Experience Design Manager; 体验设计经理

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Experience Design Manager; 体验设计经理 Company: PepsiCo Location: Shanghai, Shanghai, China Job Type: Full-time Category: Brand Experience Design / Operations Date Posted: January 21, 2026 Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (6+ years) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Responsible for the co-creation, management, and execution of holistic brand-related experiences and activation strategies across the PepsiCo portfolio.
• Drive the delivery of quality design practice from ideation through execution, encompassing strategic, physical, graphic, and interaction design challenges.
• Partner closely with internal design staff and external partners, including architects, engineers, and contractors, to bring concepts to life in the built environment.
• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams to ensure brand consistency and alignment with evolving brand standards.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously, consistently meeting deadlines while maintaining a high standard of work and demonstrating strong project management skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is framed as "Experience Design Manager" but possesses significant operational responsibilities in bringing brand experiences to life. This includes project management, cross-functional coordination, vendor management (architects, engineers, contractors), and execution oversight, which are critical components of operational roles within a GTM or brand activation context. The emphasis on "co-creation, management, and execution" highlights the operational nature of this design-focused role.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and finalize project visualizations, including renderings and sketches, based on direction from the Experience Design Lead for internal and external deliverables.
• Iterate on designs based on feedback from the Experience Design Lead, ensuring concepts evolve effectively from initial ideation to final production.
• Design in alignment with evolving brand standards, with a strong emphasis on maintaining brand consistency across all activation projects.
• Accurately produce brand playbook assets and imagery, ensuring they meet quality and brand guidelines.
• Present design concepts clearly and concisely to stakeholders, leveraging excellent presentation skills.
• Quickly sketch ideas to effectively communicate concepts and facilitate team understanding and alignment.
• Work cross-functionally within the design center and with other departments to support the overall experience design strategy.
• Ideate and construct ideas within a team-based design environment, fostering collaboration and shared creativity.
• Consistently meet project deadlines and maintain a high level of output while managing multiple simultaneous projects.
• Participate and contribute actively to brainstorm sessions, applying creativity, foresight, and sound design judgment to develop and apply marketplace trends.
• Create high-quality experience design solutions by directly executing design work and effectively leveraging internal and external design resources.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities listed heavily imply a need for strong project management, vendor coordination, and execution oversight, which are core operational functions. The requirement to "partnering on the creation, visualization, and execution of the development for activations projects working with architects, engineers and contractors" directly points to operational management of external resources and project timelines.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Design (e.g., Industrial Design, Interior Design, Graphic Design, Brand Design), Architecture, or a related field is typically expected for a Managerial role with this experience requirement. Experience: 6+ years of experience in environmental, retail, brand design, or a closely related field.

Required Skills:

• Proven experience in environmental, retail, and brand design.
• Solid understanding and practical application of interior design, product design, and graphic/brand design principles.
• Proficiency in 3D modeling software such as Rhinoceros, Sketchup, Solidworks, or equivalent.
• Experience with 3D rendering software like Keyshot, VRay, or equivalent.
• Extraordinary command of the Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, etc.).
• Capability to develop and visualize concepts effectively through hand sketching and computer software.
• Ability to multitask and manage multiple projects concurrently, demonstrating excellent time and project management skills.
• Ability to effectively influence senior levels within the organization across various brands and functions.
• Strong collaborative skills, with a proven ability to work well with others to deliver results and keep stakeholders informed.
• Proven ability to effectively incorporate research (primary and secondary) into strategic design processes.
• Track record of building strategic efforts across business units by identifying market trends and understanding consumer behavior.
• Ability to envision and address the feasibility of ideas.
• Compelling presentation and proposal skills.
• Proficiency in oral and written English.
• Team-oriented approach, comfortable with brainstorming sessions and presenting to team members.
• Ability to thrive in ambiguous and dynamic work environments; comfort with risk and uncertainty.
• An excellent sense of pop culture, technology, graphic design, and current design trends.
• Demonstrates extraordinary design taste and skill.
• Open and optimistic with an entrepreneurial spirit.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience managing external design resources, agencies, architects, engineers, and contractors.
• Familiarity with project management methodologies and tools relevant to design execution and brand activation.
• Experience working within a large, multinational consumer goods company or similar fast-paced environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "6+ years" experience level, coupled with "Manager" in the title, implies a need for leadership and strategic thinking beyond pure design execution. The emphasis on influencing senior levels, managing multiple projects, and working with external partners suggests a need for operational acumen.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase of end-to-end project lifecycle management, from initial concept ideation to final execution and implementation.
• Examples demonstrating the ability to translate strategic brand objectives into tangible, cohesive brand experiences.
• Case studies highlighting successful collaboration with cross-functional teams and external vendors (architects, contractors, etc.).
• Visual examples of how market trends and consumer insights were integrated into design solutions.
• Documentation of design processes, including ideation, iteration, visualization (renderings, sketches), and final output.
• Demonstrations of proficiency in 3D modeling, rendering, and Adobe Creative Suite applications.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of how processes were established or optimized for creating brand activations, from brief to completion.
• Documentation of workflow for managing design revisions and incorporating feedback from stakeholders.
• Evidence of maintaining brand consistency and adherence to brand guidelines throughout the design and execution phases.
• Case studies illustrating the management of project timelines and budgets, particularly in relation to external vendor engagements.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role like this, a portfolio is crucial. It needs to demonstrate not just design prowess but also the ability to manage complex projects involving multiple stakeholders and external resources, which aligns with operational expectations. The focus should be on the process of bringing designs to life and the outcomes achieved.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Given the location (Shanghai, China), experience level (6+ years), and the multinational nature of PepsiCo, a competitive salary range for an Experience Design Manager in Shanghai would typically fall between ¥350,000 - ¥600,000 CNY per year (approximately $50,000 - $85,000 USD, subject to exchange rates and specific market conditions).

