Graphic Designer - Poppi

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer - Poppi

Company: PepsiCo

Location: Plano, Texas; Purchase, New York; Chicago, Illinois; Los Angeles, California, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Marketing / Retail / Food & Beverage

Date Posted: April 16, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on creating visually engaging, high-impact design work across packaging and retail initiatives, spanning both print and digital environments, crucial for brand storytelling and execution.

• The Graphic Designer will be responsible for bringing brand stories to life through thoughtful execution and strong visual craft, ensuring all assets are on-brand, accurate, and production-ready.

• Reporting to a Senior Designer, this position involves close collaboration with cross-functional partners, supporting larger creative initiatives while independently managing select projects from concept to final delivery.

• A key aspect of this role is the deep understanding and application of brand guidelines, with the ability to uphold and extend them across new packaging and creative expressions to maintain cohesion across a broader product suite.

📝 Enhancement Note: The job title "Graphic Designer - Poppi" suggests this role may be specifically aligned with the Poppi brand, a subsidiary or acquired brand of PepsiCo. The description emphasizes hands-on creative execution, brand system application, and production-readiness, typical of a mid-level designer role within a large consumer packaged goods (CPG) company. The focus on packaging and retail initiatives indicates a strong need for understanding of CPG branding and production workflows.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Create high-quality, brand-consistent creative assets for packaging, retail, and digital touchpoints, managing the design process from concept through final production.

• Translate creative direction and established brand guidelines into polished, production-ready design solutions that resonate with target audiences.

• Independently lead assigned design projects, ensuring timely delivery and high standards, while also contributing effectively to larger, collaborative team initiatives.

• Thoughtfully apply and extend existing brand systems across new formats and surfaces, maintaining visual integrity and brand cohesion across the entire product suite.

• Ensure unwavering visual consistency and brand integrity across all design deliverables, from initial concept to final output.

• Design innovative packaging concepts and layouts, creatively applying brand guidelines while ensuring seamless cohesion across diverse product lines.

• Execute necessary packaging updates, including ingredient changes, UPC revisions, regulatory modifications, and layout refinements, with meticulous attention to detail.

• Prepare accurate, print-ready production files, ensuring all elements like outlined text, embedded assets, and verified die lines are correctly implemented.

• Meticulously organize and clearly label all project files for efficient use by internal teams and external vendors, facilitating smooth workflow progression.

• Conduct thorough reviews of artwork and proofs to guarantee accuracy, consistency, and overall quality before final release for production.

• Own assigned packaging and retail design workflows from the initial intake stage through to final file delivery, ensuring all project milestones are met.

• Manage tasks and facilitate reviews effectively using designated project management tools such as Asana or Ziflow, maintaining organized project tracking.

• Diligently track all revisions, approvals, and proofing stages to ensure projects progress efficiently and deadlines are met.

• Proactively identify and flag potential risks or production concerns early in the process, proposing timely and effective solutions.

• Partner closely with the Senior Designer, creative directors, and marketing partners to align on project goals and refine creative direction.

• Clearly present design work and articulate the rationale behind creative decisions, actively incorporating feedback to enhance the final output.

• Contribute thoughtful creative input and provide constructive feedback during team reviews, fostering a collaborative and iterative design process.

• Support broader creative initiatives and readily step in to assist with other creative tasks as needed, demonstrating flexibility and a team-oriented approach.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a mid-level role with a strong emphasis on execution and production within the CPG packaging space. The need to "apply and extend brand systems" suggests the candidate will work with established brand identities rather than solely developing new ones. The mention of specific tools like Asana and Ziflow, along with detailed production tasks (CMYK, PMS, dielines, text outlining), highlights the practical, hands-on nature of the role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, or a related field is typically expected for a mid-level designer role in a large corporation like PepsiCo. A strong portfolio is paramount and can sometimes substitute for formal education.

Experience: Minimum of 3+ years of professional experience in graphic design, with a significant focus on packaging and print production. Experience within the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry or with similar fast-paced retail environments is highly advantageous. This experience should demonstrate a proven ability to manage projects from concept to final, production-ready files.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated expertise in graphic design principles, including layout, typography, color theory, and composition, with a strong portfolio showcasing this.

