Job Summary: This role will lead our global SRA strategy for claims and new ingredients across various Global categories. The ideal candidate will guide the business in conducting competitive analysis, utilizing scientific methods to substantiate potential claims, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to launch new products with consumer-friendly and appealing claims. This role demands a strategic thinker with a proven track record of taking calculated risks and successfully advocating for the approval and launch of new claims and ingredients. The Role will collaborate with OU SRA leads, Global GDI, RtE, supply chain, brand team, global marketing, legal, and other relevant cross-functional partners to achieve the business objectives.
Key Responsibilities:
· Lead the Global SRA innovation strategy for claims and new functional ingredients across global categories: HSTC (Hydration, Sport Drinks , Coffee , Tea ) ,Nutrition, Carbonated Soft Drinks, and ARTD .
· Guide the business in conducting competitive analysis and using science to substantiate claims with a winning edge.
· Build, maintain, enhance and develop relationships/networks with external experts, government agencies, NGOs and other stakeholders on issues relating to food regulations to advance The Coca-Cola Company Innovation strategy.
· Provide regulatory affairs expertise and guidance to the system to identify solutions to regulatory issues that can impact the Innovation pipelines.
· Establish Global regulatory strategies to gain government approvals and international standards (e.g., Codex) for new functional ingredients, products, labeling, or packaging to support innovation collaborating with internal and external stakeholders such as OU SRA team, GDI ,RtE , Legal, Suppliers and trade associations
· Proactively work with PAC, Marketing, Legal and Governmental Affairs areas to enable the credibility and reputation of our new as well as existing products.
· Ensure and collaborate with the OU SRA leads in order that all ingredients, formulas, products, labels, food contact materials, packaging, promotional materials and marketing communications comply with all the relevant local regulations and The Coca-Cola Company’s policies and guidelines
· Support innovation and commercialization compliance by providing scientific and regulatory expertise on new product concept/new ingredients
· Manage ingredient, formula, product, package, label, claims and communication approvals using various compliance related tools
· Develop and manage internal processes, databases and tools to facilitate regulatory compliance processes
· Guide SRA community in taking smart risks and assessing opportunities to change regulations in potential markets to enable claims and new functional ingredients.
Qualifications:
· Minimum of 10 years of experience in innovation, with a proven record of taking smart risks and succeeding in launching new claims and functional ingredients.
· Demonstrated advocacy experience with specific focus on Innovation
· Strong ability to think outside the box and provide innovative solutions to enable and empower innovation.
· Excellent networking and communication capabilities.
· Ability and flexibility to work from a global perspective and across different time zones.
· Advanced degree in a relevant scientific field (e.g., Chemistry, Biology, Nutrition, Food Science) preferred.
· In-depth knowledge of regulatory requirements in different Markets and industry standards for food and beverages.
Skills & Competencies :
· Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
· Ability to take smart risks and make tough decisions.
· Keen understanding of growing trends and the ability to apply best practices.
· Excellent project management skills.
· Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.
· Strong understanding of global regulatory environments and market dynamics.
Why Join Us:
· Opportunity to lead and innovate in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
· Work with a diverse and talented team of professionals.
· Opportunities for professional growth and development.