Associate Design Manager, Global Merchandising and Licensing

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Associate Design Manager, Global Merchandising and Licensing Company: PepsiCo Location: New York, New York, United States Job Type: Full-Time Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Marketing Date Posted: 2026-01-12 Experience Level: 5-10 Years Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is pivotal in shaping the visual identity of PepsiCo's branded lifestyle merchandise, encompassing licensing, partnerships, and promotional items.
• It requires a blend of creative design expertise and strategic project management to ensure consistent brand representation across diverse product categories.
• The position demands a strong understanding of the full product development lifecycle, from initial concept and design to final production and approvals.
• Success hinges on effective cross-functional collaboration with Brand Design, Marketing, Legal, and external partners to achieve quality and efficiency in design execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Associate Design Manager," the responsibilities and experience requirements (5+ years) suggest a role with significant project ownership and execution oversight, potentially bridging the gap between a senior designer and a fully-fledged manager. The focus on "codify the visual identity" and "planning, organizing, and implementing consistent design principles" points to a strategic operational component within a creative function.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop compelling graphic designs and fashion prints for apparel, accessories, and packaging that authentically reinforce PepsiCo's brand DNA.
• Translate creative briefs into cohesive visual executions, ensuring alignment with both artistic vision and commercial objectives.
• Conduct thorough research on competitive landscapes, emerging trends in color, typography, print, and graphics to inform and elevate visual concepts.
• Assemble compelling presentations that articulate design intent, storytelling, and the commercial rationale behind creative decisions.
• Create detailed design packages, including sketches, CADs, print callouts, and production-ready artwork, ensuring accuracy in scale, color, and placement.
• Utilize design software (e.g., Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, Firefly) for visual mock-ups and to prepare production-ready files.
• Manage the end-to-end graphic and print development process, meticulously tracking revisions, approvals, timelines, and associated costs.
• Collaborate closely with product developers on costing considerations for graphic applications and embellishment techniques.
• Actively participate in sample and bulk production reviews to ensure design integrity and quality standards are met.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive licensing style guides and brand toolkits to ensure consistent visual representation across all licensed products and packaging.
• Conduct regular style guide audits in conjunction with licensing and brand teams to ensure ongoing relevance and accuracy.
• Lead creative kick-off meetings and design immersion sessions for new licensees and collaborators, establishing clear design direction.
• Maintain a master artwork library for efficient ongoing and future reference.
• Manage external design agencies as needed, overseeing projects from initial briefing through to final deliverable.
• Lead the product approval process for licensing agreements, coordinating with Brand Design, Marketing, Legal, and external agencies.
• Provide direct, constructive feedback to licensees within digital systems to facilitate timely and accurate final approvals.
• Review physical product samples from licensees, offering detailed feedback to ensure quality and brand alignment.
• Ensure all licensing submissions are processed and approved within established Service Level Agreements (SLAs).
• Develop and manage project calendars to ensure all teams adhere to critical milestones.
• Secure necessary approvals from cross-functional teams including Design, Licensing, Brand Marketing, and Legal.
• Communicate project updates effectively to stakeholders, facilitating informed decision-making and maintaining high visibility.
• Proactively identify and anticipate resource needs to achieve project objectives, prioritizing efforts accordingly.
• Identify and implement opportunities to enhance time and cost efficiencies within the design and production workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on creative output and operational execution. The role requires not only design skill but also the ability to manage processes, timelines, and stakeholder expectations, characteristic of operations-adjacent roles within creative departments. The emphasis on "codify the visual identity," "planning, organizing, and implementing consistent design principles," and "building new tools, map new processes" strongly indicates an operational component.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in design or a related creative field, or equivalent years of relevant professional experience.

Experience:

• A minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in graphic design, packaging design, and/or fashion design, with a demonstrated ability to work across multiple product categories.
• Proven experience in managing the complete product creation lifecycle, from initial design concept through to in-factory production and quality control.