• Proven experience in packaging design, with a deep understanding of dieline setup, print production workflows (CMYK vs. PMS vs. INX), and preparing files for various printing methods.

• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, specifically Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, essential for creating and manipulating design assets.

• Strong understanding and practical application of brand guidelines, with the ability to maintain brand consistency and extend brand systems across different applications.

• Meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy, particularly in areas like UPC placement, ingredient panels, and regulatory information.

• Experience in preparing print-ready production files, including text outlining, image embedding, and ensuring correct color profiles.

• Familiarity with project management tools such as Asana or Ziflow for task tracking, workflow management, and review processes.

• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks effectively, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to present design rationale clearly and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with digital design and asset creation for online platforms or retail digital displays.

• Familiarity with other Adobe Creative Suite applications or related design software.

• Knowledge of retail point-of-sale (POS) design and collateral creation.

• Experience with proofing and artwork review processes, ensuring accuracy and quality control.

• A proactive and self-motivated work ethic, with a demonstrated willingness to learn and contribute beyond assigned tasks.

• Ability to provide constructive feedback and actively participate in team design critiques.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize practical, production-oriented design skills essential for CPG. The "hunger to learn and a solid work ethic" are highlighted, suggesting the company values proactive individuals. The explicit mention of "3+ years of experience" and a portfolio are critical. The "flexibility to adapt to changing project requirements" points to a dynamic work environment.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a minimum of 3 years of graphic design experience, with a strong emphasis on packaging design for consumer goods.

• The portfolio must clearly demonstrate your ability to translate brand guidelines into visually compelling and accurate packaging designs across various product lines.

• Include examples of production-ready files, highlighting your understanding of print specifications, dielines, color separations (CMYK, PMS), and text outlining.

• Showcase projects where you managed the design workflow from initial concept to final delivery, illustrating your project ownership and problem-solving skills.

Process Documentation:

• Evidence of managing design workflows using project management tools (e.g., Asana, Ziflow), including tracking tasks, revisions, and approvals.

• Examples of how you have prepared and organized design files for internal teams and external vendors, ensuring clarity and efficiency.

• Case studies or project descriptions that detail how you ensured brand integrity and visual consistency across multiple deliverables.

• Documentation or examples of how you have executed packaging updates (e.g., ingredient changes, regulatory updates), showcasing attention to detail and accuracy.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a graphic design role, particularly in packaging at a CPG company, the portfolio is the primary evaluation tool. The emphasis is on demonstrated production readiness, brand adherence, and workflow management, which should be clearly reflected in the submitted work. Candidates should be prepared to walk through their portfolio and explain their process and decisions.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The expected compensation range for this position is between $66,900 - $111,950 USD per year. This range is dependent on factors such as confirmed job-related skills, experience, education, and the specific location of employment within the listed PepsiCo offices.

Benefits: PepsiCo offers a comprehensive benefits package, subject to elections and eligibility, which includes:

• Health & Wellness: Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance; Health Reimbursement Accounts; Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts; Employee Assistance Program (EAP); Disability insurance.

• Insurance: Accident insurance, Group Legal insurance, Life insurance.

• Retirement: Defined Contribution Retirement Plan.

• Paid Time Off: Paid parental leave, vacation, sick leave, and bereavement leave are provided, subject to eligibility requirements.

Working Hours: The role is full-time, implying approximately 40 hours per week. The specific schedule will be determined by team needs and operational requirements, with the expectation of on-site presence.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is competitive for a Mid-Level Graphic Designer in major US metropolitan areas, reflecting PepsiCo's standing as a large corporation. The benefits package is extensive, covering health, wellness, financial planning, and time off, which are standard for large CPG companies. The "approx. 40 hours per week" is a standard full-time designation, but the on-site requirement means flexibility will be within the office environment.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Food & Beverage (Consumer Packaged Goods - CPG). PepsiCo is a global leader with a vast portfolio of iconic brands, including beverages, snacks, and convenience foods. This industry is characterized by high-volume production, intense competition, and a strong focus on brand marketing and consumer engagement.

