Overview:
The Perfect Store Lead is a senior role within the DX Category Leadership team, owning the end-to-end execution agenda for the Savoury Snacks portfolio across the Organised Trade channel. The role represents the voice of the channel and customer, shaping a coherent multi-year category strategy that delivers disproportionate growth for PepsiCo. It translates the long-term category vision and brand strategies into clear ‘Picture of Success’ blueprints; format-specific playbooks that define what ‘great’ execution looks like in-store. Operating at the centre of a complex matrix, the role partners closely with Sales, Insights, RGM, Marketing, Supply Chain and Commercialisation to shape the medium-term operating plans (e.g. AOP, JBP) and execute with excellence.
Responsibilities:
Category Leadership:
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Update and own deployment of the Category Vision & Growth Story (e.g. Discovery Days).
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Translate insight into clear growth priorities by sub-channel and customer.
Portfolio Strategy, NPD & Differentiation:
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Influence innovation calendar to enable channel and customer agendas.
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Ensure innovation is strategically differentiated and shopper-led.
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Manage network portfolio and define clear portfolio roles (using Growth Navigator).
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Balance core growth, premiumisation and incremental innovation.
NPD Strategic Inputs & Performance:
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Input G2 rate of sale assumptions and G3 distribution targets for NPD.
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Ensure pipeline is aligned to Category Vision and Growth Navigator strategies.
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Monitor NPD performance vs. G2 targets (e.g. ROS, distribution, incrementality).
‘Pictures of Success’ & Selling Stories:
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Co-create brand selling stories with Marketing.
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Update ‘Pictures of Success’ to define what ‘great execution’ looks like in-store.
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Support Sales with clear execution vision by sub-channel and customer.
Execution Metrics & Tracking:
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Set channel and customer execution KPI targets (AOP).
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Track delivery via GCC R&A and drive corrective action.
Qualifications:
- 7-10+ years working within Category Management or Commercial functions within FMCG.
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Direct omnichannel experience is preferred.
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Proven examples of category-first or ‘triple-win’ leadership is a must.
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Management of a small team; excellent stakeholder management within a matrix organisation.
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Track record of translating strategic initiatives into operational proposals to grow the category.
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Fluency with complex data sources (e.g. Nielsen, Kantar).
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Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint).
Skills & Behaviours
- Strong analytical skills with proficiency in data analysis tools and techniques.
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Excellent communication and interpersonal skills (e.g. storytelling, persuasive narratives).
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Presents complex information and recommendations in a simplified, yet compelling manner.
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Cleary articulates the business impact (i.e. connects the insights, actions & implications).
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Has strong business acumen (across Commercial, Finance & Operations).
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Demonstrates ‘end-to-end’ thinking and thought-leadership (i.e. future-fit).
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Ability to build strong senior-level relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
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Proven track record of influencing and implementing successful multi-year strategies.
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Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