Required Skills:

• Expertise in graphic design software, including but not limited to Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe Firefly.
• Strong understanding of fashion graphics, print development, and their application on apparel and accessories.
• Proficiency in creating detailed design packages, including sketches, CADs, and production-ready artwork.
• Excellent visual presentation skills, with the ability to articulate design intent and rationale effectively.
• Proven project management capabilities, including timeline management, task prioritization, and stakeholder communication.
• Ability to conduct thorough trend research and translate insights into relevant and aspirational design concepts.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively within a cross-functional team environment.
• Strong critical thinking and analytical skills to solve complex design and production challenges.
• Exceptional organizational skills with a proven ability to multitask and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships and work resourcefully with internal and external partners.
• Entrepreneurial spirit and a demonstrated sense of ownership and initiative.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working with hardgoods design.
• Familiarity with licensing models and brand style guide development.
• Experience managing external design agencies or freelance talent.
• Understanding of costing implications for different graphic applications and embellishment techniques.
• Familiarity with digital approval systems for product review.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills heavily lean into design execution and project management. For an "Associate Design Manager" role, the expectation is a candidate who can not only design but also manage the operational aspects of design projects, including process adherence, stakeholder alignment, and timely delivery. The mention of "building new tools, map new processes, and deliver on time with quality" further emphasizes operational responsibilities.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a diverse range of design projects demonstrating expertise in graphic, fashion print, and packaging design across apparel, accessories, and potentially hardgoods.
• Include examples of how design concepts were translated into production-ready artwork and managed through development.
• Present case studies that highlight your role in navigating the full product development process, from initial brief to final production.
• Demonstrate experience in creating and implementing brand style guides or visual identity systems for product lines.
• Provide examples of projects where you managed timelines, collaborated with cross-functional teams, and ensured timely delivery and quality.

Process Documentation:

• Be prepared to discuss your process for developing design briefs and translating them into visual executions.
• Articulate your methodology for managing design revisions, approvals, and tracking project timelines and costs.
• Explain your approach to creating and maintaining licensing style guides and brand toolkits.
• Describe how you manage external agency relationships and oversee their deliverables.
• Detail your process for product approvals, including collaboration with brand, legal, and marketing teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role that emphasizes process and project management within a creative function, a portfolio should not only display creative output but also illustrate the candidate's ability to operationalize design, manage workflows, and deliver results efficiently. The interviewer will likely probe into the candidate's process and system thinking.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The expected compensation range for this position is between $89,000 - $149,000 USD per year.
• Actual starting salary will be determined by factors such as confirmed job-related skills, experience, education, and the specific geographic location, with further details provided by the recruiter during the hiring process.

Bonus:

• Performance-based bonus with an eligibility target payout of 10% of annual salary, paid out annually.

Benefits:

• Paid time off, subject to eligibility, including paid parental leave, vacation, sick leave, and bereavement leave.
• Comprehensive benefits package, subject to elections and eligibility, including:
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance.
  • Disability insurance.
  • Health and Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts.
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
  • Additional insurance options: Accident, Group Legal, Life insurance.
  • Defined Contribution Retirement Plan.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work schedule, typically around 40 hours per week. The role is on-site, implying a structured work environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is comprehensive for an Associate Design Manager role in a major metropolitan area like New York City, reflecting the blend of creative and operational responsibilities. The bonus structure and extensive benefits package are typical for a large, established corporation like PepsiCo.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Food & Beverage, Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG), Retail. PepsiCo is a global leader in the food and beverage industry, with a vast portfolio of iconic brands. This industry context means a fast-paced environment with a strong focus on brand equity, consumer trends, and market responsiveness. Company Size: PepsiCo is a large, multinational corporation with tens of thousands of employees globally. This scale implies robust operational structures, established processes, and significant resources, but also the need for strong organizational skills and the ability to navigate a complex matrix. Founded: PepsiCo was founded in 1965 through the merger of Pepsi-Cola and Frito-Lay, with a rich history of brand evolution and market expansion. This heritage suggests a company that values both tradition and innovation.

Team Structure:

• The Associate Design Manager will likely be part of a larger Global Merchandising and Licensing team, which itself may sit within a broader Brand Design or Marketing division.
• This role will require extensive collaboration with various internal stakeholders, including Brand Design teams responsible for core product branding, Marketing departments driving consumer engagement, and Business Development or Licensing teams managing external partnerships.
• The reporting structure is likely to be within a design or brand management hierarchy, with the Associate Design Manager reporting to a Design Manager or Director.

Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: While this role is design-focused, operational success will rely on using market research, trend analysis, and competitive insights to inform design decisions and product strategies.
• Workflow Planning & Optimization: The role explicitly mentions "planning, organizing, and implementing consistent design principles and visual language to ensure strategic goals are achieved with quality and efficiency." This indicates a focus on optimizing the design workflow from concept to production.
• Automation & Efficiency: The mention of "building new tools, map new processes, and deliver on time with quality" suggests an ongoing effort to streamline operations within the design and licensing approval process.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: PepsiCo's scale and industry position necessitate a structured yet adaptable approach to design and brand management. The operations aspect of this role is crucial for ensuring brand consistency and efficient execution across a wide array of products and partners.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an "Associate Design Manager," indicating a mid-level position with significant individual contribution and project management responsibilities. It's a step towards leadership, requiring a blend of creative talent and operational acumen. Candidates are expected to manage their own projects, contribute to strategy, and potentially mentor junior team members or external partners.

Reporting Structure: The Associate Design Manager will likely report to a senior Design Manager or Director within the Global Merchandising and Licensing department. This individual will act as a key liaison between creative concept development and the operational execution of merchandise and licensing programs.

Operations Impact: The role's impact is significant, as it directly influences the visual representation and market perception of PepsiCo's brands through lifestyle merchandise. By ensuring design consistency, quality, and efficient production, this role contributes to brand equity, consumer engagement, and ultimately, revenue generation through licensing and promotional sales. The operational components ensure that creative visions are realized efficiently and at scale.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Potential to deepen expertise in project management, process optimization, and cross-functional stakeholder management within a large corporate structure.
• Creative Specialization: Opportunity to grow within specific product categories (apparel, accessories, hardgoods) or design disciplines (graphic, print, packaging).
• Leadership Development: A clear pathway to a Design Manager or Senior Design Manager role, potentially leading larger teams or more complex global initiatives.
• Cross-Functional Exposure: Experience working across diverse departments (Marketing, Legal, Business Development) provides a broad understanding of business operations.
• Brand Stewardship: Opportunity to become a key custodian of iconic global brands, shaping their presence in the lifestyle merchandise space.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Associate Design Manager" title, coupled with the operational responsibilities described, suggests a role designed for growth. Candidates entering this position should see it as an opportunity to hone both creative execution and the operational management skills necessary for future leadership roles in brand management or design operations.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is on-site at PepsiCo's New York City office, suggesting a professional, corporate environment. This typically includes collaborative workspaces, meeting rooms, and potentially design studios or labs. Office Location(s): 350 Hudson Street, New York, NY 10014. This location in Manhattan offers access to a vibrant urban environment and is easily accessible via public transportation.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect an office setting that promotes interaction with colleagues from design, marketing, brand, and licensing teams. This fosters idea-sharing and efficient problem-solving.
• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to standard corporate IT infrastructure, design software (Adobe Creative Suite), and potentially project management or digital asset management systems.
• Team Interaction: Daily opportunities for direct interaction, brainstorming sessions, and feedback exchanges with team members and cross-functional partners.

Work Schedule:

• A standard full-time schedule (approximately 40 hours per week) is expected. Given the on-site requirement, adherence to typical business hours will be necessary. However, the dynamic nature of project deadlines may occasionally require flexibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in a major city like New York implies a traditional corporate work setting, emphasizing collaboration and structured workflows. This provides a stable environment for executing complex projects and managing operational processes.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will likely conduct an initial phone screen to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.
• Design Assessment/Portfolio Review: Expect a dedicated session where you will present your portfolio. This will focus on your design capabilities, creative process, and your ability to articulate the rationale behind your work. Be prepared to discuss specific projects in detail.
• Cross-Functional Interview: Interviews with key stakeholders from marketing, brand, legal, or licensing teams. These will assess your collaboration skills, understanding of brand strategy, and ability to manage operational aspects of design projects.
• Behavioral & Situational Questions: You will likely be asked questions designed to gauge your problem-solving abilities, project management skills, ability to handle ambiguity, and how you approach process optimization.
• Final Round: Potentially an interview with senior leadership or the hiring manager's supervisor to make a final decision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best showcase your skills in graphic design, fashion print, and packaging, with a focus on apparel and accessories. Include work that demonstrates your understanding of brand DNA and commercial viability.
• Highlight Process & Operations: For each project, clearly articulate your role, the design process you followed, and any operational challenges you overcame (e.g., timeline constraints, cross-functional alignment, production considerations). Quantify results where possible.
• Showcase Brand Stewardship: Include examples where you've developed or adhered to brand guidelines, created style guides, or managed licensing approvals. This demonstrates your ability to maintain brand consistency.
• Prepare for Design Challenges: Be ready to discuss your approach to creative briefs, trend research, and how you translate abstract concepts into tangible product designs.
• Tell a Story: Structure your portfolio presentation to tell a compelling story about your journey, your problem-solving approach, and your impact on past projects.

