Graphic Designer - Poppi

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer - Poppi

Company: PepsiCo

Location: Plano, Texas, United States | Purchase, New York, United States | Chicago, Illinois, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design

Date Posted: February 25, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level (3+ years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Execute high-impact graphic design for packaging and retail initiatives, spanning both print and digital mediums, ensuring brand consistency and visual integrity.

• Translate creative direction and established brand guidelines into polished, production-ready design solutions, meticulously maintaining brand systems across diverse product suites.

• Independently manage assigned design projects from concept through final delivery while contributing to larger, cross-functional creative endeavors.

• Prepare accurate, print-ready production files, demonstrating advanced proficiency in print workflows, dieline setup, text outlining, and image embedding for vendor use.

• Collaborate closely with senior designers and marketing partners, presenting work with clear rationale and effectively incorporating feedback to drive project success and brand cohesion.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Mid-Level Graphic Designer, emphasizing hands-on execution and ownership of design projects, particularly within packaging and retail. The focus on "brand systems" and "production-ready" files suggests a need for a designer who understands the practical application of design within a large CPG organization, moving beyond purely conceptual work to tangible, market-ready assets.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design & Execution:

  • Create visually engaging, brand-consistent creative assets for packaging, retail displays, and digital touchpoints, from initial concept to final production.
  • Translate creative briefs and brand guidelines into compelling, execution-ready design solutions.
  • Uphold and thoughtfully extend brand systems across new formats and surfaces to ensure a cohesive visual identity.
  • Ensure meticulous visual consistency and brand integrity across all design deliverables.

• Packaging & Production:

  • Develop packaging concepts and layouts, creatively applying brand guidelines while ensuring product suite cohesion.
  • Execute necessary packaging updates, including ingredient changes, UPC revisions, regulatory compliance adjustments, and layout refinements.
  • Prepare accurate, print-ready production files, including outlined text, embedded assets, and verified dielines for external vendor submissions.
  • Maintain clear organization and labeling of all project files for efficient internal and external team access.
  • Conduct thorough reviews of artwork and proofs to guarantee accuracy, consistency, and quality before final release.

• Workflow & Project Ownership:

  • Take ownership of assigned packaging and retail design workflows, managing them from intake through final file delivery.
  • Utilize project management tools (e.g., Asana, Ziflow) to manage tasks, track revisions, and oversee approval stages, ensuring efficient project progression.
  • Proactively identify and flag potential risks or production concerns, proposing timely and effective solutions.

• Collaboration:

  • Partner closely with Senior Designers, Creative Directors, and marketing teams to align on project goals and creative direction.

  • Clearly present design work and rationale, effectively incorporating feedback from stakeholders.

  • Contribute constructively to team reviews, offering thoughtful creative input and feedback.

  • Support broader creative initiatives and provide assistance on other creative tasks as needed.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on production-level work, particularly for packaging. This includes detailed tasks like executing UPC revisions and preparing print-ready files, indicating that candidates must possess a deep understanding of the print production lifecycle and be highly detail-oriented. The mention of specific project management tools suggests proficiency in workflow management is crucial.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Fine Arts, or a related field is typically expected for a mid-level role.

Experience: 3+ years of professional graphic design experience, with a significant focus on packaging and print production.

Required Skills:

• Proven experience as a Graphic Designer with a strong portfolio demonstrating packaging and production design capabilities.

• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).

• Deep understanding of print workflows, including CMYK vs. PMS vs. INX, dieline setup, text outlining, and image embedding.

• Meticulous attention to detail, ensuring accuracy in all design elements, including typography, color, and layout.

• Ability to translate and apply brand guidelines consistently across various design applications.

• Experience preparing print-ready production files for vendors.

• Strong project ownership and task management skills.

• Effective communication and collaboration abilities, with experience working with cross-functional teams.

• Adaptability and resilience in a fast-paced, evolving work environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with digital design assets and their production.

• Familiarity with retail Point-of-Sale (POS) design.

• Experience with proofing and artwork review processes.

• Basic understanding of marketing strategies and how design supports them.

