Senior Manager, Technical Consumer Data Research (Nutrition)

Innovation at The Coca-Cola Company starts with the consumer. We are passionate about translating deep insights into breakthrough solutions that shape the future of beverages globally. In a world where consumer expectations rapidly evolve, our ability to innovate confidently depends on a rich understanding of taste, experience, and behavior informed by powerful data and science.

About the role

As Senior Manager, Technical Consumer Data Research (TCDR), you will drive consumer-centric research strategies that influence high-impact innovations for the Global Nutrition portfolio. Reporting to the Senior Director, TCDR NAOU, this role serves as a strategic business partner and trusted technical expert, ensuring 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.

Responsibilities

• 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

• 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.

Benefits

• Opportunity to set the research agenda for two critical growth categories, bringing consumer insight to the forefront of innovation.
• Exposure to cutting-edge AI, digital analytics platforms, and sensory science applications within a global research and development ecosystem.
• Collaboration with senior leaders and diverse teams across geographies, shaping consumer-driven decisions that impact billions of consumers worldwide.
• Continuous development through involvement in advanced methodologies, global knowledge-sharing communities, and technical leadership opportunities.

Pay

Base pay range: 131,000 USD - 153,000 USD. Offered pay may vary depending on geography, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. A full range of medical, financial, and other benefits is offered, dependent on the position.

Annual Incentive Reference Value Percentage: 15%. This value is market-based and competitive for the role, indicating performance at target.

This position is based in Atlanta, requires 0% - 25% travel, and does not offer relocation assistance. The Coca-Cola Company will not offer sponsorship for employment status (e.g., H1-B visa) for this role; applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.