Manager, Scientist

The Scientist plays a critical role in protecting the trademarks of The Coca-Cola Company by assuring the quality, safety, and regulatory compliance of key ingredients used in company products worldwide. This role supports Coca-Cola’s commitment to setting the standard for future-focused laboratory practices, integrating emerging technologies, and championing scientific excellence. Through innovation, cross-functional collaboration, and scientific leadership, the Scientist ensures brand integrity and technical excellence across the system.

As a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in analytical chemistry, the Scientist leverages advanced instrumentation, including ICP-MS, LC-MS, and GC-MS, to support testing, method development, and optimization initiatives. The role combines deep technical expertise with strategic influence, translating complex analytical findings into actionable insights, supporting global alignment across laboratories, and representing Coca-Cola in industry forums to advance testing standards. This position is based in the Florida Juice Quality Center (FJQC), located in Apopka, FL. Flex Work is limited due to the nature of the work being performed in the lab.

Applicants should demonstrate strong technical knowledge, paired with leadership skills, attention to detail, teamwork, excellent communication, strategic thinking, and an ability to innovate. All candidates must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

What You'll Do for Us:

Functional Skills:

• Perform advanced testing of raw materials, intermediates, and finished products using ICP-MS/MS, LC-MS/MS, and GC-MS/MS.
• Lead the development, validation, and optimization of laboratory methods to improve sensitivity, accuracy, and reproducibility.
• Support global heavy metals and contaminants testing programs to ensure compliance with internal and external standards.
• Troubleshoot, maintain, and optimize advanced analytical instrumentation; oversee calibration, validation, and performance checks.
• Review, interpret, and communicate complex analytical data, preparing clear, data-driven reports and actionable recommendations for internal teams, customers, and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Familiarity with LIMS systems and data integrity practices.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to translate complex findings into actionable insights.

Leadership & Strategic Impact:

• Be the Role Model: Champion innovation by integrating emerging technologies and novel analytical approaches to enhance laboratory capability and efficiency. Provide technical leadership for the heavy metals testing program, fostering a culture of continuous improvement within an ISO-accredited environment.
• Set the Agenda: Drive global alignment by harmonizing analytical methods and testing strategies across Coca-Cola’s lab network (JQC Midi & Shanghai ASL) to ensure consistency and technical excellence. Anticipate business, regulatory, and technological trends while leading cross-functional initiatives that support enterprise-wide priorities and innovation strategies.
• Help People Be Their Best Selves: Mentor and coach analysts and scientists to strengthen technical expertise and foster a culture of continuous learning and innovation. Collaborate closely with Regulatory, Supplier Quality, Procurement, and Global Development & Innovation teams to align priorities, influence decision-making, and deliver impactful outcomes.
• Diversity & Inclusion: Foster an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and team members are empowered to contribute their best. Promote equity and transparency in technical decisions and represent Coca-Cola in industry forums to advocate for and shape global testing standards.

Regulatory & Quality Compliance:

• Ensure all testing meets ISO/IEC 17025 requirements, Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), and KORE quality standards.
• Monitor evolving global regulations related to heavy metals and food safety; proactively implement operational updates to maintain compliance.
• Prepare for and support external audits (e.g., A2LA), including evidence preparation, corrective action planning, and continuous readiness activities.
• Partner with internal and external stakeholders to assess product quality, ingredient safety, and regulatory risks, providing expert recommendations to mitigate potential issues.

Education Requirements:

• Degree in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, or a related field required
  • Ph.D. – 1+ years’ relevant experience preferred
  • M.S. – Must also have 3 – 5 years of relevant experience
  • B.S. – Must also have 7+ years of relevant experience

What We Can Do for You:

• Purpose Driven: Empower our people to protect the environment and communities we serve while delivering safe and high-quality products.
• Global Connections: Develop, enhance, and maintain global connections to promote rapid progress and shared learning.
• Community of Belonging: Foster a growth-oriented atmosphere where people feel safe, empowered, and can bring their best selves to work.
• Compensation & Benefits: Competitive benefits package that starts on the first day of employment.

Leadership; Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA); Continual Improvement Process; Good Laboratory Practices (GLPs); Technical Communication; Group Collaboration; Prioritization; Analytical Chemistry; Cross-Functional Team Leadership; Metals; Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry; Communication; Regulatory Compliance; Written Communication; Data Compilation; Project Ownership; Teamwork