Senior Manager, Technical Consumer Data Research (Nutrition)

The Coca-Cola Company; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 131,000 - 153,000; Full time

Job summary

The Coca-Cola Company is seeking a Senior Manager, Technical Consumer Data Research (TCDR) to lead consumer-centric research strategies for the Global Nutrition portfolio. You will drive advanced analytics, AI-driven methods, and sensory science to generate actionable insights that guide breakthrough beverages and packaging decisions.

Reporting to the Senior Director, TCDR NAOU, you will partner with R&D, Marketing, and Human Insights to scale AI-enabled tools, deliver robust data storytelling,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Food Science, Sensory Science, Behavioral Science, Engineering, Data Science, or a related field.
• 10+ years of FMCG/beverage experience with sensory and consumer research for innovation.
• Strong analytics and proficiency with JMP, SPSS, R, Python, SQL and Power BI.
• Experience applying AI/ML (NLP, predictive modeling, image recognition, generative AI) to data.
• Deep understanding of consumer-centric innovation and sensory evaluation principles.
• Ability to design large-scale quantitative studies and translate findings into strategy.
• Strong technical communication and data storytelling for executives.
• Advanced influencing and stakeholder management in matrixed orgs.
• Passion for new tech and agile experimentation.
• Strong critical thinking and problem solving with business focus.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical consumer data research initiatives for Global Nutrition, creating learning plans aligned with business priorities.
• Translate strategic questions into sensory and consumer research programs using advanced methods.
• Apply AI, ML, and statistical modeling to synthesize data into actionable insights and recommendations.
• Integrate consumer voice into the innovation pipeline for product and packaging decisions.
• Design and execute qualitative and quantitative studies with advanced analytics.
• Lead data storytelling and present findings to senior stakeholders.
• Champion emerging technologies with Agile research practices.
• Develop competitive benchmarking to uncover drivers and whitespace.
• Collaborate with Marketing, R&D, and Human Insights to embed consumer-centric mindset.
• Participate in global TCDR forums and capability-building initiatives.

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

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Food Science

Sensory Science

Behavioral Science

Engineering

Data Science

Tools

JMP

SPSS

R

Python

SQL

Power BI

Job description

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