Director Scientific and Regulatory Affairs

Job Description Summary:

Job Description

We deliver enhanced consumer protection and global advocacy to ensure our business maintains license to operate in all markets. This role implements and develops our global regulatory harmonization initiatives on food additives and contaminants to protect existing ingredients and to support product innovation and growth in Japan. You’ll be responsible for analyzing the impact of proposed new global food standards and seeking opportunities for regulatory alignment to remove barriers to business growth. We’ve looking for a candidate with strong leadership in the global regulatory initiatives that understands the technology and innovation as they relate to the food and beverage industry. 

What You’ll Do for Us

• Analyze, provide advice, and help develop strategies on proposed global food standards and potential trade issues related to food additives and contaminants relevant to foods and beverages (e.g., Codex, WHO, FAO, WTO)

• Prepare and advocate company positions on global food standards to internal and external stakeholders

• Identify opportunities for regulatory alignment in collaboration with the Scientific & Regulatory Affairs network and manage such projects

• Provide guidance on regulatory issues to clients (internal and Coca-Cola System) and help develop innovative solutions

• Guide and assist in preparing regulatory submissions on beverage ingredients to global organizations and other regulatory authorities

• Manage the distribution of information on global standards, positions, and other regulatory information to internal clients as needed

• Plan and execute driving innovation and advocacy initiatives, ensuring compliance, and developing the capabilities for the Japan SRA team while also handling practical tasks for product development.

Qualifications & Requirements

•  Master’s Degree in toxicology, food science, or equivalent is preferred. PhD is a plus.

• 5+ years of work experience in beverage or food industry in scientific and regulatory affairs or relevant related field in food industry, government or related industry in similar roles managing regulatory issues impacting products, ingredients, and labeling

• Experience in international food standard setting processes and reviewing and analyzing proposed standards

• Understanding of the key issues and the relevant regulatory and scientific proof points to support regulatory advocacy by developing positions to support innovation of ingredients, products, or labeling.

• Understanding the technological need for food additives and typical contaminants found in foods and their regulatory principles defining the permissibility and limitations of use.

• Understanding of key trade associations and global regulatory policy landscape affecting food and beverage industry

• 3+ years of experience demonstrating ​​​​​​​Leadership and Growth Behavior as a leader role at a department, group, or joint project involving multiple departments.

What We Can Do For You

• Purpose Driven: Purpose driven approach that empowers our people to protect the environment and communities we serve while delivering safe & quality products.

• Global Connections: Allows you to develop, enhance and maintain global connections that allow us to move faster and learn from others.

• Community of Belonging: We’re an organization that believes our ability to continually grow and build the right atmosphere where people feel safe and empowered, lets you bring your best self to work.

Skills:

Chemistry, Communication, Continual Improvement Process, Data Compilation, Environmental Science, Food Safety and Sanitation (Inactive), Food Sciences, Food Technology, Green Solutions, Laboratory Testing, Leadership, Microbiological Test, Product Development, Quality Control (QC), Researching, Sensory Testing, Sustainability, Waterfall Model

Location(s):

Japan

City/Cities:

Tokyo

Travel Required:

00% - 25%

Relocation Provided:

No

Job Posting End Date:

November 29, 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.