At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape and drive PepsiCo's commercial strategy while collaborating with senior leadership.
- Company: Join PepsiCo, a leading global food and beverage company with a dynamic culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Work in a collaborative setting with exposure to senior leaders and cross-functional teams.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of strategic decision-making in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: 5+ years of experience in strategy consulting or FMCG with strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
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
PepsiCo UKI is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work culture, particularly for those in strategic roles like the Commercial Strategy Manager. With a commitment to employee growth, you will have access to unparalleled opportunities for professional development while working alongside industry leaders in a fast-paced environment. The company's focus on innovation and collaboration ensures that your contributions will have a meaningful impact on its commercial success, making it a rewarding place to advance your career.
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 achievements that showcase your problem-solving skills and commercial judgement.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story. Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role at PepsiCo and how your background aligns with their needs. Don’t forget to mention your ability to influence senior leaders!
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:In your application, emphasise your analytical prowess. Provide examples of how you've tackled complex problems and driven strategic initiatives in the past. This will demonstrate your fit for the high-impact nature of the role.
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
✨Know Your Commercial Strategy Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into PepsiCo's current commercial strategies and recent initiatives. Familiarise yourself with their market position, key competitors, and consumer trends. This will not only help you answer questions confidently but also allow you to ask insightful questions that demonstrate your understanding of the role.
✨Master the Art of Storytelling
As a Commercial Strategy Manager, you'll need to convey complex ideas clearly. Prepare to share examples from your past experiences where you've successfully turned data into compelling narratives. Practise articulating these stories in a way that highlights your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking.
✨Showcase Your Bias for Delivery
Be ready to discuss specific instances where you've taken ownership of projects and driven them to successful outcomes. Highlight how you’ve navigated challenges and ensured tangible results, as this aligns perfectly with the expectations for this role at PepsiCo.
✨Engage with Intellectual Curiosity
Demonstrate your passion for the industry by discussing recent trends or innovations in FMCG or strategy consulting. Show that you're not just focused on PepsiCo but are also aware of broader market dynamics. This will reflect your intellectual curiosity and ability to bring fresh perspectives to the team.
