Manager, SRA - Ingredient Science

In this Scientific & Regulatory Affairs – Ingredient Science Manager role, you will support the evaluation of emerging ingredient science, regulatory developments, consumer perceptions, and external policy trends to help inform business strategies that protect the enterprise and support sustainable growth for The Coca-Cola Company in North America. You will contribute to safeguarding key ingredients and formulations by applying scientific expertise and regulatory knowledge to support beverage innovation, portfolio evolution, and initiatives aligned with the company’s License to Win strategy.

Working cross-functionally with teams including R&D, Global Scientific & Regulatory Affairs, Public Affairs & Communications, Legal, Marketing, Supply Chain, Quality, and Commercial Strategy, you will help assess evolving ingredient-related regulations, scientific literature, stakeholder concerns, and public policy developments to provide recommendations supporting compliance, risk mitigation, business continuity, and external engagement. This role will also help strengthen Coca-Cola’s ingredient protection strategies and support science-based advocacy efforts across the food and beverage industry.

This position requires experience in ingredient science, regulatory affairs, scientific communications, and stakeholder engagement within the food and beverage sector. The ideal candidate will have experience supporting ingredient-related initiatives in regulated environments, interpreting scientific and regulatory information, and collaborating with external scientific organizations, trade associations, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to help advance evidence-based positions and business priorities.

This is an opportunity to apply scientific expertise and cross-functional collaboration to help support and protect some of the world’s most recognized beverage brands while reinforcing Coca-Cola’s commitment to product integrity, transparency, consumer trust, and science-based innovation.

Key Responsibilities

• Support ingredient protection and advocacy activities for The Coca-Cola Company North America, helping advance business continuity, innovation, and risk management priorities.

• Monitor, assess, and summarize emerging scientific research, regulatory developments, public policy proposals, and stakeholder activities related to food and beverage ingredients including additives, sweeteners, colors, functional ingredients, and processing aids.

• Translate scientific and regulatory information into actionable insights, risk assessments, and recommendations for cross-functional partners and leadership.

• Partner with R&D, Toxicology, Corporate Scientific & Regulatory Affairs, Legal, Quality, Technical Innovation & Supply Chain, Public Affairs & Communications, Marketing, and Commercial teams to support ingredient-related assessments and engagement activities.

• Contribute to the development and execution of science-based ingredient advocacy plans supporting enterprise priorities across North America.

• Assist in developing scientific summaries, technical responses, briefing documents, white papers, and advocacy materials for internal and external stakeholders.

• Support engagement with regulators, scientific experts, health professionals, trade associations, academic institutions, and industry groups to advance evidence-based ingredient policies and strengthen stakeholder trust.

• Participate in scientific conferences, regulatory forums, industry working groups, and trade association initiatives related to ingredient safety, food policy, and regulatory affairs.

• Help identify emerging risks and trends related to ingredient perception, litigation, activism, media attention, and regulatory scrutiny, supporting proactive mitigation and preparedness planning.

• Collaborate with global and regional Scientific & Regulatory Affairs teams to support alignment on ingredient protection priorities, scientific standards, and advocacy approaches.

• Support issues management and response activities related to ingredient safety, reputation management, and regulatory inquiries when needed.

• Build strong cross-functional relationships to support scientific credibility and increase understanding of ingredient-related risks and opportunities.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or PhD in Food Science, Chemistry, Nutrition, Regulatory Affairs, Public Health, Biological Sciences, or a related scientific discipline.

• 5–7 years of experience in scientific affairs, regulatory affairs, ingredient advocacy, food safety, or nutrition science within the food and beverage industry or related sectors.

• Knowledge of food regulations, labeling requirements, and regulatory frameworks impacting the food and beverage industry in North America.

• Experience supporting ingredient-related policy, advocacy, regulatory, or scientific initiatives in a complex business environment.

• Understanding of the external landscape related to ingredient safety, consumer perception, scientific evaluation, and public health policy.

• Ability to interpret and communicate scientific and technical information clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.

• Experience collaborating with regulatory agencies, trade associations, scientific organizations, academic experts, or other external stakeholders preferred.

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.

• Effective written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.

• Ability to work collaboratively across cross-functional and global teams in a fast-paced, matrixed organization.

• Experience supporting scientific communications, external engagement, or public policy initiatives preferred.

• Sound scientific judgment and the ability to navigate ambiguity while maintaining attention to detail.

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.