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision).
• Retirement savings plan (e.g., pension, 401k equivalent).
• Paid time off, including vacation days, sick leave, and public holidays.
• Potential for performance-based bonuses.
• Employee discounts on PepsiCo products.
• Opportunities for professional development and training.
• Relocation assistance may be available for international candidates.

Working Hours: The specified working hours are 40 hours per week, typical for a full-time role. However, given the nature of creative project management and activation deadlines, occasional overtime or extended hours may be required to meet project milestones.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is estimated based on industry benchmarks for similar roles in Shanghai, considering the company's size and industry. Exchange rates and local market conditions can significantly influence the actual compensation.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Food & Beverage (Consumer Goods). PepsiCo is a global leader in the food and beverage industry, known for its diverse portfolio of iconic brands and its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and consumer-centricity. Company Size: Large Enterprise (PepsiCo is a Fortune 500 company with tens of thousands of employees globally). This size implies well-established processes, significant resources, and opportunities for career advancement, but also a need for individuals who can navigate complex organizational structures. Founded: 1965 (merger of Pepsi-Cola and Frito-Lay). This long history indicates stability, extensive market experience, and a deep understanding of consumer preferences.

Team Structure:

• The role likely sits within a Brand Experience Design or Marketing/Creative department.
• The team will comprise designers, brand managers, and potentially project managers.
• Close collaboration with marketing, sales, product development, and external agencies/partners is expected.
• Reporting structure likely involves a direct report to an Experience Design Lead or Director.

Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making, informed by consumer insights, market research, and performance analytics.
• Agile or iterative approaches to design and project execution, allowing for flexibility and adaptation to feedback and changing market conditions.
• Emphasis on cross-functional collaboration and integrated campaign development.
• Focus on creating impactful brand experiences that resonate with target consumers and drive business objectives.

Company Website: https://pepjobs.mypepsico.com

📝 Enhancement Note: PepsiCo's scale and industry position suggest a culture that values both creativity and operational efficiency. The "Experience Design Manager" title hints at a role that bridges creative vision with practical execution, requiring an understanding of how to translate marketing and brand strategies into tangible consumer interactions.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a mid-to-senior management level, requiring substantial experience in design and project execution. It signifies a transition from individual contribution to leading and managing design initiatives and cross-functional collaborations. Reporting Structure: The role reports to an Experience Design Lead or Director, indicating a clear line of management and strategic oversight. The manager will likely collaborate extensively with brand teams, marketing, and potentially sales operations to ensure brand activations align with broader GTM strategies. Operations Impact: The Experience Design Manager directly impacts the brand's market presence and consumer engagement by creating compelling and consistent brand experiences. Successful execution of activation projects can lead to increased brand awareness, consumer loyalty, and ultimately, sales performance. This role operationalizes brand strategy into tangible consumer touchpoints.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of experience design (e.g., retail environments, digital activations, experiential marketing).
• Leadership: Progress to senior management roles (e.g., Senior Manager, Director of Experience Design) with broader strategic and team leadership responsibilities.
• Cross-functional Mobility: Transition into roles within brand management, marketing strategy, or GTM operations, leveraging a strong understanding of consumer engagement and project execution.
• Global Experience: Opportunities to work on global brand initiatives or relocate to other PepsiCo hubs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Manager" title and the scope of responsibilities suggest a role designed for individuals looking to grow into more strategic leadership positions, either within design or by leveraging their operational and strategic execution skills in broader marketing or GTM functions.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The job description mentions working with architects, engineers, and contractors, and the location is a specific office address in Shanghai. This indicates a hybrid or primarily on-site work environment, likely within a modern office setting that fosters collaboration. Office Location(s): The primary location is Shanghai, China, specifically at the Gopher Center on Meng Zi Road. This is a major business hub, suggesting accessibility and proximity to other corporate functions and potential partners.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is expected to be collaborative, accommodating brainstorming sessions and team-based design work.
• Access to design tools, software, and potentially prototyping facilities will be essential.
• Opportunities for direct interaction with cross-functional teams and senior leadership will be frequent.
• The environment is described as "dynamic" and "ambiguous," requiring adaptability and resilience.

