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Role Overview

The **Senior Director II, Functional Research, Application & Ingredient Delivery** is a pivotal leader in the Flavor & Ingredient Research (FIR) organization and a key member of the Research to Experimentation (RtE) Leadership Team. This role will spearhead end-to-end functional research, ingredient application, and technology delivery to transform innovative science into consumer-relevant beverage solutions that deliver taste superiority with added functional benefits across the Coca-Cola portfolio.

You will lead a high-performing team of scientists and application experts to:

+ Identify functional white spaces

+ Build foundational science and ingredient knowledge

+ Develop functional ingredients strategy and pipeline that will enable solutions to address consumer tensions with competitive edge

+ Translate research into breakthrough, consumer-centric applications

+ Deliver functional ingredients into commercially viable products This role acts as a Center of Excellence for functional ingredients research and application, ingredient delivery systems, and technology integration.

You will collaborate globally across Technical Innovation & Supply Chain (TISC), Human and Consumer Insights, Global Categories, and regional R&D centers to shape Coca-Cola's functional ingredient strategy, influence industry direction, and forge partnerships with universities, suppliers, and technology leaders.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Innovation

+ Develop and execute Big Bet technology platforms that address critical consumer needs and drive short-, mid-, and long-term growth.

+ Provide inspirational thought leadership to guide functional ingredient research and application strategy globally.

+ Identify and scope high-value opportunities using market trends, consumer insights, and scientific advances.

+ Ensure cross-category platform development for scalable functional solutions.

Functional Research & Ingredient Delivery

+ Advance functional ingredient science from concept to commercial launch, ensuring application in diverse beverage formats.

+ Lead development of industry-leading beverage application technologies and delivery systems.

+ Establish scientific frameworks for ingredient claims, regulatory compliance, and performance benchmarks together with SRA (Scientific Regulatory Affairs).

+ Oversee technology transfer processes from research through product development to commercialization.

Global Collaboration & Stakeholder Influence

+ Partner with internal stakeholders across RTE, R&D, technical functions (including Scientific & Regulatory Affairs), marketing, and category leadership to align strategy and execution.

+ Influence external stakeholders-including suppliers, universities, and technology partners-to co-develop cutting-edge functional ingredient solutions.

+ Build compelling business cases to secure investment and organizational buy-in.

People Leadership

+ Build, inspire, and develop a global network of functional research and application experts.

+ Allocate resources strategically, manage budgets, and set clear performance expectations.

+ Foster a high-impact culture focused on innovation, agility, and continuous learning.

+ Serve as a mentor, role model, and advocate for talent development.

Operational & Execution Excellence

+ Implement structured processes for early-stage experimentation through to commercial delivery.

+ Maintain clear routines to track milestones, budgets, and success metrics.

+ Communicate progress and achievements to senior leadership and across the organization.

Leadership Profile

+ Strategic Thinker: Capable of envisioning future possibilities and integrating science, consumer insights, and business priorities.

+ Influence & Business Acumen: Ability to shape and implement strategic agendas across the Coca-Cola system, while influencing industry standards.

+ Agile Innovator: Comfortable taking calculated risks and pivoting based on market and science-led opportunities.

+ Inspiring People Leader: Proven ability to lead, build, and motivate global teams.

+ Connector: Strong ability to bring stakeholders together across functions, geographies, and disciplines.

Qualifications & Experience

+ Bachelor in the field of science and engineering including but not limited to: Chemistry, Biology, Chemical Engineering, Bio-chemical engineering, Physics, etc. Master or Ph.D. in the above field preferred

+ Minimum 15 years of experience in industry. Preferred experience in food & beverage or pharmaceutical industry. Demonstrated ability to take innovations from scientific concept to commercial launch.

+ Proven track record in cross-functional, multi-market collaboration with tight timelines.

+ Experience influencing senior leadership and shaping organizational strategies.

Technical Competencies

+ Expertise in ingredient science, application technologies, and delivery systems.

+ Deep understanding of beverage formulation, sensory optimization, and technological integration.

+ Knowledge of regulatory frameworks for functional claims and labeling.

+ Industry network and external collaboration experience.

What We Offer

+ **Purpose-Driven Work:** Help shape products that deliver both pleasure and functional benefits to consumers worldwide.

+ **Global Connections:** Work at the center of a worldwide network of innovation and technology leaders.

+ **Culture of Belonging:** Join an organization where diverse perspectives are valued and innovation thrives.

+ **Impact:** Directly shape the functional ingredient platform that will define the next generation of Coca-Cola beverages.

The Coca-Cola Company will not offer sponsorship for employment status (including, but not limited to, H1-B visa status and other employment-based nonimmigrant visas) for this position. Accordingly, all applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis and must not require The Coca-Cola Company's sponsorship to continue to work legally in the United States.

Pay Range:$192,100 - $223,000

Base pay offered may vary depending on geography, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. A full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position, is offered.

Annual Incentive Reference Value Percentage:50

Annual Incentive reference value is a market-based competitive value for your role. It falls in the middle of the range for your role, indicating performance at target.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.