About PepsiCo

PepsiCo is one of the world's leading food and beverage companies, with an extensive portfolio that includes iconic brands like Pepsi, Lay's, Gatorade, Quaker, and Tropicana. Operating in over 200 countries, PepsiCo employs more than 300,000 people globally and generates annual revenues exceeding $90 billion. In India, PepsiCo has a strong presence with manufacturing facilities, innovation centers, and a commitment to sustainable growth. The company invests heavily in digital transformation, supply chain optimization, and manufacturing excellence to deliver high-quality products efficiently. Joining PepsiCo means contributing to a legacy of innovation while enjoying a dynamic, inclusive work environment focused on employee development and societal impact.

Role Overview

The Associate Director - Manufacturing Platforms & Solutions role in Hyderabad, Telangana, is a pivotal leadership position within PepsiCo's Supply Chain & Planning Platforms organization. This role leads the global Manufacturing Platforms and Solutions DevOps team, overseeing the design, implementation, and support of critical systems like MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems) and Production Planning & Scheduling solutions. Reporting to senior SC leadership, you will blend deep manufacturing domain expertise with IT acumen to drive the roadmap for deployments across multiple markets. Hands-on leadership is key: you'll partner with Manufacturing Transformation Leads, Enterprise Architecture, and sector teams to ensure seamless solution adoption, process optimization, and continuous improvement. Ideal candidates thrive in fast-paced, cross-functional settings, influencing vendor roadmaps, managing cloud migrations, and delivering value in the competitive FMCG landscape.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Roadmap Ownership

Own the strategic roadmap for global manufacturing platforms, defining the case for change, securing investment, and overseeing prioritization. Collaborate with transformation leadership to align roadmaps, provide cost/time estimates, and ensure value realization from projects.

Team and DevOps Management

Lead the DevOps team in establishing automated build/test/deployment pipelines, environment strategies, and configuration management. Manage incident, problem, and release processes, ensuring SLA compliance through root-cause analysis and partnerships with managed service providers.

Stakeholder and Vendor Collaboration

Build strong relationships with senior manufacturing leaders, sector deployment teams, and vendors. Influence vendor roadmaps, drive cloud migrations/releases/upgrades, and support functional fit-gap analyses with Enterprise Architecture.

Deployment and Execution Excellence

Partner with Sector Deployment Leads for on-time, on-scope, on-budget rollouts. Mobilize project teams, update on delivery status, and drive end-to-end deployments from initiation to business leverage.

Qualifications & Requirements

To succeed in this role, candidates need a Bachelor’s degree and 10+ years of experience managing teams in configuring, deploying, and sustaining manufacturing IT solutions, with a strong focus on MES systems. Deep knowledge of manufacturing execution and planning processes in the food industry is essential, alongside general supply chain acumen in FMCG/CPG. Proven people management, project management skills in agile and waterfall methodologies, and IT service management expertise are required. You must demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, cross-cultural trust-building, and the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels. Ideal experience includes GE MES platform, SAP ECC/S4, manufacturing automation integration, and supply planning systems. Be a self-starter: hands-on in technical/functional details, adaptable, and resilient in dynamic environments.

Benefits & Perks

PepsiCo offers a premium compensation package tailored for senior leaders, including an estimated salary range of INR 65-95 lakhs annually, performance bonuses, and stock options. Enjoy comprehensive health insurance, wellness programs, and family benefits. Professional development includes leadership training, global exposure, and tuition reimbursement. Work in a state-of-the-art Hyderabad office with flexible hybrid options, modern amenities, and employee assistance programs. Additional perks encompass generous paid time off, retirement savings plans, and access to PepsiCo's employee discount portal for products and services.

Career Growth

This Associate Director role is a launchpad for executive leadership in PepsiCo's digital supply chain transformation. High performers advance to VP-level positions, global roles, or sector leadership. PepsiCo's robust talent development framework includes mentorship, stretch assignments, and leadership academies. With ongoing investments in AI, automation, and sustainability, you'll gain cutting-edge skills transferable across industries. Hyderabad's growing tech hub status enhances networking and mobility within PepsiCo's India operations.

Why Join Us

Join PepsiCo to lead transformative manufacturing IT at scale, impacting billions of consumers. Work with world-class teams on innovative platforms that optimize global supply chains. Benefit from a culture of inclusion, innovation, and accountability, backed by a company committed to sustainability goals like net-zero emissions. In Hyderabad, enjoy a vibrant city with excellent infrastructure, while contributing to PepsiCo's India growth story in the food and beverage sector.

Role FAQs

What is the core focus of this role?

The role centers on leading global MES and Production Planning solutions, driving DevOps, deployments, and continuous improvement across PepsiCo's manufacturing ecosystem.

Is travel required?

Occasional global travel for stakeholder engagements, vendor meetings, and sector deployments.

What methodologies are used?

A mix of agile and waterfall, with emphasis on DevOps practices for manufacturing platforms.

Are there opportunities for vendor management?

Yes, significant involvement in influencing vendor roadmaps and managing service providers.

How does this role support PepsiCo's transformation?

By delivering scalable platforms that enable efficient, data-driven manufacturing in the FMCG space.