Communications Manager - Research & Development Employee Communications

About the role

This role leads the development and execution of strategic employee communications that strengthen engagement, understanding, and advocacy across PepsiCo's global Research & Development organization. Reporting to the Senior Director, Enterprise & Leader Communications, the Manager, R&D Employee Communications will partner closely with senior R&D and pep+ Sustainability leaders and Global Employee Communications to translate complex science, innovation, portfolio transformation, and business priorities into compelling stories and meaningful employee experiences. This individual will serve as a trusted communications advisor, helping elevate R&D's impact across PepsiCo while driving alignment, culture, and organizational effectiveness.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Communications & Storytelling
  • Lead the R&D employee communications strategy, aligning communications to business priorities, transformation initiatives, and organizational goals.
  • Develop integrated communication plans, campaigns, and content that simplify complex science and innovation topics for diverse employee audiences.
  • Build and manage an annual R&D communications calendar tied to key business milestones, innovation launches, and enterprise priorities.
  • Identify and amplify stories that showcase R&D's impact on growth, innovation, sustainability, and consumer-centric transformation.
• Leadership Communications & Employee Engagement
  • Serve as a strategic communications partner to senior R&D leaders, including the Chief Science Officer (CSO) and CSO’s Chief of Staff, providing counsel, messaging support, and executive communications.
  • Develop leader communications, town halls, speaking materials, employee updates, and engagement content.
  • Design communication approaches that strengthen employee understanding, connection, and confidence during periods of transformation and change.
  • Support culture-building initiatives that reinforce R&D's vision, priorities, and ways of working.
• Content, Channels & Transformation
  • Partner with Global Employee Communications to leverage enterprise channels, storytelling best practices, editorial planning, and measurement frameworks.
  • Drive adoption of modern communications approaches including digital storytelling, social media, video, and employee-generated content.
  • Partner with internal and external communications teams to identify opportunities to extend R&D stories across enterprise and external channels when appropriate.
  • Measure communication effectiveness and optimize content strategies based on audience insights and engagement data.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or related field.
• 8-10+ years of communications experience supporting business functions, transformations, executive communications, or employee engagement.
• Experience translating complex technical, scientific, or business topics into clear and compelling communications.
• Strong executive presence and ability to advise senior leaders.
• Exceptional writing, storytelling, and content development skills.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and stakeholders in a fast-paced, global environment.
• Experience supporting organizational change, transformation, or culture initiatives preferred.
• Knowledge of food, beverage, innovation, science, consumer products, or related industries is a plus.
• This position is limited to persons with indefinite right to work in the United States.

Pay

The expected compensation range for this position is between $110,700 - $185,250. Location, confirmed job-related skills, experience, and education will be considered in setting actual starting salary. Bonus based on performance and eligibility target payout is 12% of annual salary paid out annually.

Benefits

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