Senior Director, Sweetener Research, Validation and Application
Coca-Cola HBC, Atlanta, GA, United States
Role Overview
Role Overview
- The Senior Director II, Sweetener Research, Development and Application is a pivotal leader in the Flavor & Ingredient Research and Application (FIRA) organization and a key member of the Research to Experimentation (RtE) Leadership Team. This role will set the research agenda for end-to-end sweetener discovery, validation and development, and work with and across our system to deliver superior taste to drive growth and ensure our license to win. Key Responsibilities
Develop end-to-end sweetener discovery, validation and development strategy Identify and collaborate with world-leading experts to advance the sweetener system research Identify and update the skills and competencies of the team and collaborators to leverage the latest external technologies and digital tools for the research and development Build foundation science and knowledge in sweet taste area Develop a robust sweetener system pipeline that will enable solutions to address consumer, market and regulatory demands Translate research into breakthrough, consumer-centric applications Provide thought leadership to the industry, academia and research institutes on sweetness and sweetener system Provide The Center of Excellence on sweetener system application 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 sweetener research strategy, influence industry direction, and forge partnerships with universities, suppliers, and technology leaders. Strategic Leadership & Innovation
Shape the future research agenda on the sweetener system to meet consumer, customer and regulation needs, drive short-, mid-, and long-term growth and ensure our license to win Provide inspirational thought leadership to guide sweetener system research and application strategy globally Influence industry, academia and research institutes to develop relevant technologies and tools (including AI/ML tools) to further scientific advances 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 on sweetener system application Influence external stakeholders—suppliers, universities, and technology partners—for joint development Build compelling business cases to secure investment and organizational buy-in People Leadership
Directly lead and develop an organization of approximately nine people, including six direct reports, with accountability for performance management, capability building, succession planning, and engagement Build and sustain a high-performing global community of sweetener discovery, 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 commercial delivery Maintain clear routines to track milestones, budgets, and success metrics Communicate progress and achievements to senior leadership across the organization Leadership Profile
Strategic Thinker: Envisions future possibilities and integrates science, consumer insights, and business priorities Influence & Business Acumen: Shapes and implements 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
Ph.D. in science/engineering fields such as Chemistry, Biology, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Bio-chemical Engineering, Physics, etc. Minimum 15 years of industry experience, including at least 10 years leading deep technical experts; preferred experience in food & beverage, ingredient suppliers, or pharmaceutical industries Demonstrated ability to set and drive research agendas, develop research strategies, and build successful R&D pipelines; experience taking innovations from scientific concepts to commercial readiness Proven track record in private/public collaboration, cross-functional, multi-market collaboration with tight timelines Experience influencing senior leadership and shaping organizational strategies Experience engaging and influencing global leading experts (e.g., Members of National Academy of Sciences, well-recognized industry experts) Demonstrable leadership skills with a track record of leading cross-functional teams and platforms, especially without direct management authority Deep understanding of system economics, value chains, risk management, and mitigation, with an agile and iterative mindset Proficient in project management principles and ability to apply them to plan, manage, or execute projects within timelines and budgets Strong communication skills and the capacity to influence and align with senior-level stakeholders internally and externally Knowledge of latest AI/ML and molecular discovery technologies and tools Technical Competencies
Deep expertise in one of the scientific fields such as chemistry, biology, biochemistry, and materials science Deep understanding of molecular discovery, ingredient research and development, sensory optimization, and technological integration Knowledge of regulatory frameworks for global ingredient approval and use 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 H1-B) for this position. All applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without sponsorship. Location: United States, Atlanta; Travel: 0-25%; Relocation: Yes Job Posting End Date: March 27, 2026 Our Purpose and Growth Culture: We nurture an inclusive culture grounded in our purpose to refresh the world and make a difference. We value curiosity, empowerment, inclusivity and agility. Learn more about our behaviors and how you can live them in your role at Coca-Cola.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Role Overview
- The Senior Director II, Sweetener Research, Development and Application is a pivotal leader in the Flavor & Ingredient Research and Application (FIRA) organization and a key member of the Research to Experimentation (RtE) Leadership Team. This role will set the research agenda for end-to-end sweetener discovery, validation and development, and work with and across our system to deliver superior taste to drive growth and ensure our license to win. Key Responsibilities
Develop end-to-end sweetener discovery, validation and development strategy Identify and collaborate with world-leading experts to advance the sweetener system research Identify and update the skills and competencies of the team and collaborators to leverage the latest external technologies and digital tools for the research and development Build foundation science and knowledge in sweet taste area Develop a robust sweetener system pipeline that will enable solutions to address consumer, market and regulatory demands Translate research into breakthrough, consumer-centric applications Provide thought leadership to the industry, academia and research institutes on sweetness and sweetener system Provide The Center of Excellence on sweetener system application 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 sweetener research strategy, influence industry direction, and forge partnerships with universities, suppliers, and technology leaders. Strategic Leadership & Innovation
Shape the future research agenda on the sweetener system to meet consumer, customer and regulation needs, drive short-, mid-, and long-term growth and ensure our license to win Provide inspirational thought leadership to guide sweetener system research and application strategy globally Influence industry, academia and research institutes to develop relevant technologies and tools (including AI/ML tools) to further scientific advances 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 on sweetener system application Influence external stakeholders—suppliers, universities, and technology partners—for joint development Build compelling business cases to secure investment and organizational buy-in People Leadership
Directly lead and develop an organization of approximately nine people, including six direct reports, with accountability for performance management, capability building, succession planning, and engagement Build and sustain a high-performing global community of sweetener discovery, 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 commercial delivery Maintain clear routines to track milestones, budgets, and success metrics Communicate progress and achievements to senior leadership across the organization Leadership Profile
Strategic Thinker: Envisions future possibilities and integrates science, consumer insights, and business priorities Influence & Business Acumen: Shapes and implements 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
Ph.D. in science/engineering fields such as Chemistry, Biology, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Bio-chemical Engineering, Physics, etc. Minimum 15 years of industry experience, including at least 10 years leading deep technical experts; preferred experience in food & beverage, ingredient suppliers, or pharmaceutical industries Demonstrated ability to set and drive research agendas, develop research strategies, and build successful R&D pipelines; experience taking innovations from scientific concepts to commercial readiness Proven track record in private/public collaboration, cross-functional, multi-market collaboration with tight timelines Experience influencing senior leadership and shaping organizational strategies Experience engaging and influencing global leading experts (e.g., Members of National Academy of Sciences, well-recognized industry experts) Demonstrable leadership skills with a track record of leading cross-functional teams and platforms, especially without direct management authority Deep understanding of system economics, value chains, risk management, and mitigation, with an agile and iterative mindset Proficient in project management principles and ability to apply them to plan, manage, or execute projects within timelines and budgets Strong communication skills and the capacity to influence and align with senior-level stakeholders internally and externally Knowledge of latest AI/ML and molecular discovery technologies and tools Technical Competencies
Deep expertise in one of the scientific fields such as chemistry, biology, biochemistry, and materials science Deep understanding of molecular discovery, ingredient research and development, sensory optimization, and technological integration Knowledge of regulatory frameworks for global ingredient approval and use 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 H1-B) for this position. All applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without sponsorship. Location: United States, Atlanta; Travel: 0-25%; Relocation: Yes Job Posting End Date: March 27, 2026 Our Purpose and Growth Culture: We nurture an inclusive culture grounded in our purpose to refresh the world and make a difference. We value curiosity, empowerment, inclusivity and agility. Learn more about our behaviors and how you can live them in your role at Coca-Cola.
#J-18808-Ljbffr