Manager, Stills, Technical Consumer Data Research

Description

Summary:

The Manager, Technical Consumer Data Research (TCDR), reports to the Senior Director, TCDR, and leads sensory and consumer research for the still beverage categories across the EMEA region. In this role, you will apply sensory and consumer science to ensure that products and packaging deliver consistent, superior consumer experiences across diverse markets.

You will shape the strategic direction of the Still beverage categories innovation agenda by translating deep consumer and sensory insights into front-end, insight-driven strategies that power a prioritized, high-impact pipeline across product and packaging—enabling right-first-time execution, accelerating speed to market, and strengthening competitive advantage. As a critical business partner, you will develop and lead end-to-end, consumer-centric learning plans and research strategies that connect present-forward insights with future-back innovation opportunities.

Working cross-functionally with Marketing, Human Insights, Global Category, and Global Development & Innovation teams across the EME, Europe, and Africa operating units and global innovation centers, you will ensure alignment with evolving consumer trends, category strategies, and regional business priorities. Embedded within the Innovation, Technology & Strategy team, this role ensures consumer insights are fully integrated into broader innovation and strategic processes.

Functional Related Activities /

Key Responsibilities

Act as a strategic partner to the business by contributing to the innovation pipeline. Collaborate with cross-functional teams (SRA, HI, Marketing, GDI, ITS, Strategy) to incorporate a consumer-first mindset and support insight-led decision-making. Develop and execute sensory and consumer research plans aligned with still beverage category strategies and EMEA business priorities, defining clear success criteria for product experience and consumer acceptance. Translate business questions into actionable sensory and consumer research plans. Develop and execute end-to-end research learning plans using appropriate methodologies and digital tools to generate insights that inform business decisions. Managing end-to-end delivery of research projects and initiatives. Ensure effective stakeholder engagement, alignment, and adherence to established governance, while supporting the adoption of best practices across markets and categories. Lead key innovation research initiatives, partnering with stakeholders to deliver high-quality, consumer-centric research. Ensure strong execution of TCDR projects with a “right-first time” approach and contribute to driving measurable business outcomes. Apply functional expertise across TCDR disciplines, including sensory science, consumer research, and data analysis, leveraging advanced methodologies (e.g., AI/ML, statistical modeling) where appropriate to enhance research impact. Design and execute robust research studies using sound statistical and analytical approaches. Analyze and synthesize data into clear insights and actionable recommendations to support business decision-making. Deliver clear data-driven recommendations by integrating consumer insights with business and competitive context. Identify potential risks, support solution development, and communicate findings clearly through structured, insight-led storytelling. Contribute to the TCDR Global community by supporting research-on-research initiatives and sharing learnings to help strengthen functional capabilities. Stay externally aware of emerging research methodologies and tools, partnering with capability teams to pilot and implement relevant approaches within projects. Support continuous improvement of TCDR practices by adopting new tools, approaches, and ways of working to enhance efficiency and effectiveness. Maintain strong working knowledge of Beverage Categories, including sensory evaluation fundamentals, trends, and competitive landscape. Mentor and train colleagues on new methodologies and skills to continuously improve the competence of the team.

Data Analytics & Synthesis

Proficient statistical analysis of sensory & consumer research, to include interpretation of research data, and application of appropriate methods, adopting appropriate risk management. Proficient use of statistical software (SPSS, SAS, JMP) and tools for analysis / modelling (Python, R, SQL, PLS Regression, ANOVA, factorial analysis, LLM, ML) and visualization (Power BI), with knowledge of Azure Platform for global data business use case analysis. Apply advanced analytics and statistical modeling to solve complex business problems. Translate data into clear, actionable insights that support business decision-making. Develop and adopt innovative,