Design Manager, Nutrition;设计经理，营养

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager, Nutrition; 设计经理，营养

Company: PepsiCo

Location: Shanghai, China

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Marketing & Design Operations

Date Posted: 2026-08-06

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the strategic development and execution of brand strategies within the Snacks portfolio, focusing on driving brand growth through innovation and consumer-centric initiatives.

• Manage the end-to-end design process for food brands, from conceptualization and sketching to artwork, visualization, prototyping, and production-ready files.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including Design, R&D, Insights, and Commercialization to translate consumer insights into compelling brand expressions and ensure operational feasibility.

• Develop and maintain essential brand assets such as playbooks, visual identity guidelines, and toolkits to ensure consistency across packaging and the broader portfolio.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role appears to be a hybrid of Brand Management and Design Leadership, with a strong emphasis on operationalizing design strategy within the food and beverage sector. The title "Design Manager, Nutrition" combined with the responsibilities suggests a focus on the nutritional aspects of food products and how design communicates these attributes to consumers. The bilingual title (English/Chinese) indicates a need for communication and collaboration within a diverse, potentially global, team operating in Shanghai.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Ideate and sketch compelling concepts for food brand expression, packaging experiences, and activation ideas, aligning with direction from the Food Design lead.

• Iterate on design solutions to strengthen brand equity and effectively meet evolving consumer needs and nutritional communication requirements.

• Develop and revise food brand design projects from initial concept through final artwork, visualization, prototyping, and the creation of production-ready files.

• Ensure all design outputs align with and reinforce established food brand standards, maintaining consistency across packaging and the entire product portfolio.

• Produce comprehensive food brand playbook assets, including detailed guidelines, visual identity elements, and practical toolkits for internal and external use.

• Clearly present design concepts and strategies to cross-functional partners, employing strong, insight-led storytelling to convey the strategic rationale.

• Quickly sketch and visualize concepts to communicate packaging ideas, product transformations, and key brand experience moments effectively.

• Manage food brand design projects from inception to completion, ensuring adherence to timelines, delivery of key milestones, and overall execution quality across packaging, innovation, and activation initiatives.

• Foster cross-functional collaboration to support food brand design initiatives across Marketing, R&D, Insights, and Commercialization departments.

• Contribute to the ideation and development of food brand concepts within a team environment, actively participating in innovation, renovation, and visual system development projects.

• Consistently meet deadlines and maintain a high standard of output quality while effectively managing multiple food brand design projects simultaneously.

• Actively participate in brainstorming sessions, applying creativity, foresight, and strong design judgment informed by current marketplace dynamics and category trends.

• Create high-quality food brand design solutions by executing designs directly and strategically leveraging internal and external creative resources.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on design role with significant project management and cross-functional coordination. The emphasis on "Food brand design projects," "packaging," and "nutrition" suggests a specialized focus within PepsiCo's broader portfolio, likely related to health-conscious product lines. The need to create "playbook assets" and "toolkits" points to a strategic role in brand standardization and operational efficiency for design.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Design Management, or a closely related field; equivalent practical experience will also be considered.

Experience: 8–10 years of progressive brand design experience, ideally within an in-house creative department or a reputable agency, with a significant portion focused on the food and beverage or consumer packaged goods (CPG) sector.

Required Skills:

• Brand Strategy & Design: Proven ability to develop and execute brand strategies that drive growth, with a strong understanding of how design contributes to brand equity and consumer engagement.

• Graphic Design Proficiency: Expert-level command of the Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and other relevant design software for creating high-fidelity visuals and production-ready files.

• Packaging Design Expertise: Demonstrated experience in conceptualizing, developing, and executing innovative and effective packaging designs for consumer products.

• Project Management: Strong organizational and project management skills to oversee multiple design projects from concept to completion, ensuring timely delivery and quality output.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to effectively partner with Marketing, R&D, Insights, Commercialization, and other teams.

