Team Leader (Line Captain)

Overview

At PepsiCo, our mission is to create smiles around the world. With a portfolio of more than 500 beloved brands—including Gatorade, Lay’s, and Quaker—we reach millions of consumers every day.

Our teams are thinkers, creators, and problem‑solvers who turn ideas into action. Guided by innovation and consumer centricity, we create joyful moments through food and beverages while empowering associates to do meaningful work and make a lasting impact in the communities we serve.

Wherever you sit in the organization, you’ll be part of a global community that values your ideas and gives you the opportunity to shape your career and the world around you.

The Team Leader (Captain) is an elevated team member role responsible for coordinating day‑to‑day execution on a manufacturing line. Acting as the “quarterback” of the shift, this role aligns people, materials, and resources to deliver safe, high‑quality, and efficient performance.

While remaining a hands‑on operator, the Team Leader provides direction, coaching, and motivation to a team of 10-15 employees to achieve daily production goals. As a key member of the line leadership triad, the Team Leader ensures priorities are clear, issues are addressed quickly, and performance targets are met. This is an empowered role with a strong voice in daily decision‑making and continuous improvement—an excellent entry point into leadership at PepsiCo.

This is an excellent position to begin your career path at PepsiCo! Success in this role drives a greater skillset as a people leader while learning how each member of a team plays a part to drive a stronger, better, and faster business.

Responsibilities

Shift Leadership & Execution

• Serve as the primary point of coordination for the manufacturing line during the shift
• Set pace and priorities to position the team for success
• Monitor total line performance and adjust execution to meet safety, quality, and productivity targets
• Maintain regular, reliable, and predictable attendance

Daily Direction Setting (DDS)

• Lead the line‑level DDS meeting
• Bring forward the top three issues from the shift, clearly articulating risks, actions, and needs
• Elevate the top issues from the shift, clearly outlining risks, actions, and support needed
• Ensure team member input is represented in daily discussions
• Support problem-solving and continuous improvement efforts on the line

Problem Solving & Continuous Improvement

• Navigate operational challenges and escalate when appropriate
• Support structured problem‑solving and continuous improvement activities
• Keep accurate daily records of downtime and machine operations

Team Engagement & Culture

• Foster a culture of ownership, accountability, and teamwork
• Encourage team participation through structured engagement systems
• Serve as a role model for safe, quality‑focused, and disciplined execution
• Elevate issues that impact safety, quality, or output in a timely manner
• Support on‑the‑job training for new team members and create a positive learning environment

Line Operations & Equipment

• Operate all manufacturing equipment—including new technologies—safely and efficiently
• Perform preventative maintenance tasks
• Maintain a clean and organized work area using good housekeeping practices

Travel - 5%

Comepnsation and Benefits

• The expected compensation range for this position is between $60,200 - $90,200.
• Location, confirmed job-related skills, experience, and education will be considered in setting actual starting salary. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range during the hiring process.
• 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.

Qualifications

Required Experience & Skills

• Experience working in a manufacturing or production environment
• Strong understanding of safety, quality, and operational standards
• Ability to lead peers and influence performance without formal authority
• Strong communication, organization, and problem‑solving skills
• Willingness to take accountability for shift performance
• Experience in a lead operator, team lead, or similar front‑line leadership role
• Familiarity with daily management sys