will be provided.

• Opportunities for team interaction are high, given the nature of coordinating creative projects and events that require constant communication and alignment. Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time hours (approximately 40 hours per week). However, the dynamic nature of event planning and campaign execution may necessitate flexibility, including occasional work during evenings, weekends, or holidays, especially leading up to and during major activations. PepsiCo's program of flexibility aims to balance this with personal life.

📝 Enhancement Note: The mention of a "flexibility program that will allow you to balance your personal and work life, adapting your workday to your lifestyle" is a key benefit. While the role is on-site, this suggests that PepsiCo offers some degree of flexibility in structuring the workday, which can be attractive for operations professionals.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or a recruiter will likely conduct an initial call to assess basic qualifications, experience alignment, and cultural fit. Be prepared to briefly summarize your relevant experience and portfolio highlights.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A detailed discussion with the hiring manager focusing on your experience in experience design, team leadership, project management, and your approach to creative conceptualization and execution. Expect behavioral questions related to problem-solving, collaboration, and stakeholder management.

• Portfolio Review & Presentation: A critical stage where you will present your portfolio. This typically involves showcasing 2-3 key projects in detail, explaining your role, the challenges faced, your creative process, the solutions implemented, and the measurable impact. Be ready to discuss the operational aspects of these projects.

• Cross-Functional/Team Interviews: You may meet with key stakeholders from marketing, production, or other relevant departments to assess your ability to collaborate and integrate with various teams.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader to discuss strategic alignment and overall fit within PepsiCo's culture and operational framework.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent the required skills: brand experience design, event conceptualization, spatial design, and hands-on execution.

• Quantify Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the objectives, your specific contributions, the challenges overcome, and the tangible results achieved (e.g., engagement metrics, ROI, brand perception shifts). Use metrics wherever possible.

• Showcase Process: Detail your creative and operational process for each project. This includes ideation, concept development, stakeholder communication, vendor management, budget oversight, and execution.

• Highlight Collaboration: Emphasize how you worked with multidisciplinary teams and external partners to bring the experience to life.

• Tailor to PepsiCo: If possible, subtly align your project examples with PepsiCo's brand values or target audience, demonstrating an understanding of their business.

• Be Ready for Technical Details: As this is a "hands-on" role, be prepared to discuss the technical aspects of production, materials, and feasibility assessments.

Challenge Preparation:

• You might be given a hypothetical brief or a problem scenario related to brand experience design or event activation.

• Prepare to outline your approach to developing a concept, considering feasibility, budget, and brand alignment.

• Practice articulating your thought process clearly and concisely, focusing on strategic thinking and operational execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "solid portfolio" and "hands-on" involvement means the interview process will heavily scrutinize practical experience and creative output. Candidates must be prepared to not just talk about their work but demonstrate it visually and explain the operational "how-to."

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design Software: Proficiency in industry-standard design tools such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, After Effects), Sketch, Figma, or similar for visual design, layout, and presentation creation.

• 3D Modeling & Rendering Software: Experience with tools like 3ds Max, Maya, Cinema 4D, or SketchUp for creating spatial designs and realistic renders.

• Project Management Software: Familiarity with platforms like Asana, Trello, Monday.com, or Jira for task management, workflow tracking, and team coordination.

• Presentation Software: Advanced skills in PowerPoint, Google Slides, or Keynote for creating compelling client presentations and internal reports.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary data analytics role, understanding how to interpret performance metrics for events and activations will be key. Familiarity with analytics dashboards or reporting tools used by marketing teams could be beneficial. CRM & Automation:

• While not directly managing a CRM, an understanding of how brand experiences integrate with customer journeys and CRM data might be advantageous. Experience with marketing automation platforms for campaign execution could also be a plus.

• Collaboration Tools: Proficiency with communication and collaboration platforms like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or Google Workspace.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role implies a need for strong creative software proficiency alongside project management tools. While deep analytics or CRM expertise isn't explicitly stated as core, an understanding of how these experiences impact customer data and marketing campaigns is implied for a role at a company like PepsiCo.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Consumer Centricity: A deep understanding and focus on the consumer experience, ensuring all activations and events are designed to create positive, memorable interactions that resonate with target audiences.

• Innovation & Creativity: A commitment to pushing creative boundaries, exploring new trends, and developing unique solutions that differentiate PepsiCo's brands.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: A strong emphasis on working effectively across diverse teams (internal and external) to achieve shared goals, fostering an environment of mutual respect and support.

• Excellence & Quality: A dedication to delivering high-quality, impactful experiences that uphold the integrity and reputation of PepsiCo's brands.

