Director, Data Platforms Engineering

Yum! Brands is seeking a strategic and technically accomplished Director to lead the Data Architecture, Engineering, and Operations functions within the AI, Data & Analytics organization. This role is responsible for defining the vision, strategy, operating model, and execution framework for enterprise data platforms that power analytics, AI, and business operations across Yum! Brands. As a key member of the DP&E leadership team, this individual will lead globally distributed teams, oversee strategic technology investments and vendor partnerships, partner with executive stakeholders, and drive alignment between platform capabilities and enterprise objectives. The ideal candidate combines proven experience leading large-scale technical organizations with deep expertise in modern cloud data platforms, data architecture, and engineering practices.

Responsibilities

Serve as primary representative of Data Platforms & Engineering to executive leadership, building trusted relationships and influencing enterprise strategy, technology investments, and platform priorities; Develop and deliver executive-level communications, business cases, strategic roadmaps, and operational reviews; Lead a globally distributed organization supporting enterprise data platforms, establishing operating models, execution frameworks, and accountability mechanisms; Build high-performing technical teams through coaching, succession planning, and organizational development; Own budget planning and financial stewardship across assigned platforms, tooling, vendor relationships, and delivery functions; Own the strategy, roadmap, and continuous evolution of the modern cloud data stack including Snowflake, dbt Core, Airflow/Astronomer, Monte Carlo, AWS; Establish engineering standards across CI/CD, automated testing, modular pipeline design, semantic modeling, and observability; Evaluate and introduce emerging technologies including AI-driven automation; Define and execute the long-term vision, roadmap, and operating model for enterprise data platforms; Drive platform standardization and modernization across brands, functions, and technology teams; Lead strategic vendor partnerships, contract negotiations, and commercial discussions; Lead globally distributed teams across Data Architecture, Engineering, and Operations; Establish enterprise architecture patterns, engineering practices, and operational processes; Oversee delivery and support of enterprise data products, platform capabilities, and foundational datasets; Drive continuous improvement through automation, observability, performance optimization, and operational excellence; Serve as senior authority for platform architecture and engineering decisions; Partner with business, product, technology, and BYTE Engineering leaders to translate strategic priorities into scalable data products and platform capabilities; Act as trusted advisor on platform capabilities, architecture decisions, and data strategy; Drive adoption and measurable value of enterprise data products; Lead, mentor, and scale global teams by defining talent strategies, organizational structures, and capability development plans; Build and sustain a heart-led, high-performance culture focused on ownership, innovation, collaboration, and delivery excellence

Requirements

12+ years of experience in data engineering, data platforms, or data architecture; 5+ years of experience leading global, distributed technical teams; Proven track record of owning and delivering enterprise-scale data platforms and architecture; Experience operating effectively in complex, matrixed organizations; Deep expertise in modern data platforms, including Snowflake, dbt Core, Airflow/Astronomer, and AWS; Experience with data observability tools such as Monte Carlo or similar platforms; Strong background in data modeling, including physical, semantic, and domain-oriented approaches; Proven experience designing and building scalable batch and real-time data pipelines; Solid understanding of distributed data systems, platform operations, observability, and data quality practices; Demonstrated ability to influence senior stakeholders and shape technical and business strategy; Strong capability to translate business needs into scalable technical solutions; Proven experience building and leading high-performing technical teams; Excellent communication, presentation, stakeholder management, and executive relationship-building skills; Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience

Nice to have

Informatica IICS experience is a plus

Benefits

Eligible bonus; Comprehensive benefits