Director, Commercial Strategy and Operations, Innovation Lead

Job Description Summary: Advanced Hydration is a dynamic, fast‑paced business unit at The Coca‑Cola Company where teams come together to lead what’s next in hydration. With a portfolio that includes BODYARMOR Sports Drink, Powerade, vitaminwater, and smartwater, the group is driven by an entrepreneurial spirit, strong collaboration, and shared ambition. This is a place for people who think differently, move with agility, challenge the status quo, and thrive in an ever‑changing category. Joining the team means helping shape the future of hydration alongside passionate, collaborative teams committed to winning. The Director, Commercial Strategy & Operations - Innovation Lead for the Advanced Hydration division owns the end-to-end commercial enablement of innovation across the Sports portfolio. This role is accountable for translating innovation ideas into executable commercial plans - leading business case development, managing early-stage projects, aligning cross-functionally, and ensuring launches are performance-tracked and system-ready. Success requires strong commercial judgment, operational discipline, and the ability to lead complex work across Brand, Finance, Supply Chain, Customer, and Franchise teams. RESPONSIBILITIES: Commercial Innovation Management Lead commercial innovation through the Stages & Gates project management process including Business case development in partnership with Finance, Brand, and Supply Chain Managing projects through Gate 2 until assignment of a dedicated Project Manager Participating in all project calls once a PM is assigned to ensure commercial continuity Coordinating with Supply Chain on feasibility as ideas are developed Partner with the CSO Base Lead to ensure innovation concepts are aligned with the overall Advanced Hydration commercial strategy Own performance tracking for all Sports innovation through the first 13 weeks post-launch, including bottler attainment, depletions tracking, syndicated data & consumption trends Identify early risks and opportunities, escalating insights and recommended actions to leadership Operating Plan & System Enablement Develop the Innovation Operating Plan through cross-functional alignment Deploy innovation materials across teams to ensure integration into broader customer and bottler plans Steward commercial innovation strategy to the franchise teams, including follow-ups, materials, and information requests as needed Cross-Functional & System Leadership Represent CSO as the innovation subject matter expert for BODYARMOR & Powerade across North America routines, including System Readiness and supply chain forums Lead NAOU calibration for BODYARMOR & Powerade related to PSA and final forecasting, ensuring volume alignment across internal supply plans and the bottling network Manage the full INCAST process for all Sports innovation, including customer team alignment and follow-ups Coordinate and manage the innovation sampling process across cross-functional stakeholders Partner with Brand teams to monitor competitive innovation and category dynamics, assessing implications for the Sports business Leverage AI tools and knowledge of internal ways of working to create efficiencies while optimizing process workflow End-to-End Ownership: Own projects to completion from initial framing to decision support and executional follow through Enterprise Mindset: Balance brand-level needs with system-wide priorities, ensuring alignment across North America, channels, and the bottler system Strong Operating Rhythm: Establish and steward clear planning cycles, governance forums, and communication cadences that enable fast, informed decisions Clarity Through Simplicity: Translate complex data, strategies, and trade-offs into clear points of view and executive-ready narratives Modern Enablement: Actively leverage AI tools, analytics platforms, and internal ways of working to reduce friction, eliminate rework, and improve speed to impact Collaborative Influence: Lead through influence rather than authority, building alignment across diverse stakeholders with competing priorities Pushes for Progress: Move work forward in imperfect environments by driving decisions, structuring trade-offs, and maintaining momentum REQUIREMENTS: Bachelor’s degree required; MBA or other graduate degree preferred 7+ years of experience in strategic leadership within consumer goods management, finance, or commercial strategy required Demonstrated ability to lead and influence across all organizational levels Advanced analytical capability, including development of forecast models and performance dashboards Deep experience working with syndicated data (Nielsen, IRI, Circana, Numerator) Exceptional storytelling and PowerPoint skills; experience presenting complex ideas to senior leaders Proven success operating in fast-paced, evolving, matrixed organizations What We Can Do For You Iconic Brand: Work on the most recognized brand in the world and be part of developing the brands next chapter. Exposure to World Class Leaders: Availability to global marketing leaders that will expand your network and exposure you to emerging digital platforms and marketing insights. Creative Team Culture: Be inspired by the best brand leaders and agencies in the world, which creates a creative culture that supports taking risks and innovation. The Coca-Cola Company will not offer sponsorship for employment status (including, but not limited to, H1-B visa status and other employment-based nonimmigrant visas) for this position. Accordingly, all applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis and must not require The Coca-Cola Company's sponsorship to continue to work legally in the United States. Skills: Brand Management, Category Management, Communication, Competitor Analysis, Digital Marketing, Finance Strategy, Financial Forecasting, Integrated Marketing, Key Performance Indicators (KPI), Leadership, Marketing Campaigns, Marketing Strategies, Media Planning, Microsoft Office, People Management, Price Management, Product Roadmapping, Promotional Strategies, Sales Analysis, Search Engine Marketing (SEM), Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Teamwork, User Experience Analysis Pay Range: United States of America: 144,000 USD - 180,000 USD Base pay offered may vary depending on geography, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. A full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position, is offered. Location(s): United States of America City/Cities: Atlanta Travel Required: 26% - 50% Relocation Provided: Yes Job Posting End Date: June 1, 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. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class. When we collect your personal information as part of a job application or offer of employment, we do so in accordance with industry standards and best practices and in compliance with applicable privacy laws. The Coca-Cola Company is a global community of passionate employees who are refreshing the world and making a difference every day. Innovation has been at the heart of our story since 1886. It goes beyond new flavors and brands. Learn more about our system and how we’re making an impact. We believe a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace makes us a stronger and more innovative company. This includes supporting the financial and personal well-being of our employees. Learn more about our benefits. We empower each and every one of our employees across the globe to prioritize their career development by building capabilities, developing new skills, and leaning into new experiences. Learn how we provide support and clarity on defining your own career so you can thrive. We’re glad you’ve chosen to explore your next career opportunity with The Coca-Cola Company. Learn more about our hiring process and pick up tips on how to showcase your experience and skills so you can stand out and thrive.