Regulatory Specialist - Food Manufacturer | Chicago, IL

Job Description

Job Description

Our client, a leading manufacturer and distributor of recognized household brands, is seeking a Regulatory Specialist to drive and manage regulatory initiatives across North America. As the organization continues to experience strong growth, they are looking for an individual who can play a pivotal role in enhancing, expanding, and optimizing their regulatory function.

Client Details

Our client is a leading food manufacturer and distributor known for a diverse portfolio of trusted pantry staples, including flour, cornmeal, baking mixes, pasta, and other household essentials. Serving both retail and foodservice markets throughout North America, the company has built a strong reputation for quality, innovation, and preserving the heritage of its well-established brands.

Description

• The Regulatory Specialist works closely with Food Scientists, Marketing, Procurement, Project Management, Legal, and Quality teams, while providing support to additional cross-functional teams as needed.
• Provides nutritional, labeling, and regulatory expertise to support business objectives while ensuring regulatory compliance and responsible marketing practices.
• Maintains foundational knowledge of raw materials, ingredient functionality, standard of identity, and nutrition principles as they relate to labeling and product development.
• Maintains TraceGains data and specifications to support FDA and USDA label compliance requirements.
• Independently develops and validates the technical label copy through application of FDA and USDA regulations and the standards and principles of nutrition and food science.
• Independently reviews and substantiates product claims and provides regulatory guidance to the organization.
• Reviews and approves label art files in collaboration with cross-functional teams.
• Stays current on FDA and USDA regulations and assess potential impacts to product labeling across the portfolio.
• Provides technical guidance in response to product-related consumer inquiries, as needed.
• Identifies and implements opportunities for continuous improvements related to labeling, regulatory compliance, nutrition, and team operations.
• Develops and implements Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and associated training material.
• Supports the development and growth of internal regulatory team capabilities.
• Provides regulatory and technical input throughout all phases of new product development, from concept through commercialization.
• Leads assigned product development projects from concept through commercialization.
• Leads or supports the planning, execution and reporting of plant trials and product validations for new products and reformulations.
• Files and maintains product development related documentation.
• Performs additional duties and special projects as assigned.
• Travel as requested up to 20% as needed

Profile

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Nutrition, Biology, Engineering or related field required
• Minimum 5 years of experience within a food manufacturer environment, including at least 3 years applying government labeling regulations within a Consumer Packaged Goods (CGP) company.
• Strong knowledge of FDA food labeling regulations and comfort with regulatory interpretation.
• Strong knowledge or USDA food labeling regulations and labeling approval procedures.
• Experience supporting export compliance requirements, including Canada and Mexico.
• Experience with TraceGains, ESHA Genesis or similar food labeling program, SAP, Microsoft Office suite, label review software (Dragonfly or similar), SharePoint, and knowledge of PLM system
• Demonstrated ability to work cross-functionally within a regulatory, labeling or product development environment.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Job Offer

• Compensation up to $110,000 depending on experience
• 5% Bonus
• 3 weeks of PTO + 5 sick days
• Full Health Benefits
• 401(k) match

MPI does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or based on an individual's status in any group or class protected by applicable federal, state or local law. MPI encourages applications from minorities, women, the disabled, protected veterans and all other qualified applicants.