Twenty-nine per cent of PepsiCo’s supply chain workforce are women, and more work is being done to increase that number. Across PepsiCo, there are several internal programmes designed for the development and advancement of women in the supply chain, including a program called LIFT, or Leadership Investment For Tomorrow, which connects executive to sponsor high-potential women for development, visibility and career opportunities. Building a career is not something that Pepsi leaves to chance. For example, its North America Beverage team is piloting a programme called Women in Operations, which connects female supply chain colleagues.
But it is not just leadership roles that are opening up to women. This strategy applies to all job levels at the company. There is a Women’s Inclusion Network which helps keep female frontline associates engaged by helping connect PepsiCo associates with internal and external partners.
While ensuring the current talent is retained, the company also needs to attract new talent, which is a top concern of all manufacturing companies. As part of the company’s STEM outreach programme, young women at the middle school and high school age are being encouraged to explore STEM careers at PepsiCo. Through its Career Accelerator Days, PepsiCo associates provide middle and high school students, administrators, teachers and parents with exposure to its careers through demonstrations, discussion and hands-on experiences. To date, 6,500 students have been reached with a focus on girls and underserved communities.
Regular campus visits and social media engagement are also part of the company’s efforts to encourage college students to consider manufacturing careers at PepsiCo.