• Efficiency & Resourcefulness: A practical approach to project management, ensuring that creative visions are realized within budget and timeline constraints, demonstrating an ability to optimize resources.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect a highly collaborative environment where close partnerships with marketing, sales, legal, finance, and external agencies are essential for successful project execution. Open communication and proactive alignment are key.

• Feedback-Driven Process: A culture that encourages constructive feedback during the creative and production phases to refine concepts and ensure optimal outcomes.

• Knowledge Sharing: Opportunities to share best practices, learnings from past projects, and insights into new trends, contributing to the collective growth of the experience design function.

📝 Enhancement Note: PepsiCo's emphasis on "creating smiles" and "joy through food and beverages" suggests a culture that values positive impact and consumer delight. Operations professionals in this setting should be enthusiastic, collaborative, and dedicated to delivering exceptional experiences that align with these brand pillars.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creativity with Constraints: The primary challenge will be translating ambitious creative visions into executable concepts that meet strict technical, budgetary, and timeline requirements. This requires strong negotiation and problem-solving skills.

• Managing Diverse Stakeholders: Effectively coordinating and aligning expectations among various internal departments (marketing, legal, finance) and external vendors (agencies, production companies) can be complex.

• Adapting to Rapid Trends: The experience design landscape evolves quickly. Staying ahead of new trends, technologies, and consumer behaviors to keep brand experiences fresh and relevant will be an ongoing challenge.

• Ensuring Brand Consistency at Scale: Maintaining a cohesive brand identity and experience across numerous activations, events, and markets requires meticulous attention to detail and robust process management.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Deepen expertise in project management, event production, and creative operations within a large-scale consumer goods company. This could involve certifications or specialized training in areas like event logistics, risk management, or advanced design software.

• Industry Exposure: Participate in industry conferences, workshops, and engage with external vendors to stay abreast of the latest trends in experience design, marketing technology, and consumer engagement strategies.

• Leadership Mentorship: Benefit from PepsiCo's structured leadership development programs, potentially receiving mentorship from senior leaders in marketing or operations, and gaining experience in managing and developing teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "challenges" section highlights the need for candidates to demonstrate resilience, adaptability, and strong operational acumen in navigating the complexities of large-scale brand activation projects within a fast-paced industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to translate a complex brand strategy into a tangible consumer experience. What was your process, and what were the key challenges?" (Focus on conceptualization, narrative development, and operational execution).

• "How do you ensure brand consistency across multiple touchpoints and stakeholders in a large-scale activation or event?" (Highlight process, communication, and quality control measures).

• "Walk me through your approach to managing a project budget and timeline for a major brand event, especially when unexpected issues arise." (Emphasize planning, risk management, and problem-solving).

• "How do you foster creativity and collaboration within a multidisciplinary team, including external vendors?" (Discuss leadership style, communication strategies, and conflict resolution). Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your understanding of PepsiCo, how would you approach designing an experience that embodies our mission of creating joy and smiles?" (Show research and alignment with brand values).

• "How do you see this role contributing to PepsiCo's overall Go-To-Market strategy and consumer engagement efforts?" (Connect your role to broader business objectives).

• "Describe your ideal work environment and how you collaborate with colleagues and leadership." (Assess cultural fit and teamwork). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, follow a clear story arc: Objective/Brief -> Your Role & Process -> Challenges & Solutions -> Execution Details -> Results & Learnings.

• Quantify Everything: Wherever possible, use data to demonstrate impact (e.g., attendance, engagement rates, social media reach, sales uplift, ROI).

• Highlight Operational Savvy: For each project, specifically call out your involvement in budget management, vendor coordination, technical feasibility, and on-site execution. This is crucial for an operations-focused role.

• Be Enthusiastic and Confident: Your passion for design and your ability to execute will be as important as the technical skills.

• Prepare for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your design choices, operational decisions, and how you would handle specific scenarios relevant to PepsiCo's brands.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to discuss not just the "what" of their portfolio projects but the "how" and "why" from both a creative and an operational perspective. Demonstrating an understanding of PepsiCo's brands and market position will also be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Associate Experience Design Manager position at PepsiCo:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the PepsiCo careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to prominently feature projects that best align with the requirements for brand experience design, event conceptualization, spatial design, and hands-on execution. Ensure case studies clearly detail your operational involvement, problem-solving, and quantifiable results.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight the 10+ years of experience, specific skills (creative conceptualization, project management, team leadership, BTL, event production), and achievements relevant to this role. Use keywords from the job description naturally.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result), with a strong emphasis on the "Action" and "Result" for operations-focused achievements. Prepare to present your portfolio concisely and answer strategic, behavioral, and company-specific questions.

• Company Research: Deepen your understanding of PepsiCo's current marketing initiatives, brand portfolio, and corporate values. Research recent campaigns or activations that align with experience design to better tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.