Director, Global Flavor Creation

0801 The Coca-Cola Company; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 149,000 - 173,000; Full time

Job summary

The Coca-Cola Company seeks a Director of Global Flavor Creation to lead the development of sweet flavor systems for a global beverage portfolio. You will mentor flavorists, drive innovation, and ensure regulatory compliance while partnering with R&D, product development, sensory, and external suppliers.

The role emphasizes data‑driven decisions, organizational capability building, and scalable flavor solutions across markets, with opportunities to impact iconic brands worldwide.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Flavor Chemistry or related field.
• Master’s degree preferred for advanced leadership & scope.
• Certified Society of Flavor Chemists is strongly preferred.
• Apprentice Certification or equivalent training desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead creation and optimization of sweet flavor systems across beverage platforms.
• Oversee high-priority flavor initiatives for brand innovation and productivity.
• Collaborate with R&D, regulatory, quality, procurement, and vendors.
• Provide technical risk assessments and progress updates to leadership.

Skills

Chemistry

Communication

Data compilation

Food Safety

Food Sciences

Flavor Chemistry

Sensory Testing

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Flavor Chemistry, Sensory Science, or related field

Master’s degree preferred

Apprentice Certification or equivalent

Certified Member of the Society of Flavor Chemists

Tools

GC/MS

Chromatography

Data management tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Description Summary: At The Coca‑Cola Company, flavor is at the heart of our iconic brands and our commitment to delivering exceptional taste experiences worldwide. As consumer preferences evolve and innovation accelerates, our ability to create differentiated, high‑quality flavors is essential to driving growth, maintaining competitive advantage, and ensuring consistency across markets. The Director, Global Flavor Creation will lead the development of cutting‑edge sweet flavor systems that bring to life new beverage experiences while ensuring continuity and productivity across our global portfolio. This role combines deep technical expertise with strategic influence, working to guide the creation, optimization, and commercialization of flavors and ingredients that align with business priorities. In partnership with cross‑functional teams, external suppliers, and industry networks, the Director will shape future‑ready flavor capabilities, mentor emerging talent, and drive innovative approaches that enhance consumer preference, operational feasibility, and regulatory compliance. If you are passionate about the science and artistry of flavor, this is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on one of the most recognized brands in the world.

What You’ll Do for Us

• Lead the creation and optimization of sweet flavor systems across multiple beverage platforms, applying advanced flavor chemistry, sensory principles, and creative formulation skills
• Oversee a portfolio of high-priority flavor initiatives that enable brand innovation, support continuity, and deliver productivity improvements globally
• Partner with internal business functions—including R&D, product development, sensory, regulatory, quality, procurement, marketing—and external supplier partners to ensure timely delivery of strategic flavor solutions
• Provide expert recommendations, technical risk assessments, and progress updates to leadership and stakeholders, aligning projects with business objectives
• Build organizational flavor capability by mentoring flavorists and developing training resources, best practices, and technical standards that advance collective expertise
• Drive evaluation and implementation of new flavor ingredients, technologies, and tools that enhance taste performance, stability, and regulatory compliance
• Apply data‑driven decision‑making to optimize ingredient selection, address process challenges, and ensure operational feasibility for global commercialization
• Ensure compliance with global and regional regulations, labeling requirements, and standards of identity while safeguarding proprietary flavor information
• Influence supplier engagement strategies and represent the function in cross‑functional committees, industry forums, and strategic partnerships
• Foster a culture of technical excellence, curiosity, and collaboration aligned with The Coca‑Cola Company’s growth behaviors and innovation mindset

Requirements & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Flavor Chemistry, Sensory Science, or related field
• Master’s degree preferred
• Certified Member of the Society of Flavor Chemists strongly preferred
• Apprentice Certification or equivalent technical training required or highly desirable
• Minimum of 7+ years of experience in flavor development, creation, or application with demonstrated expertise in sweet flavor systems
• 10+ years preferred for candidates without advanced degrees
• Prior flavor house and/or beverage company experience strongly preferred
• Proven technical proficiency in flavor chemistry, ingredient functionality, interaction effects, and stability within beverage matrices
• Advanced understanding of regulatory frameworks including FDA, USDA, TTB, and international compliance requirements
• Ability to interpret and apply analytical data using tools such as GC/MS, chromatography, and other flavor evaluation instrumentation
• Strong capability in overseeing experimental design, sensory evaluation, and flavor performance testing across complex projects
• Digital proficiency including Microsoft applications and data management tools supporting flavor creation and project execution
• Demonstrated leadership in mentoring technical talent, building collaborative networks, and influencing cross‑functional decision‑making in a matrixed environment
• Proven ability to manage proprietary information with high regard for confidentiality and intellectual property protection
• Preferred experience in coffee, tea, and flavored protein beverage systems

What We’ll Do for You

• Offer the opportunity to shape the future of flavor innovation for some of the world’s most iconic brands
• Provide access to advanced flavor creation technologies, ingredient innovations, and global development platforms
• Support professional growth through cross‑functional project leadership, technical capability‑building, and exposure to global markets and innovation ecosystems
• Enable you to partner with diverse technical, commercial, and supplier teams to influence product excellence at a global scale
• The Coca‑Cola Company will not offer sponsorship for employment status (including, but not limited to, H1‑B visa status and other employment‑based non‑immigrant visas) for this position

Skills

• Chemistry
• Communication
• Continual Improvement Process
• Data Compilation
• Environmental Science
• Food Safety and Sanitation (Inactive)
• Food Sciences
• Food Technology
• Green Solutions
• Laboratory Testing
• Microbiological Test
• Product Development
• Quality Control (QC)
• Research and Development Operations (Inactive)
• Sensory Testing
• Waterfall Model

Pay Range

United States: 149,000 - 173,000 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: 30 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: November 22, 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.

The Coca‑Cola Company is a global community of passionate employees who are refreshing the world and making a difference every day. Innovation has been at the heart of our story since 1886. It goes beyond new flavors and brands. Learn more about our system and how we’re making an impact.

As a global organization, we seek opportunities to embrace and champion progress. Our careers span across functions and are globally connected to give you an unmatched career experience. We’re glad you’ve chosen to explore your next career opportunity with The Coca‑Cola Company. Learn more about our hiring process and pick up tips on how to showcase your experience and skills so you can stand out and thrive.

The Coca‑Cola global business system is composed of The Coca‑Cola Company (TCCC), its subsidiaries and 225 bottling partners around the world. Search jobs throughout our system.