Director, Product, GDI

Our approach to business is to start with facts, based in science and our passion is to work towards a better shared future to make a difference in people's lives, communities, and our planet. This role is a global thought leader, technical subject matter expert and influencer. The ideal candidate is a product development scientist with demonstrated skills in developing and/or reformulating food and beverage products from ideation through commercialization.

What You'll Do for Us

• Presents on scientific topics to senior leadership and scientific and non-scientific audiences.
• Responsible for making recommendations for technology investments today that will enable future success.
• Responsible for identifying, recommending, and managing external research partnerships for Functional Ingredient and Technology research.
• Take a leadership role for clinical studies. Work with appropriate internal and external experts to develop testing protocols and experiments to substantiate claims and validate efficacy of functional ingredients and technology.
• Write detailed & accurate reports for analyses, experiments, or projects (e.g., equipment validation, evaluation of new processes). Communicate clearly in email and verbally with technical, non-technical, domestic, and international audiences.
• Prepare samples and sampling plan for ingredients, intermediate or finished products, or other materials to perform analyses (e.g., chemical, physical, sensory, microbiological).
• Gather and organize information under tight timelines to support senior management's decision-making.
• Apply knowledge of sensory and consumer testing techniques and principles to influence consumer test design and collaborate intelligently with sensory team.
• Identify, select, authorize and/or manage relationships with vendors or suppliers to ensure proper capabilities, conformance with Company standards and appropriate products and services (e.g., ingredients, materials, testing services).
• Develop quality standards, specifications, or requirements (e.g., concentrate/beverage base, ingredients, packaging, beverage, processes, and new technology) to ensure quality and integrity of products, and to protect the trademarks of the Coca-Cola Company.
• Provide support to customers to identify, manage or resolve incidents (e.g., critical emergencies, product withdrawals/recalls, disasters, potential business threats) in order to maintain the integrity of our products and trademarks and to minimize interruptions to Company or customer operations.
• Conduct review of scientific or other literature to maintain and improve laboratory knowledge/skills.

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Chemistry or related field is required, Master's or PHD degree is preferred
• 10+ years successful experience with a solid technical background with experience /exposure outside of academia, creative bench skills, the ability to manage projects from concept to execution, understand consumer research, and be able to work collaboratively across functions (technical and non-technical). Project activities are related to product development innovation, brand maintenance and evaluation of new technologies, all requiring a high level of attention to detail.
• Product Development: Deep knowledge and practical application of the product development process. Flexible and creative development skills with a strong attention to detail.
• Project Management: Knowledge of project management principles and the ability to apply the principles, tools and techniques to develop/plan, manage or execute projects or work plans to ensure successful completion (e.g., on time, within budget).
• Building Technical Relationships: Ability to apply technical knowledge and establish credibility with highly technical audiences in order to build technical relationships that will benefit customers or the Company.
• Ingredients: Knowledge of and experience with key ingredients used in production of concentrates and beverage bases (e.g., caramel, citric acid, sodium benzoate, phosphoric acid, natural flavors).
• Beverage Manufacturing: Knowledge of and ability to apply carbonated and non-carbonated beverage processing techniques (e.g., proportioning, carbonating, syrup manufacturing, filling).
• Flavor Industry Knowledge: Knowledge of flavoring materials, the flavor industry and the trade organizations that represent them.
• Computer Skills: Knowledge of Microsoft suite of programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), formula/database type systems, and capable user.
• Basic Organic Chemistry: Knowledge of basic organic structures, reactions, functional groups, and properties needed to understand the reactions of organic compounds in Company products. This includes the understanding of moderately complex principles to problem-solve package or ingredient related issues.
• Endurance: Willingness and ability to occasionally function effectively over extended periods of time. Ability to be flexible and adjust priorities based on business needs.
• Laboratory Practices: Knowledge and application of Good Laboratory Practices (e.g., handling of chemicals and glassware, preparation of standards and reagents, proper measuring techniques, data management, housekeeping).
• Proprietary Composition Information: Ability to recognize and protect proprietary information as it relates to formulas and ingredients.

• Purpose Driven: Purpose driven approach that empowers our people to protect the environment and communities we serve while delivering safe & quality products.
• Global Connections: Allows you to develop, enhance and maintain global connections that allow us to move faster and learn from others.
• Community of Belonging: We're an organization that believes our ability to continually grow and build the right atmosphere where people feel safe and empowered, lets you bring your best self to work.