Product Development Scientist (at World of Coca-Cola )

Located in Atlanta, the World of Coca-Cola is pivotal to The Coca‐Cola Company's customer visitor experience with our portfolio including beverage product, packaging & equipment development. As a Manager of Product Development, you will be responsible for managing the product development, commercialization and supply chain logistics (end-to-end solutions) for the international fountain beverage offerings within The Coca-Cola Company’s premier public attractions, including World of Coca-Cola in Atlanta, Coca-Cola Stores in Las Vegas and Orlando, Disney Properties and any future Coca-Cola retail properties. The role requires strong collaboration skills with system, customers and stakeholders to drive innovation and sustain Retail & Licensing business needs. The associate in this position will maintain dual reporting relationships with TCCC Retail & Licensing and Global Development & Innovation.

This person will develop and implement a business strategy to oversee current and future beverage offerings at Coca-Cola Retail & Licensing properties. Lead technical development and commercialization of a variety of still and sparkling fountain beverages, converting international beverage formulations for U.S. production as needed. Drive process improvements that deliver quantifiable savings using Company best practices. Routinely identify and implement solutions to improve system performance and customer satisfaction by increasing stability of infrastructure and resolving supply chain issues.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with Innovation & Technical teams to identify and successfully execute product development, commercialization, and global supply chain logistics for World of Coca-Cola and retail stores.
• Work closely with the R&L Leadership Team (i.e. client) to understand the business needs, forecasts, and to provide future vision and product pipeline.
• Partner with BBP, ASB and R&L Facility Management team to ensure supply chain logistics and processes are established and adhered to.
• Provide strategic thought leadership, expertise, and best practices to the System to develop and manage “fit-for-purpose” supply chain for the platform
• Research, identify, and reformulate replacement beverages and pro-actively create a list of available in-market beverages to be rotated into the various properties as required.
• Redesign formulas to meet regulatory requirements, local commercialization needs, or post-mix requirements.
• Design, develop, conduct and review experiments (e.g., laboratory or process experiments) in order to deliver new products, new ingredients, and validate product shelf life, efficacy or claims.
• Prepare samples and sampling plan for ingredients, intermediate or finished products, or other materials in order to perform analyses (e.g., chemical, physical, sensory, microbiological).
• Organize workflow and task schedules to maximize laboratory efficiency (e.g., prioritize sample analysis, assign tasks, preventative maintenance).
• Maintain laboratory equipment and instrumentation (e.g., troubleshooting, conducting preventative maintenance, calibrating and repairing).
• Create and maintain written logs to provide information on progress of projects, issues, concerns or best practices.
• Communicate and collaborate successfully with cross-functional partners, client and international technical personnel.
• Digital Savviness for Innovation: Harness digital tools, technologies, and platforms to gather insights for product development, such as market trends, consumer preferences, and social media information. Use artificial intelligence to aid in ideation and concept development, accelerate the creation of new ideas, and utilize digital prototyping to speed up innovation and enhance product quality. Employ data and software tools for managing sustainability from the design phase and assessing risks more effectively. Propose and drive continuous improvement for the category / department.
  
  

Qualification & Requirements

• At least 4-6 years relevant product development experience in the beverage or food industry.
• Bachelor's, Master’s, or Post-Graduate degree in food science, chemistry, or related field.
• Fluent in English, with proficiency in an additional language preferred.
• Willing to travel up to 20% annually.
  
  

Desired Skills And Competencies

• Strong knowledge of beverage development, ingredient knowledge, and industry standards.
• Digital literacy: Advanced digital skills to employ data analytics, AI, and digital prototyping in innovation. Data integrity and cybersecurity awareness.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and project management abilities.
• Agility, resilience, and creativity to navigate new product development projects.
• Commitment to sustainability and familiarity with science-based targets for eco-design and supply chain (e.g., tracking ingredient sourcing and lifecycle impacts, and foundational knowledge on circular economy).
• Stakeholder management, innovation leadership and strategic decision making.
• Proficiency in statistical analysis and experimental design.
  
  

Skills

Chemistry; Leadership; Product Development; Continual Improvement Process; Environmental Science; Sensory Processing; Researching; Microbiology Laboratory; Waterfall Model; Food Sciences; Food Technology; Communication; Laboratory Testing; Data Compilation; Quality Control (QC); Green Solutions; Food Safety Management

Pay Range:$109,000 - $129,000

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: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.