Senior Manager, Sweetener Research Scientist

Location(s):

United States of America

City/Cities:

Atlanta

Travel Required:

00% - 25%

Relocation Provided:

Yes

Job Posting End Date:

March 17, 2026

Shift:

Job Description Summary:

Role Overview 

The Sr. Manager, Sweetener Research is a critical role with Flavor & Ingredient Research and Application (FIRA) function and Sweetener Research, Development and Application Team. This role will monitor and utilize modern tools for sweetener discovery, research, and development for next generation sweeteners. The role will leverage expertise in in-silico discovery, organic chemistry, sensory science and biochemistry to identify, evaluate, and commercialize new sweetener molecules and systems to deliver super taste and ensure our license to win.

Key Responsibilities

• Build/enhance a robust process for sweetener discovery and research and make recommendations on development candidates for novel sweeteners.
• Work with team members to accelerate sweetener discovery and research with all the latest tools including AI/ML in-silico screening, SAR modeling, in vitro screening, and validation, etc.
• Contribute to sweetener discovery strategy.
• Interpretate the screening results and make recommendations for lead optimization.
• Develop and align candidate sourcing strategy.
• Source internally and externally candidate compounds for in-vitro and sensory validation.
• Identify and lead external CROs or joint development partners.

Strategic Leadership, Global Collaboration & Stakeholder Influence

• Influence the future research agenda on sweetener systems to meet consumer, customer, and regulation needs, drive short-, mid-, and long-term growth and ensure our license to operate.
• Influence industry, academia, and research institutes to develop relevant technologies and tools (including AI/ML tools) to further scientific advances.
• Partner with internal stakeholders across FIRA and RTE to align strategy and execution on sweetener discovery and research.
• Partner and influence external stakeholders, including suppliers, universities, and technology partners for joint-development and contract research.

Leadership Profile

• Influence & Business Acumen: Ability to influence strategic stakeholders internally and externally on strategic research agenda and partnership.
• Agile Innovator: Comfortable taking calculated risks and pivoting based on science-led opportunities.
• Connector: Strong ability to bring stakeholders together across functions, geographies, and disciplines.

Qualifications & Experience

• PhD in organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, or related fields.
• 8+ years of industrial experience in the field of Discovery or development of Molecules of Biological Interest or food ingredients
• Must possess strong interpersonal and communication skills demonstrated by the ability to positively influence within and outside the organization.
• Track record of delivering business results.
• Strong technical influencing skills, leadership, and growth behaviors
• Knowledgeable of latest AI/ML and molecular discovery technologies and tools.

Technical Competencies

• Strong technical background in Medicinal/Organic Chemistry chemistry/complex carbohydrate chemistry/peptide chemistry as evidenced by proven track record of discovering novel drugs/sweeteners via publications and patents.

• Strong technical expertise in discovery of bio-actives using structure-activity relationship

• Strong background to functionalize and characterize these ingredients including synthesis, purification and structure elucidation of biologically interesting compounds using a variety of chromatography and spectroscopic techniques.

• Requires ability to collaborate externally and internally with global Research & Innovation scientists.

• The candidate must be able to work independently and have excellent written and oral communication skills.

• Leads peers, scientifically, by combining sound judgment, strong initiative, and thorough methodology.
• Documentation, communication, and Project Management skills– The Candidate must demonstrate the ability to provide a high level of traceable and consistent documentation of all simulation activities. Must be able to communicate objectives, strategy, and results to a large mix of technical and non-technical audiences. Must be able to communicate and document results and connections to business plans and project objectives. Must be able to work with CROs and consultants to accelerate project work or access capabilities that are not available at TCCC.

What We Offer

• Purpose-Driven Work: Help shape products that deliver both pleasure and functional benefits to consumers worldwide.
• Global Connections: Work at the center of a worldwide network of innovation and technology leaders.
• Culture of Belonging: Join an organization where diverse perspectives are valued and innovation thrives.
• Impact: Directly shape the functional ingredient platform that will define the next generation of Coca-Cola beverages.

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:

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

Pay Range:

$131,000 - $153,000

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.

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.