Life Sciences Senior Principal Scientist

Job Purpose

In this role you will lead the EMEA Life Sciences research and science platform agenda, translating global scientific strategies into regionally relevant programs that unlock business growth, innovation, claims, and reputation opportunities across EMEA. The role is accountable for shaping and governing the EMEA research portfolio, driving the deployment of science platform workstreams, building strategic external partnerships, and ensuring scientific evidence generation supports regional business priorities.

You will be accountable for shaping EMEA science platform priorities and translating science into business growth, innovation and claims opportunities. The position provides people leadership, capability building, and talent development across the EMEA Life Sciences organization while operating with a high degree of autonomy and strategic decision-making responsibility.

• Lead the EMEA Life Sciences research strategy and portfolio aligned with business priorities and global science platforms.
• Serve as the primary EMEA Life Sciences scientific lead for science platform deployment, partnering with global platform leaders and regional stakeholders to ensure successful activation and business impact, translating global platform strategies into regionally relevant scientific programs, evidence generation plans, and claims opportunities
• Govern research investments and prioritize resources across the EMEA research plan to maximize business, scientific, and reputational impact.
• Partner with R&D, Regulatory, Insights, Marketing, and Commercial teams to identify science and claims opportunities and support business growth.
• Partner closely with Portfolio Transformation and Product Development teams to shape the future EMEA innovation pipeline and long-term Portfolio of the Future (POTF) agenda.
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with leading academic institutions, healthcare professionals, scientific organizations, and external influencers.
• Represent PepsiCo externally at scientific and industry forums to strengthen scientific credibility and thought leadership.
• Lead, coach, and develop scientific talent, fostering capability growth and a high-performance culture.
• Provide strategic scientific guidance to cross-functional teams and senior stakeholders across EMEA.
• Ensure alignment between regional and global Life Sciences priorities and facilitate adoption of best practices throughout EMEA.

• PhD in Nutrition, Life Sciences, Physiology, or related discipline
• At least 8–12 years of relevant scientific and research experience preferably in industry environment
• Demonstrated experience leading regional or global research programs
• Strong publication and external scientific engagement record
• Experience influencing senior cross-functional leadership teams
• Proven people leadership and talent development experience
• Experience managing multi-country research portfolios and external partnerships
• Deep understanding of science substantiation, evidence generation, and claims development, specifically for UK/EU.