Work Schedule: The standard working hours are 40 hours per week. However, the nature of project-based work, especially with tight deadlines for brand activations, may necessitate flexibility and extended hours during critical periods.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of the role in a major international city like Shanghai suggests a standard corporate office environment with opportunities for rich collaboration and networking within PepsiCo's regional operations.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Resume and portfolio review to assess design skills, experience, and alignment with role requirements.
• Design Challenge/Case Study: Candidates may be asked to present a portfolio walkthrough, discuss past projects in detail, or complete a design exercise (potentially focused on a hypothetical PepsiCo brand activation).
• Behavioral Interviews: Assessment of collaboration skills, problem-solving abilities, leadership potential, and cultural fit. Questions will likely probe how candidates handle ambiguity, manage stakeholders, and drive projects to completion.
• Cross-functional Interviews: Meetings with key stakeholders from marketing, brand management, or other relevant departments to gauge collaboration effectiveness.
• Final Interview: With senior leadership (e.g., Director of Experience Design).

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Diverse Projects: Include examples of environmental, retail, and brand design, demonstrating versatility.
• Highlight Process: Clearly articulate your design process, from initial brief and research to concept development, iteration, visualization, and execution.
• Emphasize Collaboration: Detail your role in team projects and how you partnered with internal teams and external vendors.
• Demonstrate Impact: Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., increased engagement, brand consistency improvements, project completion within scope).
• Visualize Execution: Include renderings, sketches, and photos of implemented projects to showcase your ability to bring designs to life.
• Tailor to PepsiCo: If possible, subtly tailor your presentation to reflect an understanding of PepsiCo's brands and consumer base.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss your approach to managing complex projects with multiple stakeholders and tight deadlines.
• Practice articulating your design decisions and the rationale behind them, especially concerning brand strategy and consumer behavior.
• Develop clear talking points on how you handle ambiguity and uncertainty in a dynamic work environment.
• Prepare specific examples of successful brand activations or design projects you managed from concept to completion.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "co-creation, management, and execution" means interviewers will look for evidence of project leadership and operational capability, not just creative talent. The portfolio should reflect this operational aspect.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• 3D Modeling Software: Rhinoceros, Sketchup, Solidworks, or similar.
• 3D Rendering Software: Keyshot, VRay, or similar.
• Adobe Creative Suite: Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, potentially After Effects or Premiere Pro for motion graphics or video elements.
• Sketching Tools: Digital sketching tablets (e.g., Wacom) and traditional sketching materials.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a direct analytics role, understanding how to use data from consumer research, market trends, and activation performance metrics to inform design decisions will be valuable.

CRM & Automation:

• Less direct application, but familiarity with project management software (e.g., Asana, Trello, Jira) or internal PepsiCo systems for project tracking and workflow management would be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in 3D visualization and rendering tools, alongside the Adobe Creative Suite, is critical. The ability to use these tools to communicate concepts and manage the design-to-execution pipeline is paramount.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: Encouraging novel ideas and pushing creative boundaries to develop unique brand experiences.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering an environment where diverse perspectives are valued and cross-functional partnerships are effective.
• Consumer-Centricity: Placing the consumer at the heart of all design decisions, ensuring experiences are relevant and engaging.
• Execution Excellence: A commitment to delivering high-quality, impactful brand activations on time and within scope.
• Adaptability & Resilience: Embracing change and navigating ambiguity with a positive, problem-solving attitude.