• Familiarity with additional design or collaboration tools like Ziflow.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize practical application and technical execution over purely conceptual design. The explicit mention of "3+ years of experience" and "advanced knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite" solidifies the mid-level expectation. The need for a "hunger to learn and a solid work ethic" suggests a company culture that values initiative and continuous development.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A robust portfolio showcasing a minimum of 3+ years of graphic design work, with a significant emphasis on packaging design and print production.

• Demonstrations of ability to translate brand guidelines into diverse creative assets across packaging, retail, and digital platforms.

• Case studies or examples of executed packaging updates (e.g., ingredient changes, regulatory updates).

• Clear examples of print-ready files and an understanding of production-specific requirements.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of how you have managed design workflows, ideally referencing project management tools like Asana or Ziflow.

• Demonstrations of meticulous file preparation for print vendors, including proper setup for dielines, color separation, and asset embedding.

• Portfolios that highlight attention to detail in areas such as typography, color accuracy, and regulatory information placement on packaging.

• Work that shows an understanding of how to maintain brand consistency across a suite of products or different marketing collateral.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a graphic design role with a strong production emphasis, the portfolio is paramount. It needs to clearly illustrate not just aesthetic skill but also technical proficiency in print production, brand adherence, and project management. The ability to showcase workflow management and attention to detail in past projects will be a key differentiator.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $66,900 - $111,950 annually (USD)

Benefits:

• Paid Time Off: Subject to eligibility, including paid parental leave, vacation, sick days, and bereavement leave.

• Health & Wellness: Medical, Dental, Vision, and Disability insurance.

• Financial Security: Defined Contribution Retirement Plan, Accident Insurance, Group Legal Insurance, Life Insurance.

• Support Programs: Health and Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts, Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours, typically 40 hours per week, with the expectation of on-site presence.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is comprehensive for a mid-level graphic designer in major US metropolitan areas like Plano, Purchase, and Chicago. The extensive benefits package is typical for a large corporation like PepsiCo, offering strong support for employees and their families, which is a significant draw for candidates.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

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

Company Size: PepsiCo is a global leader in the food and beverage industry, employing tens of thousands of individuals worldwide. This indicates a large, established organization with structured processes and significant market reach.

Founded: Founded in 1965 through the merger of Pepsi-Cola and Frito-Lay, PepsiCo has a long history of innovation and brand building.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will report to an experienced Senior Designer, suggesting a clear reporting hierarchy within the creative department.

• Collaboration will occur with cross-functional partners, including marketing teams and potentially external vendors, indicating a matrixed work environment.

Methodology:

• Emphasis on upholding and extending brand guidelines and brand systems, indicating a disciplined approach to brand management.

• Focus on producing "production-ready" assets, highlighting a commitment to quality and efficiency in the creative output process.

• Use of project management tools like Asana suggests a structured workflow and emphasis on accountability and timely delivery.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: PepsiCo's industry and size suggest a dynamic, fast-paced environment where brand consistency and rigorous production standards are paramount. The culture likely values data-informed decisions, efficiency, and collaboration across large teams, with a strong emphasis on brand integrity.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Mid-Level Graphic Designer role. It requires independent project management and a strong foundation in design execution, particularly in packaging and production. It's a step beyond entry-level, demanding a solid portfolio and practical experience.

Reporting Structure: The designer will report to a Senior Designer, indicating a mentorship and guidance structure. This provides opportunities for learning from experienced professionals and receiving constructive feedback on design execution and strategic application.

Operations Impact: While not a traditional "operations" role in the sense of revenue or sales operations, this designer's work directly impacts the company's "go-to-market" (GTM) strategy by ensuring that product packaging and retail materials are visually compelling, on-brand, and production-accurate. This directly influences consumer perception, shelf presence, and ultimately, sales performance. The quality of design directly supports brand equity and market competitiveness.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in packaging design, print production, and specific CPG brand systems.

• Leadership Potential: Progress to a Senior Graphic Designer role, leading projects, mentoring junior designers, and contributing more strategically to creative direction.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain experience supporting other creative needs within PepsiCo's diverse brand portfolio, potentially leading to broader creative roles.