Company Size: PepsiCo is a large, multinational corporation with tens of thousands of employees globally. This size offers stability, extensive resources, and opportunities for professional development, but can also mean navigating larger organizational structures and processes.

Founded: PepsiCo was formed in 1965 through the merger of Pepsi-Cola and Frito-Lay. Its long history signifies a well-established presence and deep understanding of the consumer market. The brand "Poppi" suggests a more recent acquisition or partnership, bringing potentially newer, trend-focused energy into the larger corporate structure.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will report to a Senior Designer, indicating a hierarchical structure within the creative team.

• Collaboration will extend to cross-functional partners, likely including marketing, brand management, product development, and potentially external agencies or vendors.

Methodology:

• Design execution will be guided by established brand systems and creative briefs, emphasizing adherence to brand guidelines while allowing for creative interpretation.

• Collaboration will involve regular team reviews, feedback sessions, and project management through tools like Asana, ensuring efficient workflow and communication.

• Data-driven insights, while not the primary focus for a designer, will inform creative strategy, especially concerning consumer preferences and market trends relevant to brands like Poppi.

• Emphasis on production-readiness and accuracy underscores a methodical approach to file preparation and quality control.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: PepsiCo's culture often balances a large corporate structure with a focus on innovation and brand building. The mention of "Poppi" specifically suggests an integration of a newer, potentially more agile brand into a larger system, which can offer unique challenges and opportunities for creativity and influence. The emphasis on brand guidelines and production suggests a structured approach to creative output, common in CPG.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is classified as Mid-Level. It requires independent execution of design tasks, ownership of specific projects, and the ability to contribute to larger creative initiatives under the guidance of a Senior Designer. It signifies a step beyond entry-level design, where foundational skills are applied to real-world brand challenges with increasing autonomy.

Reporting Structure: The designer will report directly to a Senior Designer. This provides a clear line of mentorship and oversight, allowing for skill development and guidance on complex projects. Collaboration will extend to marketing and other cross-functional teams, offering exposure to broader business objectives.

Operations Impact: While this is a creative role, its impact is significant within the Go-To-Market (GTM) strategy. High-quality, on-brand packaging and retail assets are critical for consumer appeal, brand recognition, and ultimately, sales performance. The designer's work directly influences how products are perceived on shelves and in digital spaces, directly impacting consumer purchasing decisions.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in packaging design, print production techniques, and potentially explore digital design applications.

• Brand Exposure: Working on diverse brands within PepsiCo's portfolio, including potentially newer, trend-driven brands like Poppi, offers broad market exposure.

• Leadership Potential: Progression to Senior Graphic Designer, Art Director, or specialized roles within the creative department, mentoring junior designers and leading larger creative campaigns.

• Cross-functional Learning: Exposure to marketing, brand strategy, and product development teams provides a holistic understanding of the CPG business.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a mid-level designer, growth typically involves taking on more complex projects, leading specific brand initiatives, and developing strategic creative thinking. The PepsiCo environment offers structured career paths and opportunities to learn from experienced professionals and broad cross-functional teams.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role, indicating a traditional office environment where in-person collaboration and access to company resources are expected.

Office Location(s): The role is open to multiple PepsiCo locations: Plano, Texas; Purchase, New York; Chicago, Illinois; and Los Angeles, California. This provides flexibility in geographic choice for candidates.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely be a professional office setting, equipped with standard office amenities and design-specific technology.

• Collaboration spaces will be available for team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and design reviews with colleagues and cross-functional partners.

• Access to company-provided design software, hardware, and potentially printing facilities or mock-up resources will be available.

• The environment is expected to be dynamic, fast-paced, and team-oriented, with a focus on delivering high-quality creative output under tight deadlines.

