Director, Functional & Nutrition

Coca-Cola•Atlanta, GA

47d•$149,000 - $173,000

About The Position

This role plays a critical part in enabling global food and beverage innovation by defining ingredient functionality, product performance, and analytical strategies that drive sustainable business growth. The Director will lead a team of scientists responsible for building and advancing analytical capabilities that support ingredient and product development across functional-focused categories, including juices, dairy, plant ‑ based proteins, peptides, collagens, minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants etc. The position provides leadership for scientific teams and laboratory operations while serving as the technical experts for complex, multi ‑ category analytical initiatives. The Director will partner closely with the FIRA function, specifically, the Functional Research , A pplication & Ingredient D elivery team , and GDI technical functions to translate advanced science into practical, real ‑ world product solutions. In addition, this role represents the company externally through engagement with professional societies, academic institutions, government agencies, and industry groups to help establish standards, monitor emerging trends, and strengthen analytical and scientific capabilities. U.S. citizen or permanent resident is .

Requirements

Deep analytical chemistry expertise applied to food and beverage ingredients and finished products.
Advanced knowledge of chemical analysis and ingredient property characterization, including product performance evaluation using chromatography, spectroscopy, rheology, and bio physiochemical related analytical techniques.
Extensive hands-on experience with advanced analytical instrumentation and modern laboratory methodologies.
Strong capability in experimental design (DOE), statistical analysis, and interpretation of complex, multi source datasets, including the use of AI - assisted and data - driven insights.
Demonstrated proficiency in developing, validating , and deploying new analytical methods and capabilities to support innovation and commercialization.
Working knowledge of Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), quality management systems, and laboratory information tools (e.g., Quickbase , Sample Manager LIMS).
Excellent communication skills, including technical writing, executive - level presentations, and the ability to translate complex scientific concepts for diverse technical and non technical audiences.
Proven ability to apply company policies, scientific standards, and regulatory requirements with sound judgment, professionalism, and diplomacy when addressing complex scientific or produc t related issues.
Ph.D. in Chemistry or a closely related scientific discipline preferred with 10+ years of industry experience; or BS / MS with 15+ years of Industry experience or equivalent qualifications.
Strong analytical chemistry experience with significant hands-on expertise in ingredient and product evaluation using advanced analytical techniques.
Demonstrated SME-level experience in ingredients and product s that relate to human health , including dairy/plant proteins, peptides, vitamins, minerals, fibers, bio chemical, physical, and performance characterization.
Proven ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and collaborate effectively with cross-functional and global teams.
Experience in technical publications, participation in professional societies, and external collaboration.

Nice To Haves

Prior people’s leadership and laboratory management experience are strongly preferred.
Technical Strategy & Influence: Ability to define, develop, and communicate end-to-end, consumer-centric technical strategies that accelerate category and brand growth.
Project Management Excellence: Skilled in setting priorities, leading technical workstreams, influencing stakeholders, and ensuring effective documentation and communication.
Innovation & Commercialization: Proven capability to translate innovative ideas into scalable, sustainable, and cost-effective market solutions.
Business Impact Through Expertise: Acts as a catalyst for applying functional expertise to deliver competitive advantage and measurable business outcomes.
Learning Agility: Rapidly learns and applies new technologies , tools, and industry insights to advance organizational objectives .
Growth Behaviors: Demonstrates curiosity, empowerment, agility, and inclusivity in daily work, fostering a collaborative and forward-thinking culture.