Job Description Summary:
The Coca‑Cola Company, innovation starts with the consumer, and we are passionate about translating deep insights into breakthrough solutions that shape the future of beverages globally. In a world where consumer expectations are rapidly evolving, our ability to innovate confidently depends on a rich understanding of taste, experience, and behavior informed by powerful data and science.
As Senior Manager, Technical Consumer Data Research (TCDR), you will drive consumer-centric research strategies that influence high-impact innovations for Global Nutrition portfolio. Reporting to the Senior Director, TCDR NAOU, this role serves as a strategic business partner and trusted technical expert, ensuring that every innovation decision is rooted in robust sensory and consumer evidence.
You will lead cutting-edge research methodologies, applying advanced analytics, AI-driven tools, and sensory science expertise to generate actionable insights that enable “right-first-time” innovation. Working at the nexus of R&D, Marketing, Human Insights, and Global Development & Innovation teams, you will shape solutions that anticipate consumer needs and deliver exceptional experiences. This position offers the opportunity to influence long-term category strategies, integrate future-forward digital capabilities, and elevate the role of technical consumer insights in shaping global beverage innovation.
What You’ll Do for Us
- Lead technical consumer data research initiatives for Global Nutrition, building robust learning plans that address key business priorities
- Translate strategic questions into actionable sensory and consumer research programs using advanced methodologies and digital-first approaches
- Leverage statistical modeling, AI, and machine learning techniques to synthesize structured and unstructured data into actionable insights and risk-based recommendations
- Drive integration of consumer voice into the innovation pipeline, influencing product, packaging, and equipment development decisions to ensure consumer relevance and “first-time-right” outcomes
- Execute advanced research designs (qualitative and quantitative) using parametric/non-parametric analytics, multivariate modeling, and predictive analytics for innovation performance forecasting
- Serve as the functional lead for data-driven storytelling, translating complex technical findings into clear recommendations and frameworks for senior stakeholders
- Champion adoption of emerging technologies and novel methodologies, partnering with the Global TCDR Capabilities team to scale AI-enabled tools and agile research practices
- Design and deliver competitive benchmarking programs to uncover consumer drivers of choice, market trends, and whitespace opportunities
- Collaborate across Marketing, R&D, and Human Insights to embed a consumer-centric innovation mindset within project teams and operating units
- Drive engagement in global TCDR forums, contributing to methodological advancement and capability-building initiatives across categories and regions
Requirements & Qualifications
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Food Science, Sensory Science, Behavioral Science, Engineering, Data Science, or a related field
- 10+ years of relevant experience within the FMCG or Beverage industry, with proven expertise in sensory and consumer research applied to innovation
- Strong analytical skills and proficiency in statistical techniques, predictive modeling, and advanced data analytics using tools such as JMP, SPSS, R, Python, SQL, and Power BI
- Demonstrated experience applying AI and machine learning techniques (e.g., NLP, predictive modeling, image recognition, generative AI) to derive insights from structured and unstructured datasets
- Deep understanding of consumer-centric innovation frameworks, behavioral science methodologies, and sensory evaluation principles
- Ability to design and execute large-scale quantitative research studies and integrate findings into actionable innovation strategies
- Exceptional skills in technical communication and data storytelling—turning complex analytics into simple, compelling narratives for business decision-making
- Advanced influencing and stakeholder management capabilities, with success in navigating matrixed organizations and aligning cross-functional teams
- Passion for adopting new technologies and an agile mindset to challenge conventional approaches and accelerate learning cycles
- Strong critical-thinking, problem-solving skills, and the ability to balance technical depth with strategic business relevance
What We’ll Do for You
- Provide an opportunity to set the research agenda for two critical growth categories, bringing consumer insight to the forefront of innovation
- Offer exposure to cutting-edge AI, digital analytics platforms, and sensory science applications within a global research and development ecosystem
- Enable collaboration with senior leaders and diverse teams across geographies, shaping consumer-driven decisions that impact billions of consumers worldwide
- Invest in continuous development through involvement in advanced methodologies, global knowledge-sharing communities, and technical leadership opportunities
The Coca-Cola Company will not offer sponsorship for employment status (including, but not limited to, H1-B visa status and other employment-based nonimmigrant visas) for this position. Accordingly, all applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis and must not require The Coca-Cola Company's sponsorship to continue to work legally in the United States.
Skills:
Communication, Consumer Centricity, Consumer Research, Food Sciences, Food Technology, Group Problem Solving, Influencing, Innovation, Laboratory Testing, Leadership, Product Development, Researching, Sensory Research, Sensory Testing, Statistics, Teamwork
Pay Range:
United States of America: 131,000 USD - 153,000 USD
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:
15
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.
Location(s):
United States of America
City/Cities:
Atlanta
Travel Required:
00% - 25%
Relocation Provided:
No
Job Posting End Date:
September 6, 2026
Our Purpose and Growth Culture:
We are taking deliberate action to nurture an inclusive culture that is grounded in our company purpose, to refresh the world and make a difference. We act with a growth mindset, take an expansive approach to what’s possible and believe in continuous learning to improve our business and ourselves. We focus on four key behaviors – curious, empowered, inclusive and agile – and value how we work as much as what we achieve. We believe that our culture is one of the reasons our company continues to thrive after 130+ years. Visit Our Purpose and Vision to learn more about these behaviors and how you can bring them to life in your next role at Coca-Cola.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class. When we collect your personal information as part of a job application or offer of employment, we do so in accordance with industry standards and best practices and in compliance with applicable privacy laws.