• Industry Knowledge: Develop a comprehensive understanding of CPG market trends, consumer insights, and the role of design in driving purchasing decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for growth within a large CPG organization, focusing on deepening specialized design skills and potentially moving into leadership. The "impact" is framed through the lens of GTM success via strong visual brand representation.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The job is listed as on-site, implying a traditional office setting within one of PepsiCo's designated locations (Plano, TX; Purchase, NY; or Chicago, IL).

Office Location(s): Plano, Texas; Purchase, New York; Chicago, Illinois. Candidates will likely be placed at one of these primary hubs.

Workspace Context:

• The environment is expected to be collaborative, with close interaction with a Senior Designer and cross-functional teams.

• Access to modern design tools and technology (Adobe Creative Suite, project management software) is implied.

• Opportunities for team reviews and feedback sessions are integral to the workflow.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time, 40-hour work week, consistent with typical corporate environments. While the role is on-site, the pace of a CPG company may require flexibility and efficient time management to meet project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement suggests a preference for in-person collaboration and access to company resources. The chosen location will offer a significant corporate environment, typical of a company of PepsiCo's scale.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess foundational skills and experience.

• Portfolio Review & Discussion: A deeper dive into the candidate's portfolio with a Senior Designer or Creative Director, focusing on design rationale, execution, and understanding of packaging production. Expect to discuss specific projects, your role, and problem-solving approaches.

• Skills Assessment/Creative Challenge: Potentially a small design exercise or case study to evaluate practical skills, problem-solving abilities, and application of brand guidelines under timed conditions.

• Cross-functional/Behavioral Interview: Meeting with marketing partners or other stakeholders to assess collaboration, communication, and cultural fit. Questions will likely focus on teamwork, accountability, and adaptability.

• Final Interview: Discussion with hiring manager or senior leadership to confirm fit and discuss compensation/logistics.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Showcase 3-5 of your strongest projects, prioritizing packaging and print production examples. Ensure a clear narrative for each project: the brief, your role, challenges, solutions, and the final outcome.

• Highlight Production Expertise: Clearly demonstrate your understanding of print workflows, dielines, color modes, and file preparation. If possible, show examples of how you've executed updates or refined existing packaging.

• Showcase Brand Adherence: Include examples where you've effectively applied or extended brand guidelines. Explain your process for maintaining brand integrity across different applications.

• Quantify Impact (if possible): While difficult for design, try to articulate the impact of your work if there are measurable results (e.g., successful product launch, positive feedback on redesigned packaging).

• Be Ready to Discuss Details: Expect questions about specific design choices, software proficiency, and your approach to feedback and revisions.

Challenge Preparation:

• Practice Brand Application: Familiarize yourself with PepsiCo's brand portfolio and general CPG design trends. Practice applying brand guidelines to mock briefs.

• Review Production Basics: Brush up on common print production terms and processes. Understand the lifecycle of packaging from design to print.

• Prepare Case Studies: Have 1-2 detailed case studies ready to walk through, focusing on your problem-solving process, design decisions, and execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily rely on the candidate's portfolio. Expect a thorough review that assesses both creative talent and production readiness. The "Mid-Level" designation implies a need for demonstrable independence and problem-solving skills, beyond just executing tasks.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Expert proficiency required in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.

• Microsoft Suite: Familiarity with Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for general business use and presentations.

• Project Management Software: Experience with tools like Asana is explicitly mentioned; familiarity with similar platforms (e.g., Jira, Monday.com) is beneficial.

• Proofing/Collaboration Tools: Experience with platforms like Ziflow is preferred, indicating a need for proficiency in digital proofing workflows.

Analytics & Reporting: Not directly applicable to this design role, but understanding how design impacts KPIs might be beneficial.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirement is mastery of the Adobe Creative Suite, with a strong emphasis on InDesign for layout and Illustrator for vector graphics, critical for packaging. Proficiency in project management and digital proofing software is also a key differentiator for efficient workflow management.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Brand Integrity: A strong commitment to upholding and meticulously applying brand guidelines across all creative output.

