Senior Director, Technical

Job Description Summary:

The Senior Director, Technical provides strategic leadership and operational management for the Technical Department within FMW. This position has accountability for integrated technical operations encompassing Business Management Systems, Process Quality, Process Chemistry, Process Development & Commercialisation, Scientific Research & Innovation, Materials Management, Master Data & Formula Management, and Regulatory Compliance.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Business Management

• Develop and execute Technical Department strategy aligned with Flavor Manufacturing and Coca-Cola Company objectives, encompassing quality, innovation, commercialisation, and compliance
• Build / maintain strategic partnerships with Global R&D, Flavor Innovation, Ingredient Supply, Corporate Quality, and Manufacturing Operations teams
• Represent Technical function in senior leadership forums, customer engagements, and stakeholder presentations
• Champion operational excellence programmes and continuous improvement culture across all technical operations

Quality, Food Safety & Regulatory Compliance

• Accountable for Quality & Food Safety Management Systems, ensuring compliance with all applicable regulatory / corporate standards
• Drive zero-defect culture achieving no defective product releases
• Oversee external audits (customers, regulatory bodies, certification agencies) ensuring zero major findings
• Manage regulatory compliance programmes including REACH registration, IPR (Duty), hazardous materials, labelling (GHS), and customs requirements
• Ensure robust Business Management System with rigorous adherence to SOPs, work instructions, validation protocols, and change control
• Safeguard and protect all Company information, trademarks, intellectual property, and confidential flavor formulations

Process Technology, Innovation & Commercialisation

• Lead scientific and innovation activities across process technology, process development, process engineering, and R&D collaboration
• Direct pilot plant operations for flavor process development, scale-up validation, and commercialisation of new products and processes
• Establish site as center of excellence (CofE) for citrus processing and allied flavor technologies
• Provide technical leadership for proprietary flavor systems across major brand portfolio, working with senior leadership on confidential formulations
• Sign-off on new innovations and process designs prior to major capital initiative commencement
• Accelerate concept-to-commercial timelines through optimised development processes, reducing time-to-market aggressively
• Drive process optimization (yield, quality and productivity improvements) through application of scientific knowledge
• Manage contingency planning and technology transfer for supply point shifts and alternative sourcing scenarios

Master Data, Formula Management & Technical Systems

• Oversee Formula Management System integrity, ensuring accurate product specifications, bill of materials, routing data, and compliance information
• Maintain master data governance for ingredients, intermediates, finished products, packaging materials, and process parameters
• Ensure accurate costing, pricing data, and supply chain planning parameters across all SKUs
• Manage technical documentation including SOPs, work instructions, validation protocols, test methods, and specifications

Strategic Development & Technical Infrastructure

• Collaborate with Engineering function on capital programmes, facility upgrades, equipment installations, and technology implementations
• Provide technical input/sign-off for major capital - including equipment specifications, process design and qualification activities
• Justify and secure approval for pilot plant investments, analytical equipment, and technical infrastructure to maintain CofE capabilities
• Support automation, instrumentation, and control system enhancements to improve process capability, data integrity, and efficiency

People Leadership, Talent Development & Culture

• Lead the Technical department, including direct management of key reports.
• Provide strategic direction, mentoring, coaching, and technical leadership to build high-performing teams, fostering a zero-defect culture, continuous improvement, and operational excellence in a multi-product, high-volume flavor manufacturing environment.

Environmental, Health & Safety

• Partner with EHS function to ensure safe work practices, risk assessment, incident prevention, and regulatory compliance
• Support ISO 14001, OHSAS 18001/ISO 45001 management systems and certification programmes
• Drive environmental sustainability initiatives including waste reduction, energy efficiency, and emissions management
• Ensure technical operations comply with IPPC, ATEX, and all applicable safety and environmental regulations
• Maintain relationships with regulatory authorities including local authorities, HSA, HSE, EPA, IDA

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Stakeholder Management

• Work collaboratively across Manufacturing Operations, Engineering, Finance, Commercial, Global R&D, and Corporate functions
• Build value-based relationships with customers, suppliers, regulatory bodies, and industry organisations
• Represent Technical function in cross-functional teams for new product launches, productivity initiatives, and strategic projects
• Facilitate communication and alignment between site technical teams and global/regional technical networks
• Support Company programmes, culture, and values within the organisation

Required Experience and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Organic Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, Applied Chemistry or Analytical Chemistry. PhD level desirable
• Other science/engineering qualification with relevant experience also considered.
• At least 15 years’ experience in process / chemical plant or industrial manufacturing projects
• Experience working within regulated manufacturing environments (food, beverage, chemicals, pharma, or similar)
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills

Key Competencies

• Strategic thinking and decision making
• Commercial and contractual awareness
• Excellent communication, influencing, and negotiation skills
• Cross Functional Influence
• Financial and business acumen
• High level of professionalism, integrity, and discretion
• Strong problem-solving skills with excellent execution & delivery

Skills:

Influencing, organization

Location(s):

Ireland

City/Cities:

Wexford

Travel Required:

00% - 25%

Relocation Provided:

No

Job Posting End Date:

March 25, 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.