Senior Director, Scientific & Regulatory Affairs: Advocacy Strategy

Coca-Cola•Atlanta, GA

About The Position

The Senior Director, Scientific & Regulatory Affairs Strategic Advocacy leads the development and execution of North American advocacy strategy to strengthen The Coca-Cola Company’s positioning on nutrition, ingredient safety, beverage regulation, and public policy. The role translates scientific, regulatory, and policy developments in the United States and Canada into actionable business strategies that support enterprise priorities and long-term growth. It identifies emerging state and federal policy trends, assesses their business impact, and partners across the organization to coordinate science-based advocacy positions and engagement strategies. Leading a small team, the Senior Director works closely with Public Affairs, R&D, Legal, Technical Innovation & Supply Chain, Sustainability, and Commercial leaders. The role aligns advocacy work with global Scientific & Regulatory Affairs and supports proactive external engagement with trade associations, scientific organizations, policymakers, regulators, and other stakeholders. It helps Coca-Cola anticipate and respond to changes in the regulatory and policy environment, shape industry dialogue, and influence public policy outcomes through credible scientific leadership and strategic advocacy. The position is based in Atlanta, United States, requires 26%–50% travel, and offers relocation. Applicants must already be authorized to work full-time in the United States without requiring company sponsorship. The stated pay range is $176,000–$205,000, with an annual incentive reference value of 30%.

Requirements

At least 15 years of progressive experience in scientific affairs, regulatory affairs, public policy, government affairs, nutrition policy, or related functions within the food and beverage industry.
Deep understanding of regulatory frameworks, policy development processes, scientific advocacy, and consumer dynamics affecting the North American food and beverage industry.
Demonstrated experience developing and executing strategic advocacy and external engagement initiatives in complex, matrixed organizations.
Leadership experience aligning cross-functional stakeholders around enterprise priorities; prior experience leading small teams.
Strong influencing capabilities and the ability to challenge the status quo.
Sound judgment under regulatory ambiguity.
Exceptional analytical, communication, and strategic thinking skills, including the ability to translate technical or regulatory topics into clear business implications and executive recommendations.
Strong executive presence and ability to represent the company effectively with policymakers, regulators, trade associations, scientific experts, NGOs, and other external organizations.
Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Nutrition Science, Regulatory Affairs, Public Health, Chemistry, or a related field.
Current authorization to work full-time in the United States without requiring The Coca-Cola Company’s sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree.

Responsibilities

Lead the Scientific & Regulatory Affairs Strategic Advocacy function in developing and executing North American advocacy strategies aligned with enterprise and business priorities.
Monitor and assess emerging regulatory, scientific, nutrition, ingredient, labeling, sustainability, and public policy developments that may affect the company’s business, brands, and reputation.
Translate complex policy, science, and consumer trends into actionable business insights, risk assessments, and strategic engagement plans.
Advise Public Affairs & Communications, R&D, Legal, Sustainability, and Commercial functions on evolving policy issues, risks, and opportunities.
Develop monitoring, analytics, and intelligence processes to support evidence-based advocacy strategies, stakeholder engagement, and enterprise decision-making.
Represent The Coca-Cola Company in industry associations, scientific organizations, and external policy forums, contributing to strategic industry positions and broader food and beverage sector discussions.
Build and lead a high-performing team and foster collaboration, agility, scientific credibility, and strategic impact.