Assistant Brand Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Assistant Brand Designer

Company: PepsiCo

Location: London, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Creative & Design / Branding / Marketing Operations

Date Posted: March 4, 2026

Experience Level: 0-2 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on executing comprehensive brand and packaging design projects for PepsiCo's Global Food and Global Beverage portfolios, demanding a strong understanding of brand identity across multiple touchpoints.

• The position requires a creative individual capable of applying design thinking principles throughout the entire project lifecycle, from initial ideation and concept development to final refinement and execution.

• Successful candidates will be responsible for producing high-quality visual assets, including layouts and illustrations, and must possess excellent sketching abilities to articulate creative concepts effectively.

• Collaboration is key, as the Assistant Brand Designer will work closely with internal teams such as innovation, design strategy, and industrial design, as well as external resources when necessary, to bring new brand and product ideas to life visually.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the core of this role is design execution, its placement within a large CPG company like PepsiCo, with a focus on global brands and cross-functional collaboration, implies a need for operational awareness. This includes understanding project timelines, budget constraints, and the integration of design into broader Go-To-Market strategies, which are core tenets of Marketing Operations and Brand Operations.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Execute comprehensive brand and packaging design projects for global food and beverage brands under the PepsiCo umbrella.

• Develop and support 360-degree brand identities that are consistent across packaging, digital graphics, and various consumer touchpoints.

• Apply design thinking methodologies from initial ideation and concept development through to refinement and final execution stages.

• Translate strategic briefs and market insights into compelling visual concepts and strong design solutions.

• Produce a wide range of high-quality visual assets, including layouts, illustrations, and cohesive graphic systems.

• Collaborate effectively with internal departments such as innovation, design strategy, industrial design, marketing, and R&D to align design efforts with business objectives.

• Support innovation initiatives by contributing to early-stage concepting and front-end innovation work, helping to visualize new product and brand ideas.

• Utilize sketching and visual communication tools to clearly articulate creative thinking and design concepts to diverse stakeholders.

• Develop storyboards and visualize narratives to map out user journeys and consumer experiences across different platforms and touchpoints.

• Conduct research on complex topics to inform design decisions and assist in developing innovative visual treatments and design approaches.

• Assist in managing project timelines and scope, ensuring designs are delivered on schedule and within budgetary guidelines.

• Leverage both direct design execution and collaboration with other designers or external vendors to achieve project goals.

• Maintain technical design excellence, delivering polished, production-ready design work that adheres to brand guidelines and manufacturing specifications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities indicate a need for operational understanding within a creative context. This includes managing multiple design projects simultaneously, coordinating with various internal departments (which function as operational units), and adhering to project timelines and budgets. This suggests that candidates with a foundational understanding of project management and workflow optimization within a creative operations framework will be well-suited.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

Required Skills:

• Brand Design: Proven ability to develop and execute cohesive brand identities across various applications.

• Packaging Design: Expertise in designing for packaging, understanding its unique requirements and impact.

• Graphic Design: Strong foundation in graphic design principles, layout, typography, and visual hierarchy.

• Design Thinking: Ability to apply user-centered design methodologies to solve problems and generate innovative solutions.

• Concept Development: Skill in ideating and developing creative concepts from initial brief to final design.

• Sketching: Excellent freehand sketching skills for rapid ideation and clear communication of visual ideas.

• Visual Asset Creation: Proficiency in creating diverse visual assets, including illustrations, icons, and graphic elements.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse teams, including marketing, innovation, and product development.

• Storyboarding & Visualization: Competence in creating story flows, planning transitions, and visualizing narratives.

• Adobe Creative Suite Proficiency: Strong command of industry-standard design software such as Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign.

Preferred Skills:

• Industrial Design Understanding: Basic knowledge of industrial design principles to inform packaging concepts.

• Illustration Skills: Advanced illustration capabilities across various styles.

• Motion Graphics Basics: Familiarity with motion graphics principles for dynamic visual storytelling.

• Project Management Fundamentals: Understanding of project workflows, timelines, and basic budget management.