Challenge Preparation:

• Process Mapping: Be prepared to discuss how you would map out or improve a specific design or licensing workflow (e.g., from brief to approval).
• Brand Application Case Study: You might be asked to create a mock design concept for a PepsiCo product or brand, demonstrating your understanding of the brand and your design skills.
• Stakeholder Management Scenarios: Practice answering questions about how you would manage conflicting feedback from different departments or external partners.
• Trend Analysis Presentation: Be ready to present a brief analysis of a relevant trend and how it could be applied to PepsiCo's lifestyle merchandise.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role will likely balance creative assessment with evaluation of operational and project management capabilities. A strong portfolio that demonstrates not just design talent but also process thinking and cross-functional collaboration is crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and Adobe Firefly for graphic creation, manipulation, and mock-ups.
• CAD Software: Familiarity with Computer-Aided Design tools for creating detailed product sketches and technical specifications.
• Presentation Software: Microsoft PowerPoint or similar for developing and delivering design presentations and strategy documents.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Trend Forecasting Platforms: Experience with platforms or methodologies for researching and analyzing market trends (e.g., WGSN, proprietary trend reports).
• Digital Asset Management (DAM) Systems: Potential use of DAM systems for organizing and managing artwork libraries.

CRM & Automation:

• Project Management Tools: Familiarity with tools like Asana, Monday.com, Trello, or internal PepsiCo systems for tracking project timelines, tasks, and approvals.
• Digital Approval Systems: Experience with platforms used for submitting and tracking product approvals (e.g., internal systems, specialized licensing software).
• Communication Platforms: Proficiency in tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or email for daily communication and collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in industry-standard design software is a given. The operational aspect implies a need for familiarity with project management and digital workflow tools, crucial for managing the complex approval and production processes described in the responsibilities.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Brand Stewardship: A deep respect for and commitment to upholding the integrity and visual identity of iconic PepsiCo brands. This translates to meticulous attention to detail in all design and approval processes.
• Collaboration & Partnership: Valuing strong working relationships with internal departments (Brand Design, Marketing, Legal) and external partners (licensees, agencies) to achieve shared goals efficiently.
• Efficiency & Quality: A drive to deliver high-quality creative output within established timelines and budgets, continuously seeking ways to optimize processes for better outcomes.
• Innovation & Trend Awareness: An eagerness to stay ahead of design trends and explore new creative avenues while ensuring they align with brand strategy and commercial objectives.
• Accountability & Ownership: Taking responsibility for project deliverables, proactively managing tasks, and demonstrating initiative to drive projects forward.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role requires seamless collaboration with diverse teams, necessitating clear communication, active listening, and the ability to translate creative vision into terms understood by non-design stakeholders.
• Feedback & Iteration: Embracing a culture of constructive feedback, both giving and receiving, to refine designs and improve processes throughout the development cycle.
• Knowledge Sharing: Contributing to a team environment where best practices in design, production, and licensing operations are shared and adopted.

