Deputy Director- LAN/WAN

The Deputy Director, Global Network Services, leads and mentors cross-functional teams responsible for Global LAN, WAN, & Wireless. This role drives digital transformation, network automation, and operational excellence across PepsiCo's global infrastructure, ensuring high availability, security, and performance for mission-critical systems.

Network Strategy & Operations

• Lead SRE for global network platforms (LAN, WAN, Wireless, Hyperautomation).
• Drive NOC 2.0 and AIops initiatives, enhancing observability and incident detection.
• Implement self-healing bots and hyperautomated self-service for requests and changes.
• Bring in AI initiatives to drive agentic AI for network operation
• Oversee network transformation projects: zero-touch networking (SASE), OT-IT integration, WAN simplification, next-gen wireless.
• Ensure compliance with security, configuration, and governance standards.

Stakeholder & Vendor Management

• Manage relationships with IT teams, business partners, and service providers.
• Lead RFPs, vendor negotiations, and contract management for multi-million dollar projects.
• Review provider contracts for deliverables and compliance.
• Participate in vendor selection, contract compliance, and performance reviews.

Continuous Improvement & Governance

• Bring in DPMO and Six Sigma or similar practices to reduce incidents and improve service quality.
• Deliver productivity improvements and cost optimization initiatives.
• Plan and manage annual operating budgets ($25M+).
• Support IT governance, planning, and resource optimization.

Leadership & Team Development

• Build and lead high-performing technical teams across geographies.
• Promote DevOps culture, agility, and continuous improvement.
• Mentor and develop talent, fostering innovation and accountability.
• Align team efforts with PepsiCo's vision and values

Technical Requirements

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
• 14+ years in IT, including 5+ years in network infrastructure leadership.
• 5+ years managing cross-functional or outsourced teams.
• Expertise in WAN, LAN, cloud, and data center networks.
• Strong knowledge of SDN, SD-WAN, SASE, zero trust, micro-segmentation, and intrusion prevention.
• Proficiency in Ansible and python automation
• Experience with AWS, Azure, Cisco, Palo Alto, HP/Aruba.
• Proficiency in routing protocols (OSPF, BGP), IPv6, VPNs.
• Hands-on experience with high-speed campus/property networks and ISP diversity.
• Ability to produce technical documentation and network diagrams.

Preferred:

• Advanced degree (MS, MBA, etc.).
• 18+ years managing global network teams and large-scale deployments.
• Experience managing budgets over $15M and cost-reduction programs.
• Certifications (CCIE/CCNP Devcor, ITIL, Six Sigma).
• Experience with vendor RFPs, sourcing, and managed services.
• Strong communication and influencing skills across technical and executive audiences.

Management Competencies

• Vision-driven leadership and change management.
• Strategic planning and execution.
• Problem-solving and decision-making.
• Professional demeanor and resilience under pressure.
• Building cohesive, high-performing teams.
• Driving results through planning, monitoring, and accountability.
• Managing complex initiatives across global environments.
• Customer-centric mindset and stakeholder engagement.
• Global perspective and cultural sensitivity.
• Coaching and developing team members.
• Structuring teams and processes for scalability.
• Promoting continuous learning and innovation.
• Deep technical acumen and business alignment.