Communications Manager - Brand & Business

Overview

PepsiCo is a global leader in beverages and convenient foods, with a portfolio including brands such as LAY’S®, DORITOS®, CHEETOS®, GATORADE®, PEPSI®, and QUAKER®. Our company generated over $79 billion in net revenue in 2021, serving customers in more than 200 countries worldwide. Our mission is to lead through PepsiCo Positive (pep+), focusing on sustainability and human capital to deliver value and growth responsibly. We foster a diverse and inclusive environment where every voice is valued, upholding equal opportunity principles and maintaining certifications promoting workplace equality in Saudi Arabia.

Role Summary

As the Brand & Business Communications Manager for PepsiCo Middle East Foods based in Riyadh, you will spearhead the communication strategies for the foods portfolio across the Middle East, particularly Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Your goal will be to enhance brand relevance, reinforce reputation, and boost engagement through media relations, influencer partnerships, activations, and compelling storytelling initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement communication strategies that translate brand objectives and business priorities into an integrated plan involving earned media, influencers, and stakeholder engagement.
• Develop and manage annual public relations and influencer programs for key food brands and campaigns aligned with overall business goals and PepsiCo guidelines.
• Collaborate with marketing teams to identify opportunities to amplify campaigns, product launches, partnerships, and consumer events.
• Initiate brand-led communication projects beyond traditional campaigns, including partnerships, media collaborations, events, and storytelling platforms to deepen cultural connections and brand visibility.
• Establish and nurture strong relationships with media, content creators, influencers, and key stakeholders within priority markets to maximize earned media coverage and engagement.
• Oversee strategic brand partnerships with media platforms, publishers, and cultural collaborators to elevate brand presence and relevance.
• Manage agency relationships from briefing through execution and assessment, ensuring delivery quality, strategic guidance, and budget discipline.
• Supervise the creation, localization, and quality assurance of communication materials such as press releases, media statements, key messages, Q&As, briefing documents, and influencer content in both English and Arabic.
• Work alongside marketing and legal departments to guide social media communication, ensuring alignment with brand, corporate standards, and local sensitivities.
• Lead storytelling and communication efforts around essential business themes, including agriculture, manufacturing, innovation, research & development, and strategic partnerships to highlight PepsiCo’s regional impact.
• Identify and facilitate speaking engagements, media opportunities, and external participation for marketing leaders and subject-matter experts to showcase brand innovation and leadership.
• Support communications around business milestones, site visits, launches, events, partnerships, and external activities related to the foods business in the region.
• Monitor and analyze media coverage, sentiment, communication performance, and campaign outcomes, providing insights and recommendations to enhance impact and support business goals.

Candidate Profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or related discipline.
• 10 to 12 years of proven experience in communications, public relations, brand communications, ideally within FMCG, consumer brands, media, or agency contexts.
• Deep understanding of the Saudi media landscape, influencer dynamics, cultural context, and familiarity with the broader Middle East region.
• Demonstrated success in running integrated PR, influencer, and communications programs for consumer-focused brands.
• Strong storytelling aptitude with the ability to convert strategic priorities into compelling narratives.
• Experience overseeing agencies, managing budgets, and coordinating with multiple internal and external stakeholders across functions and regions.
• Effective at balancing strategic vision with hands-on operational execution in a dynamic environment.
• Excellent project management and multitasking capabilities.
• Fluent in English and Arabic, with exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience with agriculture, manufacturing, sustainability, innovation, or corporate storytelling communications is advantageous.

Equal Opportunity Statement

PepsiCo is committed to inclusivity and equality in the workplace, valuing diversity irrespective of age, marital status, religion, gender, disability, and other differences. The company is certified as Mowaamah-GOLD in Saudi Arabia for gender equality.