Work Schedule: The position is full-time, typically involving a standard Monday-Friday work week. While specific hours may vary based on project needs and team schedules, the expectation is consistent presence during core business hours at the designated office location.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is standard for creative production roles where physical asset review, team collaboration, and access to specialized equipment might be necessary. The multiple location options are a significant advantage for candidates.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess foundational skills, experience, and alignment with the role's requirements.

• Portfolio Review & Discussion: A dedicated session with the hiring manager and/or Senior Designer to walk through your portfolio, discuss your design process, problem-solving approach, and understanding of brand systems and production.

• Skills Assessment/Creative Challenge: Potentially a design exercise or case study to evaluate your practical design skills, ability to interpret a brief, and execution speed under a given timeframe. This might involve a quick concept development or a production-focused task.

• Cross-functional Interviews: Meetings with marketing or brand managers to assess your collaboration style, communication skills, and ability to align creative work with business objectives.

• Final Interview: Often with a higher-level manager or director to confirm cultural fit and overall suitability for the team and company.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects that highlight packaging design, print production, brand application, and your ability to manage projects from concept to completion.

• Showcase Process: For each project, briefly explain the brief, your creative process, key challenges, how you applied brand guidelines, and the final solution. Include mock-ups and print-ready file examples where possible.

• Highlight Production Expertise: Clearly demonstrate your understanding of print specifications, dielines, color modes (CMYK, PMS), and file preparation for vendors.

• Quantify Impact (if possible): If a project led to measurable success (e.g., improved shelf appeal, successful product launch), mention it.

• Be Ready to Discuss: Prepare to articulate your design choices, your approach to feedback, and how you collaborate with teams.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand Brand Systems: If a specific brand (like Poppi) is involved, research its current branding, target audience, and competitive landscape.

• Practice Production Tasks: Familiarize yourself with common print production scenarios, such as making layout adjustments based on new information or preparing files for specific printing processes.

• Develop a Structured Approach: For any design challenge, outline your steps: brief analysis, concept generation, execution, and refinement.

• Communicate Clearly: Be prepared to explain your thought process verbally and visually, highlighting efficiency and problem-solving.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a creative role at a major CPG company will heavily rely on the portfolio. Candidates must be prepared to defend their design choices, demonstrate technical proficiency in print production, and articulate their ability to work within brand constraints. The potential for a creative challenge underscores the need for practical, hands-on skills.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Expert-level proficiency in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign is non-negotiable for creating and preparing design assets.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Proficiency in Word for documentation and potentially PowerPoint for presentations.

• Project Management Tools: Experience with Asana and/or Ziflow is specifically mentioned, indicating their use for task management, workflow tracking, and review processes.

Analytics & Reporting: Not directly applicable to this design role, though understanding how design impacts sales and brand perception is beneficial.

CRM & Automation: Not directly applicable to this design role.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Adobe Creative Suite and project management tools like Asana and Ziflow is crucial. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their proficiency and experience with these specific software applications, as they are integral to the daily workflow.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Brand Integrity: A strong commitment to upholding and enhancing brand identity and consistency across all creative outputs.

• Excellence in Execution: A dedication to high-quality, pixel-perfect design and production-ready files that meet rigorous standards.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: A willingness to work effectively with others, share ideas, and contribute to collective success.

• Accountability & Ownership: Taking responsibility for projects from start to finish, meeting deadlines, and following through on commitments.

• Adaptability & Resilience: Embracing change, navigating fast-paced environments, and remaining flexible with shifting priorities.

• Continuous Learning: A proactive attitude towards acquiring new skills, seeking feedback, and staying current with design trends and technologies.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Working closely with marketing, brand management, and production teams to ensure design aligns with business goals and production realities.

• Feedback-Driven: An open and constructive approach to receiving and giving feedback to improve creative outcomes.

• Proactive Communication: Keeping stakeholders informed about project status, potential risks, and proposed solutions.

