Design Director - PBUS Innovation

PepsiCo; New York, Providence (NY, RI); On-site; USD 125,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative firm is seeking a Design Innovation Director to lead transformative design strategies for their beverage division. This role involves guiding internal stakeholders through the innovation process, synthesizing consumer insights, and developing scalable solutions. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in design thinking and a strong background in strategic leadership. Join a dynamic team focused on creating compelling design experiences that drive business growth and enhance brand value. If you are passionate about innovation and design, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Benefits

Performance-based bonus

Paid time off

Comprehensive medical benefits

Retirement plan

Long-term incentive equity

Qualifications

• 10+ years in innovation within a design team, preferably in a corporate setting.
• Proven track record of end-to-end innovative solutions.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design innovation process to develop platform strategies.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to manage external agencies.

Skills

Design Thinking

Innovation Strategy

Project Management

Leadership

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s in Industrial/Product Design

MBA or Master’s in Design Strategy

Job description

Overview

Who We Are We are a creatively driven team that leverages the power of Design Thinking to solve brand and business problems, driving meaningful value and growth. Our mission is to lead innovation agendas to accelerate PepsiCo’s global brands and transform beyond its core. We innovate with intent to solve real problems for real people in the real world, inciting positive change for people, brands, businesses, and the environment.

What You’ll Do

As the Design Innovation Director for PepsiCo Beverages US (PBUS) in the Global Design Innovation Group, you will set innovation process and platform strategies that are visionary yet pragmatic, building business value and leveraging PepsiCo’s strengths. You will guide and align internal stakeholders, build relationships, and educate on innovation processes. Responsibilities include establishing learning plans, conducting design research, synthesizing consumer insights, running workshops, identifying innovation territories, and developing and commercializing innovative solutions to create new growth platforms or new brands and experiences.

This role involves close collaboration with the PBUS marketing innovation team and cross-functional partners to develop scalable solutions and ensure successful market launches. Reporting to the Global VP of Design Innovation, you will work with brand design leads to develop and deliver holistic innovation platforms that add strategic value through compelling design experiences (brand, product, packaging, retail, merchandising).

Responsibilities

• Lead the design innovation process to develop platform strategies and commercialize innovations across different horizons.
• Develop and deliver effective design strategies and holistic solutions in partnership with business leaders, leveraging existing brands or creating new ones.
• Elevate Design Thinking and the 4 Lenses approach (Consumer, Business, Viability, Feasibility, Sustainability) to deliver actionable innovations that balance consumer needs, business goals, technical innovations, and go-to-market capabilities.
• Generate creative proposals and develop platformable concepts (prototypes, mock-ups).
• Ideate and take new products, solutions, brands, and experiences from concept to reality.
• Collaborate with the brand team on integrated strategies for current and new brands, including product development, packaging, marketing, and communication.
• Introduce outside perspectives on innovation and promote agile approaches within teams.
• Partner with stakeholders and marketing to lead projects and assess options.
• Work seamlessly with cross-functional teams and manage external agencies as needed.

Compensation and Benefits

• Expected salary range: $125,900 - $249,900, based on skills, experience, and location.
• Performance-based bonus (25% of salary) with additional payout over 3 years (10%).
• Long-term incentive equity may be available.
• Paid time off, including parental leave, vacation, sick leave, and bereavement.
• Comprehensive benefits: medical, dental, vision, disability, health and dependent care accounts, EAP, insurance, retirement plan.

Qualifications

Seeking a strategic design leader experienced in multidisciplinary and matrixed environments, capable of managing design processes and generating innovative solutions. The ideal candidate will have:

• Bachelor’s in Industrial/Product Design, Architecture, Engineering, or Design Strategy; MBA or Master’s preferred.
• 10+ years in innovation within a design team, preferably in a corporate setting.
• Expertise in Design Thinking, Design-Driven Innovation, Strategy, Brand Strategy, and Product Development.
• Strong leadership, team management, and strategic skills.
• Excellent project and design management, attention to detail.
• Effective presentation and proposal skills.
• Proven track record of end-to-end innovative solutions.
• Ability to multitask, work in ambiguity, and take risks.
• Willingness to travel 20% of the time.
• Ability to translate business needs into actionable strategies and solutions.
• Diverse perspective drawing to solve design problems.
• Ability to articulate vision through prototypes, scenarios, and roadmaps.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills.
• Influence across organizational levels and regions.
• Capability to handle high workload and complexity, delivering according to KPIs.
• Demonstrates consumer-centric empathy in internal and external partnerships.