Overview We are PepsiCo PepsiCo is one of the world's leading food and beverage companies with more than $79 Billion in Net Revenue and a global portfolio of diverse and beloved brands. We have a complementary food and beverage portfolio that includes 22 brands that each generate more than $1 Billion in annual retail sales. PepsiCo's products are sold in more than 200 countries and territories around the world. PepsiCo's strength is its people. We are over 250,000 game changers, mountain movers and history makers, located around the world, and united by a shared set of values and goals. We believe that acting ethically and responsibly is not only the right thing to do, but also the right thing to do for our business. At PepsiCo, we aim to deliver top-tier financial performance over the long term by integrating sustainability into our business strategy, leaving a positive imprint on society and the environment. We call this Winning with Purpose. For more information on PepsiCo and the opportunities it holds, visit www.pepsico.com. We are seeking an experienced and highly skilled Senior Solution Architect with a strong background in data architecture, governance, Azure Cloud services, and AI-driven solutions. The ideal candidate will have 15+ years of experience in IT and software architecture, with a significant focus on designing scalable, secure, and high-performance data and AI solutions in a cloud environment. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in shaping the enterprise data architecture strategy, fostering AI/ML adoption, and collaborating across teams to drive the implementation of data governance frameworks and AI capabilities. This role will also involve working on global programs such as Integrated Business Planning (IBP) and collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative, scalable, and practical solutions. Responsibilities Architecture Design & Implementation: · Lead the design and implementation of cloud-native solutions on Azure, ensuring alignment with business objectives, security standards, and scalability requirements. · Architect end-to-end data solutions and AI-driven architectures, enabling seamless integration of data sources, processing systems, and AI/ML platforms. · Provide guidance on building and maintaining robust data pipelines, real-time data processing, and ETL/ELT workflows, integrating AI capabilities where applicable. · Create comprehensive product specifications with a focus on system integration and practicality, ensuring alignment with business needs and technical feasibility. · Define coding standards, workflows, and development processes to ensure consistency and quality across projects. Data Governance & Security: · Implement and enforce data governance frameworks, policies, and industry best practices, leveraging tools like Informatica Axon and EDC. · Develop data security strategies, ensuring compliance with privacy regulations and corporate security standards while supporting AI/ML applications. · Oversee data quality, consistency, and integrity across multiple platforms, ensuring effective stewardship of enterprise data assets. Cloud & AI Strategy: · Architect solutions leveraging Azure Data Services (Azure Data Lake, Azure Synapse, Azure Databricks, Azure Data Factory) to support data-driven decision-making processes, with a focus on enabling AI and machine learning workflows. · Design AI/ML architectures for model development, training, and deployment, including integration with Azure AI/ML services (Azure Machine Learning, Cognitive Services, etc.). · Collaborate with data science and AI teams to define and implement end-to-end AI pipelines, from data preparation and model training to deployment and monitoring. AI/ML Adoption & Integration: · Lead efforts to implement AI-driven analytics, insights, and automation solutions across business functions. · Drive AI/ML strategy and adoption, ensuring data is appropriately prepared and aligned for machine learning applications. · Evaluate and integrate emerging AI technologies and tools, such as natural language processing (NLP), computer vision, and predictive analytics, into business processes. Stakeholder Collaboration: · Collaborate with business and technical teams to understand requirements and translate them into innovative, scalable architectural solutions, ensuring alignment with AI and data strategies. · Act as a thought leader for AI and cloud architecture, engaging with senior leadership to influence the direction of AI adoption and data-driven initiatives. · Lead cross-functional teams in solution delivery, acting as a liaison between architecture, development, data science, and operations teams. · Work on global programs such as Integrated Business Planning (IBP) and collaborate with virtual teams across different time zones. Mentorship & Leadership: · Mentor and guide junior architects, data engineers, and technical staff, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement. · Promote best practices for AI/ML architecture and governance across teams, ensuring alignment with business goals and industry standards. · Influence and drive the architectural vision across teams and stakeholders, ensuring consistency in architecture and design standards. · Provide technical guidance and coaching to developers and engineers, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement. Qualifications · 15+ years of experience in IT, with at least 8 years in a solution architecture or data architecture role. · A Master’s degree in computer science or a related field would be an asset · Proven expertise in designing and implementing cloud-based solutions on Azure, with deep knowledge of Azure Data Services (Azure Data Lake, Azure Synapse, Azure Databricks, Azure Data Factory, etc.). · Strong experience in data architecture and data governance, including frameworks, policies, and tools such as Informatica Axon, EDC, and related technologies. · In-depth knowledge of AI/ML architectures, including experience with Azure AI/ML services (Azure Machine Learning, Cognitive Services, etc.). · Strong expertise in data modeling, ETL/ELT processes, data integration, and big data technologies. · Hands-on experience integrating AI/ML capabilities into business processes, including predictive analytics, natural language processing, and recommendation systems. · Experience with Microsoft Power Platform (Power BI, Power Apps, Power Automate) for data visualization and automation. · Experience with distributed system development using Web Services (SOAP or RESTful), HTTPs, and JSON. · Strong leadership skills with experience managing cross-functional teams and guiding senior stakeholders in the adoption of architectural solutions. · In-depth knowledge of enterprise architecture frameworks, such as TOGAF or Zachman, is highly desirable. · Master’s degree in computer science or a related field is a plus. --- Desired Skills: · Certifications: Azure Solution Architect Expert, Azure AI Engineer, Azure Data Engineer, or similar certifications. · Experience with data cataloging and business glossary tools. · Expertise in integrating AI/ML frameworks with data governance and data-driven decision-making. · Strong understanding of AI ethics, explainability, and fairness considerations in AI model design. · Understanding of software quality assurance principles to ensure robust and reliable solutions. · Experience with mobile application development using Native or JavaScript Native Script frameworks is a plus. --- Soft Skills: · Strategic Thinking: Ability to translate business needs into scalable, sustainable, and innovative architectural solutions. · Collaboration & Teamwork: Strong interpersonal skills to work effectively with business stakeholders, technical teams, and external partners. · Problem-Solving: Creative and analytical mindset to solve complex architecture and integration challenges, especially around AI and data. · Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, able to simplify complex technical concepts for diverse audiences, including executive leadership. · Leadership & Mentorship: Proven ability to lead teams, mentor junior staff, and foster a culture of knowledge sharing and continuous learning. · Adaptability: Comfortable working in a fast-paced, evolving environment and willing to adapt to emerging technologies and changing business needs. · Attention to Detail: Strong attention to detail to ensure high-quality architectural designs and implementations. · Managing Competing Priorities: Proven ability to manage multiple, competing priorities simultaneously in a fast-paced environment. · Virtual Team Collaboration: Ability to work effectively in virtual teams across different time zones, ensuring seamless communication and collaboration. --- Why Join Us: · Opportunity to work on cutting-edge cloud, data, and AI technologies in a collaborative and innovative environment. · Play a pivotal role in shaping the organization's data architecture, governance, and AI strategy. · Work on global programs and collaborate with teams across different time zones.