• Team Support: Willingness to assist colleagues and contribute to shared team objectives, fostering a supportive and productive work environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: PepsiCo, as a large CPG company, likely fosters a culture that values both creative excellence and structured execution. The emphasis on brand integrity, production accuracy, and teamwork is paramount. The mention of "Poppi" might suggest an appreciation for innovation and trend-awareness within this structured framework.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Brand Consistency with Innovation: Ensuring that while adhering strictly to brand guidelines, designs remain fresh, engaging, and competitive, especially for a brand like Poppi that might aim for a more modern or trend-forward aesthetic.

• Managing Fast-Paced Production Demands: The CPG industry often requires rapid turnaround times for packaging updates and marketing materials, demanding efficient workflow and time management.

• Navigating Stakeholder Feedback: Effectively incorporating feedback from multiple stakeholders (marketing, brand, legal, production) while maintaining design integrity and quality.

• Staying Current with Design Trends and Technology: Continuously learning and adapting to new design software, production techniques, and evolving consumer preferences in a dynamic market.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Training: Opportunities for advanced training in packaging design software, print production technologies, and potentially areas like 3D rendering or motion graphics if relevant.

• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Learning about marketing strategies, consumer insights, and product development processes to better inform design decisions.

• Mentorship: Guidance from experienced Senior Designers and Creative Directors on design strategy, career development, and navigating a large corporate environment.

• Industry Events: Potential opportunities to attend design conferences or workshops to stay abreast of industry trends and network with other creative professionals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the dual nature of the role: creative execution within strict operational and brand constraints. Growth opportunities are geared towards deepening expertise and expanding strategic understanding within the CPG creative landscape.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Brand Application: "How would you approach designing new packaging for a brand like Poppi, ensuring it aligns with existing brand guidelines while also feeling fresh and appealing to its target demographic?" (Prepare to discuss your process for understanding brand systems, target audiences, and competitive analysis.)

• Production Workflow: "Describe your process for preparing a complex packaging file for print production, detailing the steps you take to ensure accuracy and prevent common printing errors." (Be ready to discuss CMYK vs. PMS, dielines, text outlining, image resolution, and proofing.)

• Problem-Solving: "Imagine a packaging design needs a last-minute regulatory update that impacts the layout significantly. How would you handle this situation to minimize disruption and ensure a timely resolution?" (Focus on your communication, problem-solving, and adaptability skills.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for PepsiCo, and specifically on brands like Poppi?" (Research PepsiCo's portfolio, recent brand initiatives, and Poppi's market position.)

• "How do you approach collaboration with marketing and other cross-functional teams to achieve project goals?" (Provide examples of successful collaborations and how you managed diverse stakeholder needs.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: For each project, tell a brief story: the challenge, your solution, your role, and the outcome.

• Focus on Relevance: Prioritize packaging, retail, and print production examples. If you have digital experience that complements this, include it.

• Showcase Technical Skills: Clearly demonstrate your print production knowledge through examples or explanations of your file preparation process.

• Highlight Process: Explain your design thinking, how you interpret briefs, and how you iterate based on feedback.

• Be Concise and Engaging: Keep your presentation focused and enthusiastic, allowing time for questions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of creative talent, technical production knowledge, and strong collaborative skills. Candidates should be ready to discuss their portfolio in detail, articulate their design process, and show an understanding of the CPG industry and PepsiCo's brand ecosystem.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this graphic design position:

• Submit your application through the PepsiCo jobs portal using the provided link.

• Portfolio Preparation: Curate your strongest packaging and print production design examples. Ensure your portfolio clearly demonstrates your proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite, understanding of print workflows (CMYK, PMS, dielines), and ability to maintain brand consistency. Prepare to walk through your selected projects, explaining your process, challenges, and solutions.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight 3+ years of relevant graphic design experience, emphasizing packaging, retail, and print production. Quantify achievements where possible and list specific software proficiencies (Adobe Creative Suite, Asana, Ziflow).

• Interview Practice: Prepare to discuss your portfolio in detail, answer questions about your design process, brand application, and production readiness. Practice articulating how you handle feedback and collaborate with cross-functional teams.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with PepsiCo's brand portfolio, focusing on brands like Poppi. Understand their market position, target audience, and recent marketing or packaging initiatives. This will help you 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.