Senior Director, Scientific & Regulatory Affairs: Advocacy Strategy

The Coca-Cola Company•Atlanta, GA

3d•$176,000 - $205,000

About The Position

The Senior Director, Scientific & Regulatory Affairs Strategic Advocacy leads the development and execution of advocacy strategy to strengthen The Coca-Cola Company’s position on nutrition, ingredient safety, beverage regulation, and public policy issues in North America. The role translates scientific, regulatory, and policy developments in the United States and Canada into business strategies that support enterprise priorities and long-term growth. The position identifies emerging state and federal policy trends, assesses their potential business impact, and works across the organization to develop science-based advocacy positions and engagement strategies. It leads a small team and collaborates with Public Affairs, R&D, Legal, Technical Innovation & Supply Chain, Commercial, Sustainability, and global Scientific & Regulatory Affairs colleagues. The Senior Director also supports external engagement with trade associations, scientific organizations, and other stakeholders, representing Coca-Cola in industry and policy forums. This role helps the company anticipate and respond to a changing regulatory and policy environment, shape industry dialogue and policy outcomes, and provide credible scientific leadership. The position is based in Atlanta, United States, requires 26%–50% travel, and offers relocation. The listed U.S. base pay range is $176,000–$205,000, with a 30% annual incentive reference value. The company states that it does not offer employment visa sponsorship for this position; applicants must already be authorized to work full-time in the United States without requiring company sponsorship.

Requirements

15 or more 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, including prior experience leading small teams.
Strong influencing capabilities and ability to challenge the status quo.
Sound judgment in the face of regulatory ambiguity.
Exceptional analytical, communication, and strategic thinking skills, including the ability to explain technical or regulatory topics in terms of 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 employment-based visa sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree in a relevant field.

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, scientific, and consumer trends into 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, stakeholder engagement, and enterprise decision-making.
Represent The Coca-Cola Company in industry associations, scientific organizations, and external policy forums; contribute to 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.