📝 Enhancement Note: PepsiCo's culture likely emphasizes a blend of corporate structure and creative dynamism. The values highlight the importance of brand integrity, efficient execution, and strong interpersonal skills, all critical for success in this operational-creative hybrid role.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Brand Consistency: Ensuring that innovative designs remain true to the strong visual identity of established PepsiCo brands.
• Managing Diverse Stakeholder Needs: Navigating potentially conflicting priorities and feedback from multiple internal departments (Marketing, Legal, Brand Design) and external licensees.
• Maintaining Pace in a Fast-Moving Industry: Keeping up with rapidly evolving consumer trends and the fast-paced nature of the CPG and lifestyle merchandise markets.
• Operationalizing Creative Processes: Effectively mapping, documenting, and optimizing workflows for design, production, and licensing approvals to ensure efficiency and quality at scale.
• Global Brand Application: Adapting designs and processes to resonate with diverse global markets while maintaining brand integrity.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Management: Gaining experience in managing complex, multi-brand design projects and potentially leading junior designers or external agencies.
• Licensing Operations Expertise: Deepening knowledge of licensing agreements, approval processes, and the operational nuances of partner management.
• Cross-Functional Acumen: Developing a comprehensive understanding of how design and merchandising integrate with marketing, sales, legal, and business development functions.
• Strategic Brand Development: Contributing to the strategic direction of PepsiCo's lifestyle merchandise portfolio.
• Process Improvement Initiatives: Opportunities to identify and implement efficiencies within the design and product development lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a unique opportunity to bridge creative talent with operational responsibility. The challenges are inherent to managing global brands and complex product lines, while the growth opportunities are substantial for individuals seeking to develop both creative leadership and operational management skills.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for translating a brand brief into a cohesive visual design for a new product line. How do you ensure it aligns with both brand DNA and commercial goals?" (Focus on your design process, research, and strategic thinking.)
• "Walk us through a project where you had to manage multiple stakeholders with potentially conflicting feedback. How did you navigate this, and what was the outcome?" (Highlight your collaboration, communication, and problem-solving skills.)
• "How do you approach managing the end-to-end product development process, from initial concept to final production? What are the key operational checkpoints you ensure are met?" (Emphasize your project management and process orientation.)
• "Imagine you need to create a licensing style guide for a new PepsiCo product category. What would be your first steps, and what key elements would you include to ensure brand consistency?" (Demonstrate your understanding of brand stewardship and operational documentation.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about the opportunity to design lifestyle merchandise for iconic PepsiCo brands like [mention a specific brand]? How do you envision bringing these brands to life through products?" (Show your enthusiasm and understanding of brand equity.)
• "How do you stay current with fashion, graphic, and lifestyle trends, and how do you incorporate these into your design process while respecting brand guidelines?" (Assess your trend awareness and ability to balance innovation with brand integrity.)
• "Describe your experience working in a fast-paced, dynamic corporate environment. How do you prioritize tasks and manage your time effectively?" (Gauge your adaptability and organizational skills.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly define the problem, your role, the process you followed (including operational steps), the solution, and the results.
• Highlight Operational Contributions: Explicitly point out where you managed timelines, coordinated with cross-functional teams, ensured brand consistency through style guides, or navigated approval processes.
• Showcase Software Proficiency: Briefly mention the tools used (Adobe Creative Suite, CAD, etc.) and how they facilitated your design and production workflow.
• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use data or metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs or the efficiency of your processes (e.g., "delivered assets 10% ahead of schedule," "achieved X% faster approval rate through improved documentation").
• Engage and Discuss: Be prepared to answer questions about your design choices, your problem-solving approach, and your understanding of the operational aspects of bringing products to market.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to showcase not only their creative talent but also their ability to manage projects, collaborate effectively, and understand the operational intricacies of brand licensing and merchandise production within a large corporate structure.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations-adjacent design position:

• Submit your application through the PepsiCo Jobs portal via the provided link.
• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight experience in graphic design, fashion print, packaging design, and apparel/accessories. Emphasize any project management responsibilities, experience with product development lifecycles, and cross-functional collaboration. Use keywords from the job description such as "brand DNA," "licensing style guides," "production-ready artwork," and "stakeholder management."
• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent your skills in graphic, fashion print, and packaging design for apparel and accessories. For each project, clearly articulate your role, the design process, any operational challenges you managed (timeline, approvals, stakeholder coordination), and the outcome. Ensure your portfolio demonstrates your ability to work within brand guidelines.
• Prepare Your Narrative: Practice articulating your design philosophy, your approach to trend research, and how you manage projects from concept to completion. Be ready to discuss your experience with Adobe Creative Suite and any project management tools you've used.
• Research PepsiCo Brands: Familiarize yourself with PepsiCo's diverse brand portfolio and their existing merchandise or licensing efforts. Understand their brand identities and target audiences. 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.

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