• Visualization & Sketching: Ability to rapidly visualize concepts through sketching and digital rendering to communicate ideas clearly and effectively.

• Brand Guideline Development: Experience in creating and implementing brand guidelines, visual identity systems, and design toolkits.

• Storytelling: Ability to articulate design rationale and strategic thinking through compelling narratives for presentations.

Preferred Skills:

• Nutrition/Health Focus: Familiarity with communicating nutritional information and health benefits through design and branding.

• Team Leadership: Experience in leading design teams or mentoring junior designers, fostering a collaborative and growth-oriented environment.

• Market & Trend Analysis: Ability to research and interpret market trends, consumer insights, and competitive landscapes to inform design strategy.

• Global Brand Experience: Experience working with global brands or in a multinational corporate environment.

• Bilingual Proficiency: Working proficiency in Mandarin Chinese, in addition to English, for effective communication in the Shanghai office.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "8-10 years" experience requirement, coupled with the "10+" AI derived experience level, suggests this role is for a seasoned professional ready for significant responsibility. The emphasis on "design taste and craft" and "project ownership" implies a need for both creative excellence and accountability. The "emerging people manager" or "experienced team leader" qualification points to potential leadership responsibilities within the design function.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a minimum of 8-10 years of professional brand design work, with a significant emphasis on food, beverage, or CPG categories.

• Clear case studies demonstrating end-to-end project ownership, from initial concept development and strategic problem-solving to final execution and market launch.

• Examples of packaging design projects that illustrate innovative thinking, brand consistency, and effective communication of product benefits (including nutritional aspects where applicable).

• Demonstrations of visual identity system development, including brand guidelines, logo evolution, and application across various touchpoints.

• Evidence of strong conceptualization and visualization skills, supported by sketches, mood boards, and high-fidelity renderings.

• Examples of collaboration with cross-functional teams (e.g., Marketing, R&D) and how design contributed to achieving business objectives. Process Documentation:

• Showcase examples of how you have documented design processes, such as creating brand playbooks, design toolkits, or workflow optimization documentation.

• Include instances where you have established or improved design processes to enhance efficiency, ensure brand consistency, or facilitate cross-functional alignment.

• Provide examples of how you have managed design project timelines, deliverables, and quality control, demonstrating a structured approach to execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a design leadership role like this, the portfolio is paramount. It needs to go beyond just showcasing aesthetics to demonstrating strategic thinking, process management, and the ability to drive tangible business results through design. The emphasis on "operational feasibility" and "flawless execution" means portfolio pieces should highlight the practical application of design.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Design Manager with 8-10 years of experience in a major metropolitan area like Shanghai, and considering PepsiCo's global compensation structure, the estimated annual salary range is ¥400,000 - ¥700,000 CNY (approximately $55,000 - $97,000 USD). This range is highly dependent on specific experience, skill set, and negotiation.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Including medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and eligible dependents.

• Retirement Savings Plan: Such as a company-matched 401(k) equivalent or local pension scheme.

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation days, sick leave, and public holidays, aligned with local regulations and company policy.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, workshops, conferences, and access to design resources to enhance skills.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling and support services for personal and professional challenges.

• Product Discounts: Potential for discounts on PepsiCo products.

• Commuting Assistance: Support for transportation to and from the office in Shanghai.

Working Hours: The standard working hours for this role are approximately 40 hours per week, reflecting a full-time commitment. However, given the nature of design projects and potential deadlines, occasional overtime or flexible scheduling may be required to meet project milestones and ensure timely delivery of critical assets.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on research for similar roles in Shanghai and general industry compensation for a Design Manager at a large multinational corporation like PepsiCo. Local market conditions, currency exchange rates, and PepsiCo's specific compensation bands would influence the final figure. Benefits are typical for large corporations but can vary significantly by region.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Food & Beverage (Specifically Snacks and Nutrition-focused products). PepsiCo is a global leader in convenient foods and beverages, with a strong commitment to innovation and sustainability. The company operates in a dynamic, fast-paced environment driven by consumer trends, market competition, and a focus on health and wellness.

