Principal Scientist

Job Locations

US-TX-Frisco

Job ID 2024-101927 Function Research & Development

JOB DESCRIPTION

The KDP productivity team plays a pivotal role in driving efficiency, streamlining products and processes, enhancing overall performance, and improving the profitability of our products. Our mission is to optimize KDP brands, extend beyond our core capabilities, and maximize the profitability of our products. At KDP, our inspiration is rooted in our company vision: “Drink Well, Do Good!”

As a Principal Scientist within the Productivity team, you will lead initiatives focused on enhancing product and process efficiency. Your responsibilities will include developing strategies to improve productivity, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and implementing innovative solutions. By doing so, you’ll contribute to KDP’s ability to create and commercialize new products that delight our consumers and customers.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

Thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced, and highly collaborative environment. Apply strategic thinking, creativity, and leadership to drive excellence and results. Develop and implement holistic solutions that align with KDP’s overall Innovation agenda. Collaborate extensively with R&D, Marketing, Supply Chain, Procurement, Sales, and Ingredient Suppliers.

If you’re passionate about making a meaningful impact, this role offers an exciting opportunity within the KDP productivity team.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Product Development Strategy: Lead and develop the product development strategy to meet consumer need states across a variety of KDP brands and products.
• Technical Accuracy and Trials: Conduct bench-top work, pilot plant, and manufacturing trials to verify and support formula accuracy and documentation across projects within the KDP portfolio.
• Pipeline Building and Innovation: Take the initiative to develop new ideas for the product pipeline strategically, rooted in consumer insights, market research, and technology scouting.
• Insights and Communication: Lead complex test and research trials to gain insights into key product development challenges and opportunities. Write technical reports and effectively communicate information within the business.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Proactively partner with and engage with various R&D functions, including Product, Packaging, Procurement, and Flavor Technology.
• Consumer-Centric Approach: Understand the business goals, brand marketing strategies, and manufacturing capabilities within the KDP network. Translate consumer needs into key product concepts.
• Process Improvement and Mentorship: Identify and implement opportunities for improvement within the product development function (process, ways of working, and systems). Actively coach and mentor junior Scientists on complex initiatives and technical challenges.
• Effective Communication: Communicate updates on strategic initiatives within the business to key stakeholders.
• Use formulation software to document lab work and formulas. Coach and mentor junior scientists on new systems and tools for accurate formulation and specification. Demonstrate flexibility and resilience in adapting to changing business needs and priorities.

• BS in Food Science, Biology, Chemical Engineering. MS/MBA is a plus.
• 8+ years of experience in Product Development, Food Manufacturing, R&D, or related function (Food and Beverage experience required)
• Additional experience with hot fill, cold fill, retort, and aseptic processes is a plus.
• Extremely strong skills in business acumen, influencing, leading cross-functional teams
• Proficient concept generation, consumer research, problem solving, and collaboration skills
• Demonstrated consumer empathy for developing consumer centric propositions
• Ability to travel is required( up to 25% )

CAPABILITIES:

• Ability to manage ambiguity and complex problems. Create solution paths reflecting a range of sustainable, functional, and technically feasible options.
• Must have Excellent presentation and communication skills
• Understanding of and experience in managing the inter-dependences and relationships between all aspects of R&D, Marketing, Finance, Commercial, and Supply
• Self-motivated, takes initiative, highly collaborative with strong problem-solving skills
• Positively influence peers and stakeholders
• Change readiness, resiliency and flexibility to thrive in fast moving organization

Keurig Dr Pepper (NASDAQ: KDP) is a modern beverage company with a bold vision built to deliver growth and opportunity. We operate with a differentiated business model and world-class brand portfolio, powered by a talented and engaged team that is anchored in our values. We work with big, exciting beverage brands and the #1 single-serve coffee brewing system in North America at KDP, and we have fun doing it! 

Together, we have built a leading beverage company in North America offering hot and cold beverages together at scale. Whatever your area of expertise, at KDP you can be a part of a team that’s proud of its brands, partnerships, innovation, and growth. Will you join us? 

We strive to be an employer of choice, providing a culture and opportunities that empower our team of ~28,000 employees to grow and develop. We offer robust benefits to support your health and wellness as well as your personal and financial well-being. We also provide employee programs designed to enhance your professional growth and development, while ensuring you feel valued, inspired and appreciated at work. 

Keurig Dr Pepper is an equal opportunity employer and affirmatively seeks diversity in its workforce. Keurig Dr Pepper recruits qualified applicants and advances in employment its employees without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability or association with a person with a disability, medical condition, genetic information, ethnic or national origin, marital status, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.