• Data Interpretation for Design: Ability to interpret market research or performance data to inform design decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "360-degree brand identities" and "multiple touchpoints" suggests that operations professionals in marketing or brand management would appreciate candidates who can link design execution to broader Go-To-Market strategies and campaign operations. The requirement for "technical design excellence" and delivering "production-ready work" also points to a need for process adherence and quality control, which are vital in operations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Brand Identity Systems: Showcase examples of developed 360-degree brand identities, demonstrating consistency across packaging, graphics, and various consumer touchpoints.

• Packaging Design Case Studies: Present detailed case studies of packaging design projects, highlighting the design process, challenges, solutions, and final outcomes.

• Concept Visualization: Include examples of sketches, storyboards, and mood boards that effectively communicate initial design concepts and creative thinking.

• Cross-functional Project Examples: If possible, demonstrate projects where collaboration with other teams (e.g., innovation, marketing) was crucial, showing how design integrated with broader business goals.

• Software Proficiency Showcase: Visually represent proficiency in key design software (Adobe Creative Suite) through the quality and complexity of the presented work.

Process Documentation:

• Design Process Flow: Be prepared to articulate your personal design process, from brief interpretation and research to ideation, refinement, and final execution, emphasizing efficiency and iterative steps.

• Concept to Execution: Demonstrate how you translate initial concepts into polished, production-ready assets, detailing the steps involved in refinement and final output.

• Collaboration Workflow: Be ready to discuss how you typically collaborate with stakeholders and team members, including methods for feedback integration and revision management.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an Assistant Brand Designer role, a portfolio is crucial. The "Process & Systems" section should emphasize how the candidate's design process aligns with operational efficiency. This means highlighting their ability to manage projects from concept to completion, adhere to brand guidelines (a form of operational standard), and effectively collaborate within a structured team environment, mirroring good GTM operations.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and Holiday Leave

• Retirement Savings Plan (e.g., Pension Scheme) with Company Match

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for mental and emotional well-being

• Product Discounts and Perks related to PepsiCo brands

• Opportunities for Professional Development and Training

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are typically 40 hours per week. While the role requires on-site presence, PepsiCo often offers flexibility in start and end times, subject to team and project needs, allowing for efficient workflow management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on current market data for similar roles in London, UK, considering the specified experience level. Benefits are standard for large corporations and tailored to appeal to creative professionals who value well-being and professional growth. The working hours are typical for a full-time role, with an acknowledgment of potential operational flexibility.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Food & Beverage (CPG - Consumer Packaged Goods)

Company Size: Large Enterprise (Over 10,000 employees)

Founded: 1965 (PepsiCo was formed through the merger of Pepsi-Cola and Frito-Lay)

Team Structure:

• The design team at PepsiCo is likely part of a larger Global Design function, comprising specialized groups for Brand Design, Packaging Design, Innovation Design, and potentially Digital Design.

• This Assistant Brand Designer role will report into a Design Manager or Senior Designer, working within a project-based team structure that includes members from marketing, R&D, and product development.

Methodology:

• PepsiCo's design approach likely emphasizes a blend of strategic thinking, consumer insights, and creative execution. This involves rigorous research, iterative concept development, and a focus on translating consumer needs into compelling visual narratives.

• Design operations within PepsiCo would involve robust processes for briefing, review, approval, and asset management, ensuring brand integrity and efficiency across global markets.

• The company culture likely encourages innovation, celebrating creative problem-solving and supporting continuous learning in design trends and technologies.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: PepsiCo's scale means design operations are critical for maintaining brand consistency and driving innovation globally. The culture likely values data-driven decision-making, cross-functional collaboration, and a fast-paced environment, all of which are key operational considerations for candidates.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Entry-Level to Junior Designer (0-2 years experience)

Reporting Structure:

Operations Impact:

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Progress to a Brand Designer role with increased ownership and complexity in design projects.

• Skill Development: Become proficient in advanced design techniques, software, and potentially expand into areas like motion graphics or digital design.

• Leadership Potential: With experience, move into Senior Designer roles, leading projects, mentoring junior designers, and contributing to design strategy.

