About PepsiCo

PepsiCo is one of the world's leading food and beverage companies, with a diverse portfolio that includes iconic brands like Pepsi, Lay's, Gatorade, and Quaker. Operating in over 200 countries, PepsiCo employs more than 300,000 people globally and generates annual revenues exceeding $86 billion. In India, PepsiCo has a strong presence with manufacturing facilities, distribution networks, and innovation centers driving growth in the competitive food and beverage sector. As a leader in sustainable practices, PepsiCo is committed to positive agronomy, water stewardship, and plastic circularity, making it an employer of choice for professionals seeking impactful careers.

Role Overview

The Deputy Director - LAN/WAN position in PepsiCo's Global Network Services team is a senior leadership role based in Hyderabad, Telangana, India. This position is pivotal in steering the company's global infrastructure towards digital transformation. Reporting to senior IT leadership, you will mentor cross-functional teams handling LAN, WAN, Wireless, Hyperautomation, and Data Analytics. Your mandate includes ensuring high availability, security, and performance for mission-critical systems that power PepsiCo's operations worldwide. This role offers the chance to implement cutting-edge technologies like AIops, self-healing bots, and zero-touch networking, positioning you at the forefront of network innovation in the food and beverage industry.

Strategic Impact

In this role, you will drive network strategy and operations, leading initiatives that enhance observability, incident detection, and operational efficiency. By championing NOC 2.0 and agentic AI for network operations, you will transform how PepsiCo manages its global networks, reducing downtime and optimizing costs.

Key Responsibilities

As Deputy Director, your responsibilities span technical leadership, stakeholder management, and continuous improvement:

• Lead Site Reliability Engineering (SRE) for global network platforms including LAN, WAN, Wireless, and Hyperautomation.
• Drive NOC 2.0 and AIops initiatives to boost observability, incident detection, and implement self-healing bots and hyperautomated self-service.
• Oversee transformative projects such as zero-touch networking (SASE), OT-IT integration, WAN simplification, and next-gen wireless deployments.
• Ensure rigorous compliance with security, configuration, and governance standards across all network operations.
• Manage relationships with IT teams, business partners, and vendors; lead RFPs, negotiations, and contract management for multi-million dollar projects.
• Apply DPMO, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies to minimize incidents, improve service quality, and deliver productivity gains.
• Plan and manage annual operating budgets exceeding $25M, focusing on cost optimization and resource efficiency.
• Build and mentor high-performing teams across geographies, promoting DevOps culture, agility, and innovation aligned with PepsiCo's values.

Qualifications & Requirements

To excel in this role, candidates should possess:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in network operations, with at least 5 years in leadership roles managing global LAN/WAN infrastructures.
• Deep expertise in network automation, AIops, SRE practices, hyperautomation, and emerging technologies like SASE and agentic AI.
• Proven track record in vendor management, RFP processes, and budget oversight for large-scale IT projects.
• Strong leadership skills with experience building and mentoring diverse, cross-functional teams.
• Familiarity with IT governance, compliance standards, and methodologies like Six Sigma or DPMO.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities in a global, matrixed organization.

Preferred Skills

Experience in the food and beverage sector, OT-IT convergence, and data analytics for network performance is highly desirable.

Benefits & Perks

PepsiCo offers a comprehensive compensation package designed to attract top talent:

• Competitive salary estimated at ₹65-95 lakhs per annum, with performance-based bonuses.
• Health insurance, retirement benefits, and employee assistance programs.
• Generous paid time off, flexible working arrangements, and hybrid work options.
• Professional development through leadership training, certifications, and global exposure.
• Employee discounts on PepsiCo products, wellness initiatives, and family support programs.
• Opportunities for stock options and long-term incentive plans.

Career Growth

At PepsiCo, career progression is a priority. This Deputy Director role serves as a launchpad to Vice President-level positions in IT infrastructure or global operations. With PepsiCo's focus on digital transformation, high performers gain visibility for international assignments and executive leadership tracks. The company's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion ensures equitable growth opportunities, supported by mentorship programs and succession planning.

Why Join Us

Joining PepsiCo means being part of a dynamic, purpose-driven organization that values innovation and sustainability. In Hyderabad's thriving tech hub, you'll collaborate with top engineers on projects that impact billions of consumers. PepsiCo's culture emphasizes accountability, agility, and fun, offering a premium work environment with state-of-the-art facilities. Contribute to global digital initiatives while enjoying work-life balance and unparalleled stability in the food and beverage industry.

Role FAQs

What is the reporting structure?

This role reports to the Director of Global Network Services and interacts with C-level IT executives.

Is relocation assistance provided?

Yes, PepsiCo offers relocation support for eligible candidates.

What technologies will I work with?

Focus on AIops, SASE, hyperautomation, self-healing networks, and next-gen wireless.

Is this a hybrid role?

Yes, hybrid model with flexibility based on business needs.

How does PepsiCo support professional development?

Through tuition reimbursement, certifications, and leadership academies.