Director, Innovation - Coca-Cola Refreshments : Job Details

Job Summary:

The primary focus of this role is building a robust, long-term competitive pipeline of beverages across all Beverage categories and providing the right guidance for the development of LRPs (Long Term Plans).

The candidate will serve as the main point of contact for cross-functional partners and the global SRA team to optimize the innovation process and ensure the seamless implementation of the Lift and Shift strategy across different Operating Units (OUs).

This role involves sharing learnings, identifying opportunities, and leading global workshops and training sessions to address gaps and enhance understanding of regulations and science in new beverage categories, including Hydration Science, Tea, Coffee, and ARTD.

Main Responsibilities:

• Strategy Development: Set and implement strategies to build a competitive Long Term pipeline of all beverages categories.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Act as the primary liaison for cross-functional partners and the global SRA team to streamline the innovation process.
• Lift and Shift Strategy: Ensure the effective implementation of the Lift and Shift strategy across different OUs.
• Workshops and Training: Lead global workshops and training sessions to address regulatory and scientific gaps, and enhance learning in new beverage categories.
• Collaboration with SMEs: Work with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to develop and share training modules on strategic need states and benefit pillars.
• Advocacy and Market Opportunities: Identify advocacy opportunities in potential markets for new functional ingredients and claims.
• Global Platforms and Working Groups: Lead global platforms and working groups to develop consumer-friendly messages and materials for our websites and communication programs.
• Communication: Develop accurate and credible messages about ingredients, products, and categories to highlight their safety, credibility, and benefits.
• Simplifying Science and Nutrition: Simplify complex scientific and nutritional information to develop messages that resonate with consumers.
• Supporting Cross-Functional Partners: Share possible opportunities and simplify science to help cross-functional partners make informed decisions on innovation.
• Training Programs: Scope and develop training programs and workshops for the global SRA team on various beverage categories and nutrition science.
• Advocacy for New Claims and Ingredients: Identify potential advocacy opportunities for the approval of new claims and ingredients.

Requirements:

• Educational Background: Advanced degree in Food Science, Nutrition, Regulatory Affairs, or a related field.
• Experience: Minimum of 8 years of experience in scientific and regulatory affairs, with a focus on the beverage industry.
• Leadership Skills: Proven leadership experience in managing cross-functional teams and leading global initiatives.
• Strategic Thinking: Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Communication Skills: Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey complex scientific and regulatory information to diverse audiences.
• Collaboration: Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and external partners.
• Regulatory Knowledge: In-depth knowledge of global regulatory requirements and trends in the beverage industry.
• Innovation: Experience in driving innovation and developing new product pipelines. Proven record of guiding and enabling innovation and taking smart risks.
• Advocacy Skills: Advocacy experience is a plus.
• Training and Development: Experience in developing and delivering training programs and workshops.

Skills: Leadership; Chemistry; Product Development; Waterfall Project Management; Continual Improvement Process; Sustainability; Environmental Science; Researching; Microbiological Testing; Food Sciences; Food Technology; Communication; Food Safety and Sanitation; Laboratory Testing; Data Compilation; Quality Control (QC); Green Solutions; Sensory Testing

Pay Range: $143,000 - $173,000. Base pay offered may vary depending on geography, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. A full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position, is offered.

Annual Incentive Reference Value Percentage: 30. Annual Incentive reference value is a market-based competitive value for your role. It falls in the middle of the range for your role, indicating performance at target.