Global Design Director, Digital & Social Communications

PepsiCo • New York, NY

6d

About The Position

The Global Design Director, Digital & Social Comms, plays a pivotal role in articulating the value of design in building brands and driving business growth across various media platforms. With a proven track record in strategic communication, this leader will leverage their expertise to craft compelling narratives that showcase the impact of design on brand identity and consumer engagement. They will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to develop and implement innovative communication strategies that elevate the design function's contributions, align with overall business objectives, and foster a culture that values design as a core driver of success. They will serve as the day-to-day liaison with PepsiCo's Corporate Communications team, ensuring the Design function's contributions are well integrated into all relevant internal and external brand communications, emphasizing the Design function's capabilities as a key contributor to the Global Consumer Group. The Design Director, Comms leads all Design function-owned channels and key internal and external communication moments throughout the year. Responsibilities include contributing to strategy, content, and creative direction; driving end-to-end production; and building scalable systems across social media, the web, presentations, and internal events. You will partner with corporate communications, global brands, corporate design, operations, and regional teams to showcase the Design function's creative power and value to key stakeholders worldwide.

Requirements

• Educational Background: Bachelor’s degree preferred
• Professional Experience: 12–15+ years in brand or editorial creative roles, with at least 5 years in senior leadership positions. Preference for experience in communicating Design as a strategic capability, particularly as a growth driver for business.
• Team Leadership: Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and deliver high-quality work.
• Portfolio Requirement: A strong portfolio showcasing strategic digital, social, brand, and editorial work.
• Cross-Functional Leadership: Strong executive presence with the ability to navigate complex organizational structures.
• Operational Rigor: Experience in end-to-end ownership, governance, and production management, including work with agencies and freelancers.
• Familiarity with Internal Comms Systems: Knowledge of intranet, toolkits, and storytelling platforms.
• Writing and Storytelling: Excellent writing, storytelling, and presentation skills.
• Design Experience: Able to identify and direct exceptional typography, design craft, and attention to detail.
• Video and Motion Skills: Strong sensibility in video/motion design with hands-on production and editing experience.
• Technical Proficiency: Expertise in Adobe Creative Suite and Figma; advanced capabilities in PowerPoint.
• Web Design Knowledge: Proficient in mobile-first web design and developer-ready markup.
• Creative Direction: Highly experienced in directing photography, video, and illustration.
• Relationship Building: Proven ability to cultivate trusted relationships across highly matrixed teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead Global Design Storytelling: Oversee storytelling across all owned communication channels, ensuring alignment with corporate narrative.
• Manage a Multidisciplinary Team: Develop and guide a team of design, writing, production, and project management professionals to achieve high-quality outputs.
• Establish Standards and Governance: Set clear quality and consistency benchmarks across all regions.
• Align Senior Leadership: Collaborate with senior leadership on creative direction and messaging to ensure cohesive branding.
• Partner with Communications Teams: Work closely with brand and corporate communications teams to refine narrative, voice, and visual identity.
• Write and Edit Copy: Produce social and editorial content as needed to support various communication initiatives.
• Produce Executive Communications: Create polished communications and presentations for the Chief Design Officer and Global Design function.
• Oversee Design Across Media: Manage static, video, and motion design elements for social media, web, and digital platforms.
• Develop Templates and Toolkits: Build and maintain resources that streamline communication and production processes.
• Stay Current on Trends: Monitor social media trends and integrate emerging formats into the communication strategy.
• Collaborate with Agencies: Partner with external agencies and manage freelance creatives, including photographers and videographers.
• Lead Monthly Reviews: Conduct regular meetings with regional teams to align on initiatives and share best practices.
• Deliver Performance Reports: Present quarterly performance reports and strategic updates on communication efforts.
• Manage Global Design Awards: Oversee the strategy for Global Design Awards and provide quarterly updates.
• Support Thought Leadership: Create and distribute executive content across internal and external channels.
• Partner with Business Operations: Collaborate on internal cultural events, develop presentation templates, and design a centralized communications hub for the Global Design function.

Benefits

• Bonus based on performance and eligibility target payout is 25% of annual salary paid out annually and an additional target payout of 10% of annual salary is paid out over 3 years following the end of the performance period.
• Long term incentive equity may be awarded based on eligibility and performance.
• Paid time off subject to eligibility, including paid parental leave, vacation, sick, and bereavement.
• In addition to salary, PepsiCo offers a comprehensive benefits package to support our employees and their families, subject to elections and eligibility: Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, Health, and Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Insurance (Accident, Group Legal, Life), Defined Contribution Retirement Plan.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees