Manager, NA FSOP, Technical Consumer Data Research

The Manager of Foodservice 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.  

Functional Related Activities / Key Responsibilities 

• 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. 
• 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, 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 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. 

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, data-driven solutions to drive competitive advantage.  
• Demonstrate hands-on experience applying analytics to real-world business challenges with measurable impact. 
• Stay current with relevant scientific literature. Inspire self and the team with internal and external resources.  

Technical Risk Management 

• Skilled in identifying and assessing technical risks (Type I Error (alpha) and Type II Error (beta), collaborate with the Global TCDR Capabilities team, to understand and mitigate these risks, implementing proactive measures to ensure project continuity and system integrity, and increasing confidence in final business decisions.  

Build FSOP & Category knowledge to support Present-Forward and Future-back Innovation pipeline and OU LRP business planning: 

• Contribute to Beverage Category research planning by generating product, sensory, and consumer insights that inform innovation, portfolio optimization, and growth opportunities. 
• Conduct competitive benchmarking across product, packaging, and equipment to identify drivers of consumer preference, emerging trends, and whitespace opportunities. 
• Execute front-end exploration research to identify key drivers of consumer choice and translate findings into actionable sensory and consumer insights that strengthen early-stage innovation. 

Technical Communication & Data Storytelling 

• Translate business needs into actionable plans using established processes and best practices. 
• Communicate insights clearly using data-driven storytelling to inform decisions and engage both technical and non-technical stakeholders. 
• Develop reports and dashboards to analyze consumer behavior and translate data into practical, actionable insights. 
• Apply structured storytelling frameworks and tools to communicate technical product insights effectively across teams. 

Influencing & Stakeholder Management  

• Build and maintain effective working relationships with internal stakeholders and external partners (e.g., suppliers, academia) to support innovation and business objectives. 
• Collaborate across a complex organization, using effective communication and stakeholder management skills to support alignment and delivery of business outcomes. 
• Partner cross-functionally with R&D, Marketing, and Human Insights to deliver consumer-centric insights and support category growth. 
• Support the Beverage Categories agenda by working with GDI leadership and contributing to regional OU priorities across Product, Packaging, and Equipment. 
• Mentor and train colleagues on new methodologies and skills to continuously improve the competence of the team. 

Qualifications & Requirements:   

• Educational Requirement: Batchelor Science Degree or Masters Degree, BSc /MSc from an accredited University in Food or Sensory Science, Engineering, Behavioral Psychology, or related field, and technical mastery of Sensory, Consumer, Applied Statistics and AI, Data Science, User Experience, to include science, methodologies, frameworks, and approaches. 
• Work Related Experience: 8+ years of experience within FMCG Beverage/Food Industry with proven relevant experience in Sensory and Consumer research, delivering consumer centric results working in a matrix FMCG organization including R&D, Marketing and Human Insight, translated into successful business impact. Prior experience in Technical Consumer Data Research within the Food Service Industry, is preferred. 

Desired Skills and Competencies 

Technical & Category: As the manager of TCDR to require an understanding of TCDR Sensory & Consumer Science methodologies, Applied Statistics /AI experience, Category and Food Service knowledge.

• Strong understanding of consumer-centric innovation frameworks and their application to support current and future business needs. 
• Solid experience in sensory and consumer research methodologies, to include AI assisted, with the ability to apply statistical approaches to generate insights. 
• Applied knowledge of social and behavioral science principles to inform consumer understanding in the beverage category. 
• Familiarity with demand spaces, need states, and psychographic approaches, with the ability to partner effectively with Human Insights teams. 
• Experience using digital tools and data-led approaches to analyze sensory and consumer data and support business decisions. 
• Working knowledge of advanced analytics (e.g., unstructured data analysis, AI/ML, NLP, GenAI tools) and their application in research. 
• Ability to create clear data visualizations and apply structured storytelling; proficiency in tools such as Power BI. 
• Good understanding of Beverage Categories, including sensory evaluation fundamentals, trends, and competitive landscape. 

Human-Centered Design: Lead holistic research plans to address key questions for specific business research projects.  

• Sensory Science & Consumer Science, Qualitative and quantitative research, AI assisted. 
• Social, behavioral human science 
• Research Design Principles for qualitative and quantitative research. 
• Foundations of technical risk management 
• User experience 

Technical Communication  

• Develop clear, insight-led storytelling and business recommendations from data. 
• Apply technical knowledge to support credibility and contribute to informed decision-making. 
• Communicate complex information clearly and concisely, tailoring messages to both technical and non-technical audiences. 
• Excellent communication skills. Demonstrate effective influencing skills to support alignment and outcomes. 
• Creative and curious. Utilize digital and AI-enabled tools to enhance communication & efficiency. 

Data Analytics & Synthesis of Structured and Unstructured data 

• Excellent statistics and data analysis skills. 
• Knowledge of AI and Machine Learning principles, demonstrating an eagerness to deepen understanding and apply these technologies effectively. 
• Understand and work in data management tools (Azure) and proficiency in visualization (Power BI or other) 

 Business Partnerships   

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (R&D, Marketing, Human Insights, etc.) to execute project work and deliver business priorities, including FSOP. 
• Provide relevant market and business context to support informed decision-making. 
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with internal and external partners to support business performance. 
• Engage and align stakeholders across functions to achieve shared objectives. 
• Apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to address business challenges. 
• Drive effective execution through strong planning, organization, and prioritization. 
• Contribute to a collaborative team environment by sharing knowledge and supporting capability development. 

Process Improvement 

• Recommend more effective ways of working to execute and drive value. 
• Bring the outside in, remain current with relevant scientific literature. Inspire self and the team with external resources.  

Travel: Travel will fluctuate and is projected to be a maximum of 10% of the time.  

Direct Reports: 0