Senior Director II – Functional Research, Application & Ingredient Delivery

Location(s):

United States of America

City/Cities:

Atlanta

Travel Required:

00% - 25%

Relocation Provided:

Yes

Job Posting End Date:

November 9, 2025

Shift:

Job Description Summary:

Role Overview 

The Senior Director II, Functional Research, Application & Ingredient Delivery is a pivotal leader in the Flavor & Ingredient Research (FIR) organization and a key member of the Research to Experimentation (RtE) Leadership Team. This role will spearhead end-to-end functional research, ingredient application, and technology delivery to transform innovative science into consumer-relevant beverage solutions that deliver taste superiority with added functional benefits across the Coca-Cola portfolio. 

You will lead a high-performing team of scientists and application experts to: 

• Identify functional white spaces 

• Build foundational science and ingredient knowledge 

• Develop functional ingredients strategy and pipeline that will enable solutions to address consumer tensions with competitive edge 

• Translate research into breakthrough, consumer-centric applications 

• Deliver functional ingredients into commercially viable products 
  This role acts as a Center of Excellence for functional ingredients research and application, ingredient delivery systems, and technology integration. 

You will collaborate globally across Technical Innovation & Supply Chain (TISC), Human and Consumer Insights, Global Categories, and regional R&D centers to shape Coca-Cola’s functional ingredient strategy, influence industry direction, and forge partnerships with universities, suppliers, and technology leaders. 

  

Key Responsibilities 

Strategic Leadership & Innovation 

• Develop and execute Big Bet technology platforms that address critical consumer needs and drive short-, mid-, and long-term growth. 

• Provide inspirational thought leadership to guide functional ingredient research and application strategy globally. 

• Identify and scope high-value opportunities using market trends, consumer insights, and scientific advances. 

• Ensure cross-category platform development for scalable functional solutions. 

Functional Research & Ingredient Delivery 

• Advance functional ingredient science from concept to commercial launch, ensuring application in diverse beverage formats. 

• Lead development of industry-leading beverage application technologies and delivery systems. 

• Establish scientific frameworks for ingredient claims, regulatory compliance, and performance benchmarks together with SRA (Scientific Regulatory Affairs). 

• Oversee technology transfer processes from research through product development to commercialization. 

Global Collaboration & Stakeholder Influence 

• Partner with internal stakeholders across RTE, R&D, technical functions (including Scientific & Regulatory Affairs), marketing, and category leadership to align strategy and execution. 

• Influence external stakeholders—including suppliers, universities, and technology partners—to co-develop cutting-edge functional ingredient solutions. 

• Build compelling business cases to secure investment and organizational buy-in. 

People Leadership