Sensory & Microbiology Laboratory Lead

Job Description Summary:

Location: Liberia, Costa Rica

 

For the last 139 years Coca-Cola has grown to become the most recognizable brand in the world. Today we sell thousands of products to billions of consumers in nearly every country in the world. We are proud of the legacy of our history, and we are excited about the innovation of the future!

In Liberia, Costa Rica we have our newest and most advanced manufacturing facility in the world that is leading the way for Industry 4.0. This plant is utilizing state of the art manufacturing technology to improve how our employees work and how we produce our products. We are looking for a Sensory & microbiologist Laboratory Lead, responsible to perform quality tests (chemical, microbiological and sensorial) on raw materials and finish products as required by corporate guidelines, ISO Norms, internal procedures and local regulations in order to assure the quality and food safety of all manufactured materials. Perform all activities required by our Integrated Management System (ISO 9001, 14001, 17025, 22000 and 45001) in order to sustain a high level of performance throughout the organization. Assure execution Business Plan activities related to the Quality Department. The products produced in this plant will reach hundreds of millions of consumers across the world. If you are looking for a technologically advanced, innovative, and challenging work environment in which you will lead, learn, and grow then we would love to speak with you!

What you will do for us:

• Perform analysis of Ingredients, packaging or finish products according to internal procedures and corporative requirements.

• Comply and promote a continuous improvement culture by executing activities related to GLP, GMP, Management Systems, Operational Excellence, Lean Manufacturing.

• Participate in the development of sensory programs and judge’s certification when required.

• Support validation tests of new technologies in the production area and new instrumentation or methods approved by Corporate.

• Participate in Troubleshooting or Root cause multidisciplinary teams to improve the operating systems.

• Support the laboratory ISO 17025 accreditation of current and new methods.

• Participate in the global distributed work teams when necessary.

• Active participation in Management System trainings and activities related to Food Safety, Quality, Environment and Occupational Safety. Also, support the certifications in the corresponding ISO Norms.

• Participate in internal work teams and meetings necessary to meet the objectives of the plant.

• Comply with the guidelines of Food Safety, Integrated Management System (Quality, Environment, Occupational Health and Safety), KORE Corporate Standards and any other applicable legal requirements, established or subscribed by the Company, related to your job, complying with the policies, internal plans and procedures that ensure the proper implementation and continuous improvement of the company.

Requirements & Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree/University degree in Food Engineering or a related field.

• At least 3–5 years of prior work experience.

• Proven experience in laboratory sensory and microbiological analyses. Additional experience in performing corrective and preventive actions, identifying and implementing continuous improvement opportunities. Desired knowledge of physicochemical analyses. Experience in leadership roles is a plus.

• Sensory background. Microbiological background.

• Use of statistical tools such as Minitab.

• Automation mindset and use of technologies.

• Use of laboratory software, such as analytical equipment programs, SAP, Sample Manager, Compusense, Power BI, OEE tools, among others.

• Preferably bilingual: English and Spanish.

• Willingness to relocate to or currently live in Liberia, Guanacaste — 100% non-negotiable.

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:

Location(s):

Costa Rica

City/Cities:

Liberia

Travel Required:

00% - 25%

Relocation Provided:

Yes

Job Posting End Date:

April 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.