• Cross-functional Movement: Potential to move into related roles within marketing, brand management, or innovation teams, leveraging design expertise.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a stepping stone. The "operations impact" is indirect but vital, highlighting how design execution feeds into marketing and sales strategies. Growth opportunities are framed within a typical corporate design career path, emphasizing skill acquisition and increased responsibility, which aligns with operational progression.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Corporate Office Environment

Office Location(s): 1st Floor Panagram, 27 Goswell Road, London, EC1M 7AN, United Kingdom.

Workspace Context:

• The environment is expected to be dynamic and fast-paced, typical of a large CPG company.

• Collaboration is key, with designers working in open-plan or shared studio spaces designed to foster teamwork and idea exchange.

• Access to modern design technology, software, and potentially a brand asset library will be provided.

Work Schedule:

• The role is on-site, requiring the designer to be present at the London office. Standard working hours apply, but the fast-paced nature of CPG marketing may occasionally require flexibility to meet project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement and collaborative workspace are standard for many design roles within large corporations. The "fast-paced" nature implies a need for efficient workflow management and adaptability, core operational skills in a dynamic marketing environment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Screening: Initial review of resumes and portfolios to assess qualifications and design capabilities.

• Portfolio Presentation/Interview: Candidates may be asked to present their portfolio, discussing their process, key projects, and how their skills align with PepsiCo's brand needs. This is a critical stage to demonstrate design thinking and communication.

• Technical Assessment (Optional): A design challenge or exercise may be given to evaluate practical skills in concept development, execution, or problem-solving under timed conditions.

• Team/Manager Interviews: Interviews with potential managers and team members to assess cultural fit, collaboration style, and alignment with team dynamics.

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership for final approval.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best showcase brand identity, packaging design, and your design process. Ensure a mix that highlights 360-degree thinking.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your role, the problem you were solving, your thought process (ideation, sketching), the solutions you developed, and the final outcome. Quantify impact if possible.

• Show Your Process: Include sketches, mood boards, wireframes, or early concepts to demonstrate your ideation and development stages. This shows your design thinking.

• Highlight Collaboration: If a project involved teamwork, explain your contribution and how you collaborated with others.

• Technical Proficiency: Ensure your submitted work is high-resolution, well-organized, and demonstrates mastery of the required design software.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brief: If given a design challenge, thoroughly read and understand the objectives, target audience, and any constraints.

• Ideate Rapidly: Practice quick sketching and concept generation under pressure. Focus on generating multiple diverse ideas.

• Communicate Clearly: Be prepared to articulate your chosen concept, rationale, and process concisely and effectively, just as you would in a portfolio review.

• Focus on Brand: Consider how your design aligns with PepsiCo's brand values and the specific product category.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process heavily relies on a strong portfolio. The "Interview Process" and "Portfolio Review Tips" sections are tailored to guide candidates on how to present their work in a way that demonstrates not just design skill, but also an understanding of process, collaboration, and strategic thinking – all essential for operational roles within a creative department.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design Software:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential proficiency in Adobe Illustrator (for vector graphics, logos, illustrations), Adobe Photoshop (for image manipulation, mockups, digital assets), and Adobe InDesign (for layout, presentations, brand guides).

Visualization & Prototyping Tools:

• Sketch/Figma: Experience with digital design and prototyping tools for UI/UX elements or digital asset creation may be beneficial.

• Procreate/Other Sketching Apps: Digital sketching tools for rapid concept development.

• Mockup Software: Tools for presenting designs in realistic contexts (e.g., Adobe Dimension, Keyshot for 3D packaging mockups).

Collaboration & Project Management Tools:

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel): For documentation, presentations, and basic data tracking.

• Project Management Software (e.g., Asana, Trello, Jira): Familiarity with project tracking and workflow management tools is a plus, as these are common in operational environments.

• Microsoft Teams/Slack: For internal communication and team collaboration.

Research & Inspiration Tools:

• Pinterest, Behance, Dribbble: For trend research, inspiration, and competitor analysis.

• Internal Brand Asset Management Systems: Familiarity with digital asset management (DAM) systems used by large corporations.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role is design-focused, the mention of "leveraging internal/external design resources" and "keeping projects on schedule and within scope/budget" implies that familiarity with project management and collaboration tools is highly advantageous, bridging the gap between pure creative execution and operational workflow.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: A core value is pushing creative boundaries and bringing fresh ideas to global brands.

