Communications Manager - Research & Development Employee Communications

Overview

The Manager, R&D Employee Communications, will lead the development and execution of strategic employee communications that strengthen engagement, understanding, and advocacy across PepsiCo's global Research & Development organization.

Reporting to the Senior Director, Enterprise & Leader Communications, this role will partner closely with senior R&D and pep+ Sustainability leaders and Global Employee Communications to translate complex science, innovation, portfolio transformation, and business priorities into compelling stories and meaningful employee experiences.

This individual will serve as a trusted communications advisor, helping elevate R&D's impact across PepsiCo while driving alignment, culture, and organizational effectiveness.

Responsibilities

Strategic Communications & Storytelling

• Lead the R&D employee communications strategy, aligning communications to business priorities, transformation initiatives, and organizational goals.
• Develop integrated communication plans, campaigns, and content that simplify complex science and innovation topics for diverse employee audiences.
• Build and manage an annual R&D communications calendar tied to key business milestones, innovation launches, and enterprise priorities.
• Identify and amplify stories that showcase R&D's impact on growth, innovation, sustainability, and consumer-centric transformation.

Leadership Communications & Employee Engagement

• Serve as a strategic communications partner to senior R&D leaders, including the Chief Science Officer (CSO) and CSO’s Chief of Staff, providing counsel, messaging support, and executive communications.
• Develop leader communications, town halls, speaking materials, employee updates, and engagement content.
• Design communication approaches that strengthen employee understanding, connection, and confidence during periods of transformation and change.
• Support culture-building initiatives t