Food Scientist

Job Title: Manager, Product Development – Sports Drink R&D (Lab Technician III Equivalent)

Location: Atlanta, GA

Schedule: (Onsite, 5 days/week)

Travel: 0%

Position Overview:

The Manager, Product Development will join the Global R&D team, with primary support to the North America Operating Unit. This is a Food Scientist–focused role aligned to a Lab Technician III level, responsible for beverage development within the Sports Drink category. The role requires independently designing, developing, and commercializing new beverage products from concept to market, and supporting existing product maintenance and productivity initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead beverage formulation and development using food science, sensory, analytical, microbiological, and engineering principles.
• Create and manage proprietary formulas, technical specifications, and product documentation.
• Drive product commercialization, ensuring formulas and processes are production-ready.
• Independently manage multi-disciplinary R&D projects with minimal supervision.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with internal teams and external suppliers to support innovation and base business needs.
• Provide technical consultation to field teams and internal departments on formula systems and specifications for the Sports category.
• Conduct research to identify new beverage ingredient technologies, market trends, and opportunities for innovation.
• Maintain accurate lab records and ensure adherence to laboratory safety procedures.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science or related discipline required; Master’s degree preferred
• 5+ years of experience in product development, beverage formulation, or food science R&D

Strong working knowledge of:

• Food chemistry & microbiology
• Sensory science & analytical evaluation
• Food process technology
• Engineering concepts related to beverage formulation
• Proven project management and time-management skills
• Strong written & verbal communication; ability to influence and educate stakeholders
• Ability to work independently in a laboratory environment
• Experience leading commercialization activities from prototype to market launch