Collaboration Style:

• Open communication and active listening during brainstorming and feedback sessions.
• Proactive engagement with cross-functional teams (marketing, sales, product) to ensure alignment and integration.
• Constructive critique and receptiveness to feedback, with a focus on collective improvement.
• Building strong working relationships with internal teams and external partners (agencies, vendors).

📝 Enhancement Note: PepsiCo's culture likely emphasizes a blend of innovation and disciplined execution. The "Manager" role requires fostering a collaborative environment that drives both creative output and operational success.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Brand Constraints: Ensuring innovative designs adhere to PepsiCo's established brand guidelines and marketing objectives.
• Managing Multiple Stakeholders: Effectively navigating the varying priorities and expectations of different internal departments and external partners.
• Delivering in a Dynamic Market: Adapting designs and strategies to rapidly evolving consumer trends, market conditions, and competitive landscapes.
• Execution Complexity: Overseeing the intricate process of bringing designs to life in physical spaces, coordinating with architects, engineers, and contractors to ensure quality and feasibility.
• Ambiguity: Thriving in a role that requires decision-making with incomplete information and adapting to unforeseen project changes.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Software Training: Further developing skills in specialized 3D modeling, rendering, or AR/VR design applications.
• Project Management Certifications: Pursuing certifications like PMP or Agile methodologies to enhance operational management capabilities.
• Brand Strategy Workshops: Deepening understanding of PepsiCo's brand portfolio and overarching marketing strategies.
• Leadership Development Programs: Participating in internal PepsiCo programs focused on management, strategic thinking, and cross-cultural leadership.
• Industry Conferences: Attending design and marketing events to stay abreast of the latest trends and network with peers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the operational demands of the role, requiring strong problem-solving and execution skills beyond pure design. Growth opportunities are geared towards both deepening design expertise and expanding into broader leadership and strategic functions.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex brand activation project you managed from concept to execution. What were the key challenges, how did you overcome them, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on process, collaboration, problem-solving, and results).
• "How do you ensure brand consistency across diverse activation projects and diverse markets?" (Highlight your understanding of brand guidelines and operational control).
• "Walk us through your process for incorporating consumer insights and market trends into your design work." (Demonstrate research integration and strategic thinking).
• "How do you manage conflicting feedback from different stakeholders on a design project?" (Showcase negotiation, communication, and decision-making skills).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about PepsiCo and our brands?" (Research PepsiCo's current marketing campaigns, brand values, and recent news).
• "How have you handled ambiguity or uncertainty in previous roles?" (Provide specific examples of adapting to changing project scopes or market dynamics).
• "Describe a time you had to influence senior leadership to adopt your design vision." (Focus on persuasive communication and strategic justification).
• "How do you approach collaboration with teams outside of design, such as marketing or sales?" (Emphasize cross-functional partnership and understanding of other departments' goals).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation logically, perhaps chronologically or by project type, with a clear introduction to each case study.
• Narrative: Tell a compelling story for each project, detailing the challenge, your role, the process, the solutions, and the impact.
• Visuals: Use high-quality renderings, sketches, and photos. Ensure any 3D models are presented clearly.
• Process Focus: Clearly articulate the steps you took, tools used, and how you managed the project lifecycle, including vendor coordination.
• Conciseness: Be mindful of time. Practice your presentation to ensure it's engaging and fits within the allotted timeframe.
• Q&A Readiness: Anticipate questions about your design choices, project management approach, and how you'd apply your skills at PepsiCo.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare to demonstrate not just creative ideation but also the operational rigor required to bring those ideas to fruition within a large organization like PepsiCo. Your portfolio and interview responses should highlight your project management and execution capabilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Experience Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the PepsiCo careers portal (https://pepjobs.mypepsico.com).
• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio highlights projects demonstrating end-to-end management of brand activations, including environmental, retail, and graphic design elements. Emphasize your process, collaboration with external partners (architects, contractors), and ability to translate strategic briefs into tangible experiences.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to clearly articulate your 6+ years of relevant experience, focusing on keywords such as "Experience Design," "Brand Activation," "Project Management," "3D Modeling," "Rendering," "Adobe Creative Suite," and "Cross-functional Collaboration." Quantify achievements where possible.
• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio walkthrough, focusing on your process, problem-solving skills, and ability to manage complex projects. Prepare specific examples for behavioral questions related to leadership, collaboration, and managing ambiguity.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with PepsiCo's brand portfolio, recent marketing campaigns, and any sustainability or innovation initiatives. Understand how brand experience design fits into their broader Go-To-Market strategy.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions for a role of this nature and location. All details, especially regarding compensation and specific interview processes, should be verified directly with PepsiCo's hiring team.