PepsiCo

Senior Principal Scientist - Consumer Science (Beverages)

PepsiCo • $123K — $206K *
Valhalla, NY 10595In-Person
Food & Beverages
8 - 10 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in relevant scientific discipline (e.g. Sensory Science, Food Science, Psychology) with strong background in research design and statistical analysis.
  • 10+ years in Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) Research & Development.
  • Expertise in Sensory and Consumer Product Research with focus on informed product design.
  • Deep knowledge in quantitative research methods, with a preference for beverage-related experience.
  • Strong ability to analyze and interpret sensory findings into actionable business strategies.
  • Proven strategic thinker capable of identifying consumer opportunities for product innovation.
  • Experience influencing cross-functional teams to prioritize human-centric design.

Responsibilities

  • Serve as a leading expert in beverage consumer and sensory science to influence organizational outcomes.
  • Mentor and advocate for the development of team members to build technical and personal capabilities.
  • Provide actionable insights and consensus-driven recommendations for Research & Development projects.
  • Communicate research findings effectively to senior leadership and project teams, tailoring messages appropriately.
  • Design and conduct comprehensive research aligned with business needs, ensuring stakeholder involvement.
  • Manage relationships with research suppliers and ensure compliance with project requirements.
  • Facilitate budget planning and management for consumer research initiatives, ensuring accurate invoicing.
  • Promote digital tools and shared resources within the Consumer Science team to streamline processes.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive benefits package including Medical, Dental, Vision, and Disability insurance.
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) support for personal and professional challenges.
  • Paid time off, including vacation, parental leave, and sick days.
  • Defined Contribution Retirement Plan to support future financial stability.
Full Job Description
Overview

The Senior Principal Scientist - Consumer Science (Beverages) is a senior technical leader responsible for driving consumer-centric strategy and product superiority for carbonated beverages. This role shapes innovation, renovation, and in-market performance by embedding deep consumer and sensory understanding into every stage of beverage development. Operating at the intersection of sensory science, consumer insights, and product design, this role ensures PepsiCo delivers superior taste and holistic experiences that win against competitors in global beverage markets.

Responsibilities

  • Serve as a recognized expert in beverage consumer science and sensory science. Shaping decisions, capabilities, and outcomes across the broader organization
  • Partner-advocate for career development of others via mentoring with the intention of capability building through technical and personal growth. Contribute toward making and maintaining PepsiCo as the employer of choice as measured in OHS scores.
  • Influential business partner and consensus builder: Provide actionable insights and interpretation to guide current and new R&D projects. Make clear, concise, business-centric recommendation to partners in Product Development and Marketing. Consider and include other points of view to drive a consumer-centric, data-driven consensus opinion representing R&D. Ensure recommendations fit within in-market business complexities and competitive positioning, which differ significantly from brand to brand.
  • Skilled communicator to executive leadership and project teams: Communicate implications and importance of research in manner and in terms appropriate to audience based on level (up through Sr. VPs). Create concise summarized content and present results with clear recommendations up to senior / executive leaders
  • Learning plan owner / Research strategist: Independently design and conduct actionable research as documented in robust integrated learning plans with alignment among key senior stakeholders (L10-LG3) across various business functions (R&D, Consumer Insights, Marketing). Ensure consistency in execution and reporting for efficiency and to maximize learnings for business decisions.
  • External relationship management: Build relationships and negotiate with research suppliers to conduct necessary research in accordance with our requirements. Provide feedback to vendors about ongoing relationship.
  • Budget management / facilitation: Since consumer research is a large contributor to PD spend, help PD and Finance plan and manage budget, and confirm invoicing of research in accordance with period-by-period budget management process
  • Digitization enabler: Ensure all Consumer Science requests and reports are shared through LabVantage. Guide newcomers to the appropriate channels to ensure the use of our digital tools.
  • ONE PepsiCo culture supporter: Nurture culture of excellence, collaboration, engagement, and capability building by maintaining open lines of communication within global Consumer Science team. Make sure his team and partners operate as one PepsiCo

Compensation and Benefits:
  • The expected compensation range for this position is between $123,500 - $206,750.
  • Location, confirmed job-related skills, experience, and education will be considered in setting actual starting salary. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range during the hiring process.
  • Bonus based on performance and eligibility target payout is 15% of annual salary paid out annually.
  • Paid time off subject to eligibility, including paid parental leave, vacation, sick, and bereavement.
  • In addition to salary, PepsiCo offers a comprehensive benefits package to support our employees and their families, subject to elections and eligibility: Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, Health, and Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Insurance (Accident, Group Legal, Life), Defined Contribution Retirement Plan.


Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree (minimum) in a relevant scientific discipline (e.g. Sensory science, Food Science, Psychology) with a strong theoretical background in test design, research methodologies & statistical analysis techniques
  • 10+ Years in CPG R&D
  • Proven expertise in Sensory and Consumer Product Research, enabling sensory informed product design decisions.
  • Deep subject matter expertise and experience in quantitative sensory and consumer research methods for new and existing products. Beverage knowledge is preferred.
  • Proven ability to design, analyze and interpret Sensory and Consumer findings into implications and actionable results that refine product, packaging, and brand strategies.
  • Proven ability to think strategically to drive identification of opportunity spaces the organization can leverage to pursue meaningful consumer solutions.
  • Proven ability to influence cross functional decision making to ensure human centricity remains at the heart of project decisions.
  • Horizon scanning and ability to implement in house cutting edge sensory science methods
  • Clear understanding/appreciation of the broader business environment and application of technical and commercial knowledge.
  • This position is limited to persons with indefinite right to work in the United States


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About PepsiCo

PepsiCo Careers

Joining PepsiCo's global team offers more than just a chance to excel in your career; it's an opportunity to be part of a dynamic and diverse environment where innovation thrives. Work You’ll Do At PepsiCo, we are committed to producing great leaders and fostering a culture of innovation. Our team is dedicated to empowering professionals to master their career paths with PepsiCo. As a leader in the food and beverage industry, we offer unique job opportunities that intersect with cutting-edge technology and market leadership. Lead with Unique Opportunities PepsiCo stands at the forefront of the industry, not only in terms of product quality but also in our approach to leadership and professional growth. We offer a variety of employment paths, including full-time positions, internships, and leadership training programs that are designed to foster diversity and accelerate career development. Work with a Global Team Collaborate with over 260,000 employees worldwide who are united in delivering joy not only to our consumers but also in driving innovation and growth within the company. PepsiCo’s commitment to global diversity and inclusive culture makes it a prime environment for professional development and networking. Introducing PepsiCo’s Professional Growth and Development Programs We are committed to nurturing talent through comprehensive training programs and robust benefits that support both personal and professional growth. Our programs are tailored to help employees at every level of their career to advance and succeed. Innovate and Lead Join the largest team of food and beverage industry experts—dedicated professionals at the intersection of consumer needs, innovative technology, and sustainable practices. Deliver targeted solutions and drive industry leadership through a depth and breadth of knowledge and innovation that’s second to none. Be Part of a Great Team Engage in meaningful work that impacts millions of lives worldwide. At PepsiCo, you’ll harness the power of our global resources and the creativity of our people to improve the way the world accesses the foods and beverages it loves. Future-Proof Your Career With PepsiCo, the sky is the limit when it comes to where your ambition can take you. We offer unmatched opportunities for career advancement along with the training, internship programs, and certification support needed to thrive in your professional journey. Explore Discover how PepsiCo is leading the way in digital innovation and sustainable practices while maintaining a steadfast focus on diversity and employee well-being. Stay Connected Join Our Team Search for open positions that match your skills and interests. We look for passionate, curious, creative, and solution-driven team players ready to take their career to the next level. SEARCH PEPSICO JOBS Keep Up to Date Stay ahead with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can put to use today—all from the people who work here. READ CAREERS BLOG Job Alert Emails Customize your subscription to receive job alerts, latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Discover the exciting and rewarding career opportunities that await at PepsiCo.
Learn more about PepsiCo
Size
309,000 employees
Market Cap
$250.5 billion
Industry
Food & Beverages
Net Income
$7.1 billion
Founded
1965
5 Year Trend
+4.8%
Revenue
$70.3 billion
NASDAQ
PEP
* Ladders Estimates

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