At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape and drive PepsiCo's commercial strategy while collaborating with senior leadership.
- Company: Join a leading global brand known for innovation and impact.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and the chance to influence major decisions.
- Other info: Dynamic role with high visibility and the opportunity to make a real difference.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of strategic initiatives that shape the future of a top brand.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in strategy consulting or FMCG, with strong analytical and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Overview
This is a high-impact strategy role at the heart of PepsiCo UKI’s Commercial function. As Commercial Strategy Manager, you will be the strategic right-hand to our Commercial Vice President and Sales Leadership Team, shaping the long-term commercial strategy, solving the hardest problems, and building the narratives that influence how PepsiCo shows up with its biggest customers. This role is ideal for an experienced strategy consultant looking to move into industry while retaining the problem quality, senior exposure, and pace of a consulting environment, with the added benefit of end-to-end ownership and delivery.
Responsibilities
- Shape the commercial strategy: Partner with the Commercial VP and Sales Leadership Team as a trusted advisor on the most complex and ambiguous commercial questions. Lead the long-term and short-term commercial planning processes—growth outlook, sub-channel strategy, annual operating plan. Own the strategic outputs that define PepsiCo's commercial narrative: category strategy, customer narratives, and the growth story.
- Drive strategic initiatives from concept to impact: Lead priority commercial initiatives end-to-end, from diagnosis and business case through to delivery and measurement. Own the governance, portfolio management, and integrated roadmap: milestones, risks, resources, and investment. Coordinate cross-functional teams to ensure tangible commercial outcomes, not just strategic recommendations.
- Be the strategic go‑to for Commercial Leadership: Build the strategic storyline for internal and external forums. Act as a chief of staff to the VP of Sales, handling high-priority, time-sensitive requests with precision and judgement. Maintain a sharp external lens: consumer trends, competitive moves, macroeconomic and geopolitical shifts that shape the commercial agenda.
Qualifications
- Consulting-grade problem structuring— you frame problems clearly, test hypotheses rigorously, and land on a "so what" that drives action.
- Comfort in ambiguity with senior stakeholders— you can walk into a room of Directors and VPs with a half-formed problem and leave with a clear path forward.
- Storytelling that drives decisions— you translate analysis into compelling, executive-ready narratives that shift the conversation.
- Bias to delivery— you don't just recommend; you own outcomes. You hold yourself accountable for commercial impact, not just strategic output.
- Intellectual curiosity— you stay on top of what's happening outside PepsiCo as much as inside it. You bring fresh thinking from other industries, markets, and categories.
Requirements:
- 5+ years' experience, ideally including 3+ years at a top-tier strategy consulting firm or an FMCG in-house strategy / commercial excellence team.
- Strong commercial and strategic judgement.
- Proven ability to influence and operate credibly with senior leaders (Director / VP level and above).
- Outstanding analytical skills and structured problem-solving.
- Excellent written and verbal communication, including executive presentations for C-suite audiences.
- Ability to lead complex, cross-functional agendas autonomously in a matrixed organisation.
Commercial Strategy Manager in Reading employer: PepsiCo Deutschland GmbH
PepsiCo UKI is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work culture, where innovation and strategic thinking are at the forefront. As a Commercial Strategy Manager, you will enjoy unparalleled opportunities for professional growth while working alongside industry leaders in a fast-paced environment that values your insights and contributions. With a commitment to employee development and a focus on impactful outcomes, PepsiCo offers a unique blend of consulting rigor and operational ownership, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Strategy Manager in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those at PepsiCo or similar companies. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that a job description just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising your storytelling skills. You want to showcase your problem-solving abilities and how you've driven outcomes in past roles. Make it engaging and relevant to the Commercial Strategy Manager position!
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on industry trends and consumer behaviour. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also show that you're genuinely interested in the role and the company’s direction.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Strategy Manager in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Commercial Strategy Manager. Highlight your experience in strategy consulting and any relevant FMCG roles. We want to see how your skills align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story. Use it to showcase your problem-solving skills and how you've influenced senior stakeholders in the past. Remember, we love a good narrative that drives decisions!
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:In your application, don’t shy away from demonstrating your analytical prowess. Include examples where you’ve tackled complex problems and delivered tangible outcomes. We’re looking for that bias to delivery!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at PepsiCo Deutschland GmbH
✨Know Your Commercial Strategy
Dive deep into PepsiCo's current commercial strategies and understand their market position. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals and how you can contribute to shaping their long-term strategy.
✨Master the Art of Storytelling
Prepare to present your ideas in a compelling narrative. Think about how you can translate complex data into clear, executive-ready stories that resonate with senior stakeholders. Practice articulating your thoughts succinctly.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Be prepared to tackle ambiguous problems during the interview. Use examples from your past experiences where you've successfully structured problems and driven actionable outcomes. Highlight your ability to navigate uncertainty with confidence.
✨Demonstrate Cross-Functional Leadership
Illustrate your experience in leading cross-functional teams. Share specific instances where you coordinated diverse groups to achieve tangible results, emphasising your bias towards delivery and accountability for outcomes.
