Company: PepsiCo South Africa
Location: Cape Town HQ, Western Cape
Contract Type: Permanent
Industry: FMCG / Food & Beverage / Marketing & Brand Management
Experience Level: Senior Leadership (Director Level)
Functional Area: Marketing / Brand Strategy / Business Growth
Closing Date: Not specified (Apply Now)
About PepsiCo
PepsiCo is one of the world’s most renowned food and beverage companies, serving more than one billion products daily in over 200 countries. With a diverse portfolio that includes global icons such as Lay’s, Doritos, Quaker, Pepsi, and Gatorade, as well as beloved South African brands like Simba, Liqui Fruit, Bokomo, and Blue Ribbon Bakeries, PepsiCo continues to lead the FMCG sector with a strong commitment to sustainability and innovation.
In South Africa, PepsiCo employs over 13,000 professionals across multiple business divisions including Bakeries, Grains, Foods, Snacks, Juice, and Beverages. The company’s mission is to drive positive impact for people and the planet while achieving sustainable growth through PepsiCo Positive, its global transformation strategy.
Role Overview
The Marketing Director: Bakeries will take ownership of the strategic growth and brand development of PepsiCo’s Bakery Business Unit (BU) in South Africa. This high-profile leadership role requires an individual who can design, implement, and oversee marketing strategies that strengthen brand equity, category growth, consumer engagement, and market share across the bakery portfolio.
This is a dynamic opportunity for a senior leader with proven FMCG brand management expertise, the ability to manage complex portfolios, and experience driving growth through innovative marketing campaigns and consumer-centric strategies.
Key Responsibilities
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Lead brand development, positioning, and growth strategies across the bakery portfolio.
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Design and execute the Annual Operating Plan (AOP) in partnership with the General Manager and South Africa CMO.
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Build, align, and execute long-term strategic frameworks, including portfolio strategy and pricing.
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Drive brand equity, share of market (SOM), and brand health metrics, while successfully launching new products or extensions.
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Develop and deploy integrated marketing campaigns across all channels, ensuring alignment with PepsiCo principles.
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Lead innovation and pipeline development in collaboration with R&D and commercialisation teams.
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Manage agency partnerships (creative, digital, and media buying) and ensure efficiency of investments.
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Foster consumer intimacy and engagement platforms, including digital and programmatic marketing strategies.
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Collaborate with regional bakery leadership teams to deliver on-the-ground support for local markets.
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Coach, mentor, and develop a high-performing marketing team to deliver against long-term business goals.
Qualifications and Experience
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8–10 years’ experience in brand marketing, preferably in FMCG.
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Honours (4-year) Degree in Marketing, Business Management, or Economics (Master’s degree advantageous).
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Proven track record in portfolio management, innovation leadership, and integrated brand communications.
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Strong commercial acumen with a history of achieving NR & NOPBT growth targets.
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Demonstrated leadership of large cross-functional teams and external stakeholders.
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Hands-on experience in digital marketing, consumer insights, and programmatic content strategies.
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Skilled in managing agency relationships and delivering campaigns across multiple channels.
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Recognised for functional excellence, strategic thinking, and execution in complex portfolios.
Skills and Competencies
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Strategic leadership and brand building expertise.
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Strong innovation, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
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High-level analytical and commercial decision-making ability.
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Ability to manage within a complex matrix organisation.
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Expertise in FMCG growth strategies, brand positioning, and purposeful marketing.
Why Join PepsiCo
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Opportunity to lead a key business unit in a world-class FMCG company.
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Work with iconic global and local brands across South Africa.
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Drive strategic marketing innovation in a fast-paced, competitive industry.
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Be part of PepsiCo’s global sustainability and growth mission.
How to Apply
Apply directly via the PepsiCo Careers Portal:
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you do not hear back within four weeks of applying, please consider your application unsuccessful.
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