Company Size: PepsiCo is a large multinational corporation, employing over 300,000 people globally. This size offers significant resources, diverse career opportunities, and a structured corporate environment. For operations professionals, this means access to established processes, advanced technologies, and a wide network of colleagues.

Founded: PepsiCo was founded in 1965 through the merger of Pepsi-Cola and Frito-Lay. Its long history in the market signifies stability, extensive experience, and a deep understanding of consumer preferences and market dynamics.

Team Structure:

• The Design team likely operates within the broader Marketing or Brand Management function, with a specialized focus on product and packaging design for specific portfolios like Snacks and Nutrition.

• This role reports to a Food Design Lead or a senior Marketing/Brand Director, indicating a clear hierarchy within the design and brand strategy departments.

• Close collaboration is expected with cross-functional teams, including R&D (for product formulation and nutritional insights), Insights (for consumer understanding), Commercialization (for go-to-market strategies), and potentially Procurement and Manufacturing (for packaging production). Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Design decisions are informed by consumer insights, market research, and performance data to ensure relevance and impact.

• Agile Project Management: Projects are likely managed using agile methodologies to accommodate evolving market demands and allow for iterative design improvements.

• Brand Consistency & Governance: Robust processes are in place to maintain brand integrity across all touchpoints, ensuring a cohesive and recognizable brand experience.

• Innovation Focus: A culture that encourages experimentation and the development of new product concepts and design solutions.

Company Website: https://www.pepsicojobs.com

📝 Enhancement Note: PepsiCo's scale and industry position imply a need for rigorous process management, data-driven decision-making, and a structured approach to design operations. The emphasis on "Nutrition" in the job title suggests a strategic focus within PepsiCo's portfolio, potentially aligning with global health and wellness trends.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This position is at a mid-to-senior management level, specifically within the design and brand strategy function. It requires not only strong creative and technical design skills but also leadership capabilities, strategic thinking, and the ability to manage complex projects and cross-functional relationships. The role is pivotal in translating brand vision into tangible design assets that impact consumer perception and purchasing decisions.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will report to a Food Design Lead or a Director-level position within the Marketing or Brand organization. They will likely manage a team of designers, illustrators, or production artists, or at least provide direction and mentorship to them. Collaboration will extend to peers in R&D, Insights, and Commercialization.

Operations Impact: The impact of this role is significant, directly influencing:

• Brand Equity & Perception: Through visually appealing and strategically aligned design.

• Consumer Engagement: By creating compelling packaging and brand experiences that resonate with target audiences.

• Product Launch Success: By ensuring designs are innovative, functional, and ready for market execution.

• Operational Efficiency: By developing clear brand guidelines and toolkits that streamline design processes and ensure consistency across markets.

• Market Share & Revenue: By contributing to successful product innovation and brand differentiation.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into senior design leadership roles (e.g., Senior Design Manager, Creative Director) within PepsiCo's global structure.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific product categories or design disciplines (e.g., packaging innovation, digital design, nutrition communication).

• Cross-Functional Mobility: Transition into broader brand management, marketing, or product development roles within PepsiCo.

• Global Exposure: Opportunities to work on international projects or relocate to other PepsiCo regional hubs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "8-10 years" experience requirement strongly positions this as a management-level role, implying a need for strategic input beyond execution. Growth opportunities are substantial within a company of PepsiCo's size.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This role is based in a corporate office environment in Shanghai. It is designed for on-site work to facilitate in-person collaboration, team brainstorming, and direct interaction with colleagues and leadership.

Office Location(s): The office is located at 17F-19F, Gopher Center, No. 757, Meng Zi Road, Shanghai, China, 200023. This is a professional business district, likely offering good accessibility via public transport and proximity to amenities.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: The office is expected to feature open work areas, meeting rooms, and dedicated spaces for brainstorming and creative sessions, fostering a dynamic and interactive design environment.

