Senior Director II – Functional Research, Application & Ingredient Delivery Job

Senior Director II – Functional Research, Application & Ingredient Delivery

Join The Coca-Cola Company as a Senior Director II in the Flavor & Ingredient Research organization, part of the Research to Experimentation Leadership Team.

Role Overview

Lead end‑to‑end functional research, ingredient application, and technology delivery, transforming science into consumer‑relevant beverage solutions with taste superiority and functional benefits.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify functional white spaces and build foundational science and ingredient knowledge.
• Develop functional ingredient strategy and pipeline to address consumer tensions with competitive edge.
• Translate research into breakthrough, consumer‑centric applications.
• Deliver functional ingredients into commercially viable products.
• Serve as a Center of Excellence for functional ingredient research and application, delivery systems, and technology integration.
• Collaborate globally across Technical Innovation & Supply Chain, Human & Consumer Insights, Global Categories, and regional R&D centers.
• Execute Big Bet technology platforms that address critical consumer needs and drive growth.
• Provide inspirational thought leadership and guide functional ingredient strategy globally.
• Identify and scope high‑value opportunities using market trends and scientific advances.
• Ensure cross‑category platform development for scalable functional solutions.
• Advance ingredient science from concept to launch and oversee technology transfer processes.
• Establish scientific frameworks for ingredient claims and regulatory compliance.
• Partner with internal and external stakeholders to co‑develop cutting‑edge solutions.
• Build compelling business cases to secure investment.
• Build, inspire, and develop a global network of experts.
• Allocate resources, manage budgets, and set performance expectations.
• Implement structured processes for early‑stage experimentation to commercial delivery.
• Maintain clear routines and communicate progress to senior leadership.

Leadership Profile

• Strategic thinker, envisioning future possibilities.
• Influence & business acumen across the Coca‑Cola system.
• Agile innovator, comfortable with calculated risks.
• Inspiring people leader, proven to motivate global teams.
• Connector, bringing stakeholders together.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in science or engineering (Chemistry, Biology, Chemical Engineering, Bio‑chemical Engineering, Physics, etc.) and Master’s or Ph.D. preferred.
• Minimum 15 years of industry experience; preferred in food & beverage or pharmaceutical.
• Track record of taking innovations from concept to launch.
• Proven cross‑functional, multi‑market collaboration.
• 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 integration.
• Knowledge of regulatory frameworks for functional claims and labeling.
• Industry network and external collaboration experience.

What We Offer

• Purpose‑driven work shaping products that deliver pleasure and functional benefits worldwide.
• Global connections at a worldwide innovation network.
• Culture of belonging and innovation.
• Direct impact on functional ingredient platform defining next‑generation beverages.

Employment Information

Full‑time, Senior level. Salary range: $192,100 – $223,000. Base pay varies by geography, skills, and experience. Additional benefits: medical, financial, and other benefits depending on position. Annual incentive reference value 50% of target.

The Coca‑Cola Company will not offer sponsorship for employment status. All applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a full‑time basis and must not require sponsorship for continued employment.