• Excellence in Execution: A focus on producing high-quality, production-ready assets with accuracy and attention to detail.

• Efficiency & Accountability: Valuing structured workflows, timely delivery, and ownership of projects from start to finish.

• Collaboration & Communication: Fostering an environment where open communication, feedback exchange, and teamwork are encouraged.

• Adaptability & Resilience: Embracing change, learning from challenges, and maintaining a positive attitude in a dynamic CPG environment.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Partnership: Working closely with marketing, senior designers, and potentially external vendors to achieve common goals.

• Feedback-Oriented: Actively seeking and providing constructive feedback to improve design quality and project outcomes.

• Proactive Problem-Solving: Identifying potential issues early and collaborating to find effective solutions.

• Team Support: Willingness to support colleagues and contribute to broader team initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture emphasizes a blend of creative excellence and rigorous operational discipline. Candidates who thrive in structured environments, value brand consistency, and are adept at collaborative problem-solving will be a good fit.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creativity with Brand Rigidity: Effectively applying creative vision within strict brand guidelines and technical production constraints.

• Managing Multiple Projects & Deadlines: Juggling various assignments with competing priorities in a fast-paced CPG environment.

• Ensuring Print Accuracy: Meticulously managing details for print production to avoid costly errors.

• Adapting to Evolving Brand Standards: Staying current with brand updates and incorporating them seamlessly into existing and new designs.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Design Skill Enhancement: Deepening expertise in packaging design, typography, color theory, and print production techniques.

• Brand System Mastery: Becoming an expert in PepsiCo's diverse brand architectures and visual languages.

• Project Management Proficiency: Developing stronger skills in workflow management and utilizing project tracking tools effectively.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gaining insights into marketing strategies and consumer insights that inform design decisions.

• Mentorship: Learning from experienced Senior Designers and Creative Directors within a leading CPG company.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers significant opportunities for skill development in a critical area of CPG marketing – packaging design. The challenges are typical for a designer in a large corporation, requiring strong organizational and execution skills.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance creative vision with strict brand guidelines. How did you approach it?" (Focus on explaining your process and problem-solving.)

• "Walk me through a complex packaging design project from your portfolio. What were the key challenges, and how did you ensure production readiness?" (Highlight your role, technical skills, and attention to detail.)

• "How do you manage your workload when faced with multiple urgent projects and tight deadlines?" (Emphasize prioritization, time management, and communication.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about PepsiCo and the Poppi brand?" (Showcase research and genuine interest.)

• "How do you approach receiving and incorporating feedback on your designs?" (Highlight your collaborative and receptive nature.)

• "Describe a time you had to adapt to a significant change in project requirements or priorities." (Showcase your resilience and flexibility.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly state the objective, your role, the challenges, your design process, the solutions you implemented, and the final outcome.

• Focus on Production Details: When discussing packaging, explicitly mention your involvement in dieline setup, color management, text outlining, and file preparation for print.

• Demonstrate Problem-Solving: Explain how you overcame any creative or production hurdles.

• Highlight Brand Application: Clearly articulate how you applied or evolved brand guidelines.

• Keep it Concise and Engaging: Aim for 5-7 minutes per project, allowing time for discussion.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on showcasing both creative talent and technical production expertise. Be ready to discuss specific projects in detail, demonstrating your ability to execute under brand and production constraints.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

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

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight packaging design, print production, and brand guideline adherence. Include specific examples of complex layouts, production file preparation, and brand system application.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly lists your experience with Adobe Creative Suite, print production workflows, and project management tools. Quantify achievements where possible, and use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process and technical skills, especially concerning packaging production. Prepare to discuss specific portfolio pieces and your approach to collaboration and feedback.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with PepsiCo's brand portfolio, particularly any relevant brands or recent campaigns. Understand their commitment to design and production excellence.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description provides a comprehensive overview based on the provided data and industry standards. Specific details regarding responsibilities, interview processes, and team dynamics should be clarified directly with the PepsiCo hiring team during the application process.