• Technology & Tools: Access to industry-standard design software, hardware, and potentially specialized visualization tools to support creative workflows.

• Team Interaction: Regular opportunities for face-to-face interaction with the design team, marketing colleagues, and other cross-functional partners, crucial for idea exchange and project alignment.

Work Schedule: The primary work schedule is full-time, aligning with standard business hours in Shanghai. However, the fast-paced nature of the CPG industry and the demands of design project timelines may necessitate flexibility, with occasional adjustments to working hours to meet critical deadlines or participate in global calls.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Shanghai underscores the importance of in-person collaboration for this design leadership role, especially in a bilingual environment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or a recruiter will likely conduct an initial call to assess basic qualifications, cultural fit, and salary expectations.

• Portfolio Review & Presentation: Candidates will be asked to present their portfolio, showcasing key projects, design process, and strategic thinking. This is a critical stage where design taste, craft, and problem-solving abilities are evaluated. Be prepared to discuss specific contributions, challenges, and outcomes.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A detailed discussion with the hiring manager (likely the Food Design Lead) focusing on experience, leadership style, technical skills, and alignment with team objectives.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Interviews with key stakeholders from Marketing, R&D, and Commercialization to assess collaboration skills and understanding of business needs.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader (e.g., Marketing Director) to discuss strategic vision and overall fit within PepsiCo's culture.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best demonstrate your experience in brand strategy, packaging design, and nutrition-related communication. Showcase a range of work, from conceptual ideation to final execution.

• Tell a Story: For each project, articulate the challenge, your role, the strategic approach, the design solution, and the measurable impact or outcome. Focus on the "why" behind your design decisions.

• Highlight Process: Show your thought process, including sketches, mood boards, iterations, and how you incorporated feedback and consumer insights.

• Demonstrate Leadership: If applicable, showcase projects where you led a team or influenced strategic direction.

• Tailor to PepsiCo: Research PepsiCo's brands, particularly its snack and nutrition portfolio, and be prepared to discuss how your skills and approach align with their objectives.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Challenge: Be prepared for a potential design exercise or case study, either pre-interview or during the process. This might involve developing concepts for a new product, redesigning packaging, or solving a specific brand communication challenge.

• Strategic Thinking: Practice articulating how design can support business goals, drive brand growth, and address consumer needs, especially in the context of nutrition and health.

• Cultural Fit: Prepare to discuss your collaboration style, how you handle feedback, and your approach to working in a diverse, fast-paced environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio presentation is the cornerstone of this application process. Candidates must be prepared to not only showcase their work but also articulate the strategic thinking and business impact behind each project.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Expert proficiency in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign is essential for all design tasks, from concept development to final artwork.

• Prototyping Tools: Experience with tools for creating mock-ups and prototypes of packaging and brand experiences (e.g., Adobe Dimension, Keyshot, or similar 3D rendering software).

• Presentation Software: Proficiency in PowerPoint or Keynote for creating impactful design presentations and storytelling.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a direct analytics role, understanding how to interpret consumer insights data and market trend reports will be crucial for informing design strategy. Familiarity with basic data visualization principles may be beneficial for presenting insights. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this design role, but awareness of how design assets are managed and distributed within broader marketing automation or Digital Asset Management (DAM) systems could be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirement is deep expertise in Adobe Creative Suite, with a strong emphasis on visual creation and execution for packaging and branding.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Consumer-Centricity: A deep understanding and focus on the consumer's needs, desires, and behaviors as the foundation for all design decisions.

• Innovation & Creativity: Encouragement of bold ideas, experimentation, and pushing creative boundaries to develop unique and effective design solutions.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: A strong emphasis on working together, sharing ideas, and supporting cross-functional partners to achieve common goals.

• Excellence & Quality: A commitment to delivering high-quality, polished design work that meets brand standards and strategic objectives.

