Manager, Technical Consumer Data Research

Manager, NA FSOP, Technical Consumer Data Research Location: US - GA - Atlanta Time Type: Full time Job Description Job Description Summary: The Manager of Foods ervice and On- Premise channels (FSOP) within the Technical Consumer Data Research (TCDR) function reports to the Senior Director, TCDR, and leads consumer research for the Food Service Division of the North America Operating Unit (NAOU) and Beverage Categories. In this role, you will lead the application of sensory and consumer science to ensure that product, packaging, and equipment across FSOP channels deliver consistent, superior experiences. You will shape the strategic direction of the FSOP innovation agenda by translating deep consumer and sensory insights into front-end, insight-driven strategies that power a prioritized, high-impact pipeline across product, packaging, and equipment—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, and Global Development & Innovation teams across innovation centers, you will ensure alignment to evolving consumer trends and business priorities, driving integrated strategies that inform decision-making and deliver differentiated consumer experiences and sustainable business growth. Embedded within the Innovation, Technology & Strategy team, this role ensures consumer insights are fully integrated into broader innovation and strategic processes. FSOP Related Activities / Key Responsibilities Lead TCDR Strategy: Develop and execute sensory and consumer research plans aligned with FSOP business priorities, defining success criteria for taste, consistency, and experience. Evaluate Real-World Experience: Assess beverage performance across FSOP conditions (fountain systems, equipment variability, ice, serving formats) to ensure optimal consumer experience. Design & Analyze Research: Execute quantitative and qualitative studies (CLT, HUT, in-outlet), leveraging digital tools for data capture and digitization to ensure high-quality, consistent datasets. Apply statistical methods to generate actionable insights and support data-driven decision-making. Influence the System and Collaborate broadly: Partner by providing consumer-driven technical direction to GDI, Equipment, Quality, Customer and Supply Chain teams shaping decisions. Benchmark & Identify Opportunities: Conduct competitive evaluations and track FSOP trends to identify risks and growth opportunities. Drive Decision Confidence: Deliver clear, data-driven recommendations and highlight risks related to consumer perception and in-market variability. Function al Related Activities / Key Responsibilities M anaging 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. 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. 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. Translate business questions into actionable research plans. Develop and execute end-to-end research learning plans using appropriate methodologies and digital tools to generate insights that inform business decisions. Apply functional expertise across TCDR disciplines, including sensory science, consumer research, and data analysis, l