Director of Strategy and Portfolio Management - Chief of Staff

The Director of Strategy and Portfolio Management / Chief of Staff will play a pivotal role in driving strategic initiatives and transformation efforts within the Beverage R&D department. This position will support the Chief R&D Officer in executing the department's strategic vision, enhancing operational efficiency, and fostering innovation and productivity. The role involves coordinating cross-functional teams, managing key projects, and ensuring alignment with the company's overall business objectives. A strong focus will be placed on advancing the use of technology, process improvement or automation, and optimizing internal systems and performance to support delivering the R&D strategy with speed and excellence. 

Location: Frisco, TX (Hybrid schedule: 3-4 days in the office per week)

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Planning and Execution: Lead the strategic planning and alignment process in close partnership and collaboration with the Chief R&D Officer, R&D Leadership Team, and internal cross-functional partners. 

• Build and implement strategic plans to drive innovation and transformation within the R&D department.

• Align R&D strategies with the company's overall business goals and market trends.

• Identify emerging trends and opportunities to advance the R&D objectives. 

• Identify and measure key performance indicators for R&D. 

• Operational Efficiency & Transformation:Ensure that processes, systems, and resources are optimized to achieve goals with speed and quality.

• Identify opportunities for process improvements, standardization, and automationto streamline workflows and enhance productivity and efficiency 

• Lead the implementation or coordination of identified solutions including effective change management strategies to support adoption. 

• Leverage data analytics to inform decision-making and optimize resource allocation.

• Oversee budget and resource allocation to ensure efficiency and effectiveness. 

• Leadership and Collaboration:In a Chief of Staff capacity, play a pivotal role in fostering collaboration across the function and departments. 

• Act as a trusted advisor to the Chief R&D Officer and the R&D Leadership Team, provide insights and recommendations on strategic initiatives.

• Foster a collaborative culture within the R&D team and across other departments.

• Employs measures to drive connectivity and accountability across the R&D LT and R&D function. 

• Technology and Innovation:

• Lead initiatives to integrate advanced technology, process automation, and AI into R&D processes to drive speed, decision quality.

• Explore and implement digital tools to enhance product development and innovation.

• Portfolio and Project Management:

• Oversee key R&D projects, ensuring timely delivery and alignment with strategic objectives.

• Coordinate with cross-functional teams to streamline processes and enhance project outcomes.

• Change Management:

• Lead change management efforts to ensure successful adoption of new processes and technologies.

• Communicate transformation goals and progress to stakeholders at all levels.

• Talent Development:

• Support the development of talent within the R&D department, focusing on building skills and capabilities for future needs.

• Promote a culture of continuous learning and innovation.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (Food Science, Engineering, or Data Science); advanced degree (Master’s/MBA or equivalent) preferred.

• Project management and process improvement certification encouraged such as PMP (Project Management Professional) or Six Sigma. 

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in strategy, transformation, or a related role, with at least 5 years in a leadership position.

Key Skills and Qualifications:

• Proven experience in strategic planning and transformation within a large organization, preferably in R&D or a closely related field.

• Strong project management skills with a track record of delivering complex projects on time and within budget.

• Expertise in technology integration and strong digital literacy with a focus on  process automation, data analytics software and AI technologies. 

• Knowledge of beverage industry trends, including flavor development, consumer preferences, and regulatory requirements.

• Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate with diverse teams.

• Analytical mindset with the ability to leverage data for strategic decision-making.

• Experience in change management and driving organizational transformation.

• Strong communication skills, capable of articulating complex ideas to various stakeholders.

Keurig Dr Pepper (NASDAQ: KDP) is a leading beverage company in North America, with a portfolio of more than 125 owned, licensed and partners brands and powerful distribution capabilities to provide a beverage for every need, anytime, anywhere. 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 ~29,000 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 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.