• Collaboration: Strong emphasis on teamwork, open communication, and mutual support across diverse teams.

• Consumer-Centricity: Designing with a deep understanding of consumer needs, preferences, and market trends.

• Excellence & Quality: Commitment to delivering high-quality, polished, and impactful design work that meets brand standards.

• Efficiency & Agility: Striving for efficient processes and adaptable workflows to meet the demands of a fast-paced CPG environment.

Collaboration Style:

• PepsiCo's design culture likely fosters an environment where ideas are openly shared and built upon. Expect frequent brainstorming sessions, design critiques, and cross-functional workshops.

• The style is likely a blend of structured processes for approvals and project management, combined with a flexible, iterative approach to creative development.

• Emphasis on constructive feedback and a shared responsibility for brand success.

📝 Enhancement Note: These values and collaboration styles are crucial for understanding how the design team functions operationally. A candidate who can demonstrate alignment with these principles will be better positioned to integrate into the team and contribute effectively to operational goals.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creativity with Brand Standards: The primary challenge is to innovate while strictly adhering to established global brand guidelines and legal requirements.

• Managing Multiple Projects: Juggling various design projects for different brands and product lines simultaneously, each with unique demands and deadlines.

• Global Brand Consistency: Ensuring design elements are effective and appropriate across diverse international markets and cultures.

• Fast-Paced Environment: Adapting to tight deadlines and the dynamic nature of the CPG industry, requiring efficient workflow management.

• Translating Strategy into Visuals: Effectively interpreting complex strategic briefs and consumer insights into compelling visual designs.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Skills: Opportunities to hone skills in specific design disciplines, software, and emerging creative technologies.

• Brand Strategy Exposure: Gaining deeper insights into brand strategy, consumer behavior, and Go-To-Market operations through project involvement.

• Mentorship: Learning from experienced senior designers and design leaders within a global organization.

• Industry Trends: Staying abreast of the latest design trends, packaging innovations, and consumer marketing strategies.

• Cross-functional Experience: Working closely with marketing, R&D, and innovation teams provides broad business exposure.

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding these challenges and growth opportunities is key for operations professionals. It highlights the need for candidates who are not only creative but also process-oriented, adaptable, and keen on continuous learning—traits that are highly valued in operations roles.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance creative expression with strict brand guidelines. How did you approach it?" (Assesses understanding of brand operations and creative execution.)

• "Walk us through your process for developing a new brand identity or packaging concept from brief to final execution." (Evaluates design thinking and operational workflow.)

• "How do you approach incorporating feedback from multiple stakeholders, especially when opinions differ?" (Probes collaboration and stakeholder management skills, crucial for operations.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about PepsiCo and our brands?" (Assesses cultural fit and brand passion.)

• "How do you contribute to a collaborative team environment?" (Evaluates teamwork and interpersonal skills relevant to operational dynamics.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your portfolio logically, starting with your strongest 360-degree brand design or packaging projects.

• Highlight Your Role: Clearly define your contributions, especially in collaborative projects.

• Emphasize Process: For each project, explain your thought process, including sketches and initial concepts, to demonstrate design thinking and problem-solving.

• Quantify When Possible: If you can, mention any positive impact your designs had (e.g., contributing to a successful product launch, positive consumer feedback).

• Concise Storytelling: Practice delivering your project narratives concisely and engagingly, keeping the audience's attention.

📝 Enhancement Note: These questions and strategies are designed to help candidates showcase not just their design talent, but also their operational mindset – their ability to execute efficiently, collaborate effectively, and contribute strategically within a corporate framework.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Assistant Brand Designer position:

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

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to prominently feature Brand Design and Packaging Design projects, especially those demonstrating a 360-degree approach and strong concept development. Include examples of your sketching and ideation process.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume highlights relevant experience (minimum 1 year), specific design skills (Adobe Suite, sketching, illustration), and any cross-functional collaboration or project management exposure. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, explaining your project rationale, and discussing how you handle feedback and collaborate with teams. Be ready to present your portfolio confidently.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with PepsiCo's global brands, recent marketing campaigns, and design aesthetics to demonstrate genuine interest and understanding of their market presence.

⚠️ 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.