Manager, Product Development

Job Description Summary:

Scope & Impact

The R&D Manager, Product Development (Dairy & Plant  based category) has full responsibility over a set of projects for a Dairy & PBB category those could be either Innovation, Regulatory or Superior Product Experience (Quality Improvement) programs. This role can also act as an enabler of the Productivity and Business Continuity Programs. It integrates the former responsibilities of the GDI Category Leader, Product Development, and Innovation & Experimentation (Commercialization).

It is part of this role deliver projects with a high degree of technical robustness, as well as managing the Commercialization timeline of the project.

Focus Areas

Key areas of focus of this role can be summarized as follows:

GDI Project Execution & Management

Project Commercialization

Ensure technical diligence and robustness on each project.

KEY SUCCESS PARAMETERS

Work Focus

GDI Project Execution & Management, including Commercialization:

Lead commercialization process for the market implementation of new product launches and product reformulations by working collaboratively and networking with all the necessary functions while ensuring compliance with KO standards and policies/ local regulation for the entire OU. Own the project timeline, manage and co-ordinate interactions among several entities (R&D, CPS, G2G, marketing, finance, technical and Bottling partners) to ensure effective process in place for each initiative as agreed standards and timelines.

Responsible for designing product development approach, for elaborating project plan and for disciplined project execution. Delivers complex new product launches or product reformulations, from desk and benchtop level up to pilot and industrial scaling up, with a high degree of autonomy. Recommend validated product solutions with an informed defined risk and formula cost analysis. 

Responsible to develop set of specifications: Ingredient, Formula, Processing and Manufacturing Instructions (MMI), shelf-life recommendations. 

Leads project meetings within the category, cross-functionally with marketing, customer management or technical groups. 

Participates in team projects, cross-functional committees, or company-wide initiatives to share information, represent the GDI function perspective, or assist with product development, process modification, package development and marketing. 

Drafts detailed & accurate reports for analyses, experiments, or projects.  Gathers and organizes information under tight timelines to support senior management's decision-making.  

Connects with Global R&D (research & development) Teams to align on priorities, project scope and resources to support the Latin America plans.

People Leadership:

This role is an individual contributor.

Create and contribute to a collaborative network relationship among peers.

Leads by influencing more junior developers.

Expected to become role-model of the function.

Communication Focus

Proper, timely and effective communication is key to this role’s success, it communicates internally with the R&D network, the OU’s Extended Category Team, global communities and externally with suppliers, partners, and associations.

The role requires a proper technical communication understanding.

Experience

3-5 years of deep knowledge and relevant experience in Research and Development roles and/or knowledge on Commercialization roles.

Experience integrating end-to-end technical scopes for innovation projects.

Knowledge of expanded Technical Functions as Supply Chain, Quality, SRA, etc.

MASTERY OF (REQUIRED)

• Technical knowledge and experience in food/beverage industry.  
• Project Management  
• Knowledge on Supply chain and Quality  
•  Knowledge on product development process and the ability to contribute expertise.

BROAD EXPERTISE IN (GOOD TO HAVE)  

• Business Case creation and analysis,
• Financial assessment of projects
• Food Safety and Quality  Consumer Science / Marketing
• Innovation and Market Trends: Ability to identify and integrate emerging trends in the food/beverage industry, particularly in the dairy and plant-based sectors.
• Cross-Cultural Collaboration: Experience working in multicultural and collaborative environments involving multiple regions and global markets.
• Digital Capabilities: Familiarity with advanced technological tools for project management and data analysis, such as Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems and simulation software.

Skills:

Chemistry, Communication, Continual Improvement Process, Data Compilation, Environmental Science, Food Safety Management, Food Sciences, Food Technology, Green Solutions, Laboratory Testing, Leadership, Microbiology Laboratory, Product Development, Quality Control (QC), Researching, Sensory Processing, Waterfall Model

Location(s):

Mexico

City/Cities:

Ciudad de Mexico

Travel Required:

00% - 25%

Relocation Provided:

No

Job Posting End Date:

September 11, 2026

Our Purpose and Growth Culture:

We are taking deliberate action to nurture an inclusive culture that is grounded in our company purpose, to refresh the world and make a difference. We act with a growth mindset, take an expansive approach to what’s possible and believe in continuous learning to improve our business and ourselves. We focus on four key behaviors – curious, empowered, inclusive and agile – and value how we work as much as what we achieve. We believe that our culture is one of the reasons our company continues to thrive after 130+ years. Visit Our Purpose and Vision to learn more about these behaviors and how you can bring them to life in your next role at Coca-Cola.