Innovation Project Manager (m/w/d)

About PepsiCo Germany

PepsiCo Germany is part of a wider team of over 2,000 professionals across 11 countries, delivering well-known food and beverage products enjoyed daily. Operating for more than 70 years in the region, PepsiCo runs 7 major sites, including headquarters and production facilities, supporting a diverse portfolio of 16 brands ranging from global icons like Pepsi and Lay’s to popular regional favorites such as Duyvis and Schwip Schwap. The company is deeply committed to sustainability, innovation, and community engagement, offering purposeful growth opportunities for employees.

Position Overview

We are seeking an Innovation Project Manager to help accelerate product innovation within the Germany Snacks division. This role focuses on leading innovation projects and product change initiatives, such as product renovations, productivity improvements, packaging and pricing adjustments, promotional activities, and exclusive account programs. The incumbent will manage cross-functional teams, ensuring projects meet stage-gate milestones, adhere to "Fewer, Bigger, Better" principles and Speed to Market targets, and deliver on schedule and budget in alignment with the Business Unit's Integrated Commercial Plans (ICP) and Annual Commercial Plans (ACP).

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee local innovation and commercial change projects within the DACH markets (Germany, Austria, Switzerland).
• Support the execution and coordination of the DACH Foods Calendar, managing critical activities and timelines.
• Collaborate closely with the Snacks category team on large-scale innovation projects in the region.
• Serve as a primary liaison among Commercial, R&D, Supply Chain, Purchasing, and other central functions for assigned projects, ensuring seamless communication and alignment.
• Assist Prime Movers in tracking project approaches, critical paths, key milestones, and timelines for change projects.
• Facilitate issue identification and resolution together with Prime Movers to mitigate risks and ensure timely milestone completion.
• Coordinate cross-functional project meetings, follow up on action items, and maintain stakeholder alignment.
• Support preparations for monthly decision-making gates.
• Manage projects through the Stage Gate system using MyInnovation software, complying with SwissCo procedures.
• Prepare status updates and contribute to discussions within governance forums.

Qualifications

• Completed college or university education.
• At least 3 years’ experience managing commercial projects within the FMCG sector.
• Proven ability to lead and drive projects, ensuring operational excellence.
• Experience managing multiple partners within a matrix organization with a strong people management orientation.
• Basic understanding of cross-functional departments involved in product changes, including finance, operations, research and development, marketing, and sales.
• Excellent communication skills and business acumen capable of engaging with stakeholders at various organizational levels.
• Results-driven with strong decision-making and alignment facilitation skills.
• Fluency in English is required; German language skills are advantageous but not mandatory.

Additional Information

This position was internally posted until June 23, 2026. The role is based on-site in Neu-Isenburg, Hesse, Germany. No salary details are disclosed.