• Integrity & Accountability: Upholding ethical standards and taking ownership of projects and their outcomes.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Partnerships: The design team works as an integral part of the broader marketing and brand strategy function, fostering close communication and shared objectives with R&D, Insights, and Commercialization.

• Feedback-Driven: An open culture for constructive feedback, where ideas are shared and refined through collaborative critique sessions.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Proactive engagement with other departments to ensure design solutions are strategically sound, technically feasible, and aligned with market execution plans.

📝 Enhancement Note: PepsiCo, as a large CPG company, likely emphasizes a culture that balances creative innovation with disciplined execution and strong cross-functional alignment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Brand Consistency with Innovation: The need to uphold established brand standards while continuously introducing fresh, innovative design concepts for a dynamic product portfolio.

• Navigating Diverse Stakeholder Needs: Managing expectations and incorporating feedback from various departments (Marketing, R&D, Legal, etc.), each with potentially different priorities.

• Fast-Paced Market Demands: Adapting quickly to evolving consumer trends, competitive pressures, and market opportunities within the rapidly changing food and beverage industry.

• Communicating Nutritional Value Effectively: Translating complex nutritional information into clear, appealing, and compliant design elements that resonate with health-conscious consumers.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Techniques: Access to training and resources for mastering new design software, visualization tools, and emerging design trends.

• Brand Strategy Immersion: Opportunities to deepen understanding of brand management principles, consumer psychology, and market dynamics within the CPG sector.

• Leadership Development Programs: Formal training and mentorship to enhance leadership, team management, and strategic planning skills.

• Industry Exposure: Participation in design conferences, trade shows, and workshops relevant to packaging design, food trends, and branding.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge will be operationalizing creative vision within a large corporate structure, ensuring both innovation and adherence to brand and nutritional guidelines.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance strict brand guidelines with the need for creative innovation. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your process for navigating constraints and driving creative solutions.)

• "How do you translate consumer insights and nutritional information into compelling visual design for food packaging?" (Prepare specific examples of how you've used data to inform design strategy.)

• "Walk us through your process for developing a new brand identity or packaging concept from ideation to final production." (Be ready to detail your workflow, tools, and decision-making points.)

• "How do you manage multiple design projects with competing deadlines and stakeholder priorities?" (Highlight your project management, prioritization, and communication skills.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about PepsiCo's approach to nutrition and health-focused products? How would your design philosophy align with that?" (Research PepsiCo's recent initiatives and brand portfolio.)

• "Describe your ideal collaborative environment. How do you work with cross-functional teams like Marketing, R&D, and Commercialization?" (Emphasize your teamwork and communication style.)

• "How do you stay current with design trends, particularly in the food and beverage industry?" (Showcase your passion for continuous learning and industry awareness.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure is Key: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type (packaging, branding) or by strategic impact.

• Deep Dive on 2-3 Key Projects: Select projects that best represent your capabilities for this role. For each, clearly articulate the brief, your strategic approach, the creative process, the final solution, and the results or learnings.

• Visual Storytelling: Use your presentation slides to visually tell the story of each project, highlighting your role and contributions.

• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design choices, challenges faced, and how you handle feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for a blend of creative talent, strategic thinking, leadership potential, and an understanding of the CPG/food industry context, particularly concerning nutrition.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the PepsiCo Jobs portal at https://www.pepsicojobs.com.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight experience in brand strategy, packaging design, cross-functional collaboration, and any experience with nutrition-related products or communication. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio is polished, well-organized, and showcases your strongest work relevant to this role. Have specific case studies ready to discuss in detail.

• Research PepsiCo: Familiarize yourself with PepsiCo's brands, particularly its snack and nutrition portfolio, and understand their market position and recent innovations.

• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse your portfolio presentation to ensure a clear, concise, and compelling delivery of your experience and strategic thinking.

⚠️ 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.

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