Physical AI Solutions Sr Director (Chicago)

At PepsiCo, we do it allfrom the crunch of Lays, Doritos, and Cheetos, to the fizz of Pepsi, Mountain Dew, Gatorade, and Bubly.

With one of the worlds largest food and beverage portfolios, were constantly innovating, creating, and growingfaster, stronger, and better.

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Who We Are:

As part of PepsiCos Strategy & Transformation organization, the Data, Analytics & AI team is helping lead the way on Our Digital Evolution journey. Were a central capability team that sits at the intersection of technology and business, using AI to unlock smarter, faster, and more scalable ways of working. Our work directly supports PepsiCos Perform to Potential visionadvancing enterprise-wide transformation through innovative digital solutions. As One S&T for PepsiCo, were not just imagining the futurewere building it.

As the Physical AI Solutions Lead - Supply Chain, you will drive the implementation of AI-driven physical technologies (such as robotics, IoT, and edge computing) aimed at optimizing supply chain operations. This role involves leading the development and deployment of physical AI solutions, collaborating with internal and external stakeholders, and ensuring that these technologies enhance operational efficiency and enhance the physical aspects of the supply chain. The Physical AI Solutions Sr Director will play a critical role in advancing PepsiCo's AI capabilities by leading the development and execution of scalable AI solutions across our manufacturing and warehousing sites. The position emphasizes strategic leadership, operational execution, and cross-functional collaboration to ensure AI solutions align with PepsiCo's goals and can be scaled across business units, sectors, and regions.

AI Strategy Development for Physical AI (30%):

• Develop and drive strategies for integrating physical AI technologies within the supply chain network, aligning with PepsiCos AI Vision.
• Identify opportunities for deploying robotics, IoT, and edge computing to automate and optimize manufacturing, warehousing, and logistics processes.

Solution Development and Implementation (40%):

• Lead end-to-end implementation of physical AI technologies tailored to improve supply chain efficiency (e.g., smart and flexible manufacturing, intelligent logistics networks, warehouse automation).
• Ensure solutions leverage advanced robotics, edge computing, and IoT sensors to enhance real-time data collection, equipment performance, and decision-making automation.

Stakeholder Collaboration (20%):

• Work closely with manufacturing, logistics, and IT teams to align physical AI solutions with operational requirements and strategic goals.
• Foster partnerships with technology vendors and service providers to access the latest innovations in physical AI technologies.

Performance Monitoring and Optimization (10%):

• Establish performance metrics to evaluate the impact and effectiveness of physical AI solutions.
• Continuously refine AI-driven physical solutions based on operational feedback and advancements in robotics and IoT technologies.
• Decision-Making Autonomy Moderate Substantial autonomy in project execution and team management, aligning with the strategic direction set by the VP.
• Supervision Required Moderate Operates under general supervision, with periodic updates to the VP, primarily for strategic alignment and major decisions.
• Complexity of Role High Manages multiple AI projects, oversees a cross-functional team, and coordinates with both internal and external partners.
• Cross-Functional Interactions Yes Significant interaction with Product, Engineering, Data Science, Business Units, Vendors, Consultants, HR, Finance, etc.

Compensation and Benefits:

• The expected compensation range for this position is between $151,200 - $300,000.
• Location, confirmed job-related skills, experience, and education will be considered in setting actual starting salary. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range during the hiring process.
• Bonus based on performance and eligibility target payout is 30% of annual salary paid out annually and an additional target payout of 15% of annual salary is paid out over 3 years following the end of the performance period.
• Long term incentive equity may be awarded based on eligibility and performance.
• Paid time off subject to eligibility, including paid parental leave, vacation, sick, and bereavement.
• In addition to salary, PepsiCo offers a comprehensive benefits package to support our employees and their families, subject to elections and eligibility: Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, Health, and Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Insurance (Accident, Group Legal, Life), Defined Contribution Retirement Plan.
• Car cash allowance.

• Bachelors Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or related technology field. Masters preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in Artificial Intelligence (AI), with a strong focus on deploying AI-driven technologies such as robotics, IoT, and edge computing in physical environments like manufacturing, warehousing, or logistics.
• Demonstrated experience strategizing and building large, scalable AI initiatives in a complex, matrixed organization.
• Proven leadership experience, including people management and end-to-end AI project ownership.
• Track record of cross-functional collaboration and influencing senior stakeholders to drive digital transformation initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability to translate business challenges into effective AI solutions and define clear KPIs to measure their impact and success.
• This position is limited to persons with indefinite permit to work in the United States.
• If in commutable distance from HQ offices in Chicago, Plano, or Purchase, a hybrid schedule will be preferred.

Skills & Competencies:

• Deep Ecosystem Knowledge: Proven experience navigating and leveraging a broad network of external technology vendors, AI platforms, and top-tier consulting firms to accelerate innovation.
• Strategic AI Leadership: Demonstrated ability to shape and execute enterprise-level AI strategies that align with business priorities and deliver measurable impact.
• Innovation Catalyst: Passion for pioneering emerging AI technologies and translating them into scalable, real-world solutions that transform manufacturing, supply chain and business operations.
• Enterprise Influence: Strong cross-functional leadership skills with a track record of influencing senior stakeholders and driving alignment across complex organizational structures.
• Change Champion: Expertise in leading large-scale change initiatives, including digital transformation and AI adoption, with a focus on stakeholder engagement and sustained impact.
• Executive Communication: Ability to distill complex AI concepts into clear, compelling narratives for executive audiences, enabling informed decision-making.
• Outcome-Driven Mindset: Relentless focus on delivering business value through AImeasured by efficiency gains, cost savings, risk mitigation, and enhanced decision intelligence.
• Start-Up Mindset & Innovation Drive : Proven ability to operate with a start-up mindsetcomfortable with ambiguity, driven by a bias for action, and fueled by a passion for innovation and continuous improvement.

Our Company will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Fair Credit Reporting Act, and all other applicable laws, including but not limited to, San Francisco Police Code Sections 4901-4919, commonly referred to as the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance; and Chapter XVII, Article 9 of the Los Angeles Municipal Code, commonly referred to as the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status

PepsiCo is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Female / Minority / Disability / Protected Veteran / Sexual Orientation / Gender Identity.

If you'd like more information about your EEO rights as an applicant under the law, please download the available EEO is the Law & EEO is the Law Supplement documents. View PepsiCo EEO Policy

Please view our Pay Transparency Statement.

• Bachelors Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or related technology field. Masters preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in Artificial Intelligence (AI), with a strong focus on deploying AI-driven technologies such as robotics, IoT, and edge computing in physical environments like manufacturing, warehousing, or logistics.
• Demonstrated experience strategizing and building large, scalable AI initiatives in a complex, matrixed organization.
• Proven leadership experience, including people management and end-to-end AI project ownership.
• Track record of cross-functional collaboration and influencing senior stakeholders to drive digital transformation initiatives.