Regulatory Specialist

Regulatory Specialist

The Regulatory Specialist supports product compliance and product-data activities across the Miniat and South Chicago Packing businesses. Reporting to the VP-Food Safety & Regulatory Affairs, this role prepares and maintains labels, specifications, nutrition information, claims documentation, certifications, and related records in Infor PLM for Process and other business systems. The Specialist works independently on assigned responsibilities, coordinates with business partners, and escalates complex or higher-risk matters for review.

Primary Responsibilities

Labels, Nutrition & Regulatory Review

• Prepare and maintain product labels, ingredient statements, allergen declarations, nutrition information, and related regulatory records.
• Review formulas, ingredients, processing information, specifications, and label proofs for accuracy and compliance with applicable requirements.
• Prepare USDA label approval submissions and maintain approval records and supporting documentation.
• Research and maintain support for product and marketing claims, including natural, gluten-free, sustainability, and other regulated or substantiated claims.
• Identify questions or compliance concerns and escalate complex or higher-risk matters to the VP – Food Safety & Regulatory Affairs.

Specifications & Product Data

• Create and update raw material, packaging, formula, and finished product specifications in Infor PLM for Process using approved source information.
• Maintain accurate, complete, and current product data, labels, nutrition information, claims support, certifications, and related records.
• Coordinate with Growth & Innovation, FSRA, Supply Chain, Procurement, Operations, and other teams to obtain missing information and complete product or specification changes.
• Review records for completeness and consistency, correct identified gaps, and follow established workflows and approval requirements.
• Support data cleanup, document control, and continuous improvement of product-information practices.

Certifications, Packaging & Compliance Programs

• Administer assigned product certification activities, including records, verification testing, audit support, and renewals in coordination with business-unit FSRA teams.
• Collect and maintain packaging compliance documentation, including sustainability disclosures, chemical information, recyclability, recycled content, and EPR data.
• Support supplier-documentation, customer-questionnaire, certification, and product-compliance requests.
• Maintain assigned compliance calendars, inventories, trackers, and recurring program records.

Regulatory Monitoring & Business Support

• Monitor assigned federal, state, customer, and certification developments related to labeling, ingredients, claims, packaging, and product compliance.
• Prepare summaries, supporting materials, and recommended follow-up for review by the PLM & Product Data Manager.
• Support internal, customer, certification, and regulatory audits by organizing requested records and compliance evidence.
• Provide practical guidance to business partners within established standards and complete other assigned department responsibilities.

Success Measures

• Accurate, complete, and current labels, specifications, product data, and compliance records.
• Timely completion of assigned product changes, submissions, questionnaires, renewals, and audit requests.
• Consistent use of Infor PLM for Process, approved workflows, documentation standards, and escalation practices.
• Effective follow-up with cross-functional partners and reduction of avoidable errors or rework.
• Continued growth in regulatory, product-data, and specification-management capability.

Supervisory / Management Responsibilities

This position has no direct reports. The Regulatory Specialist manages assigned work independently and supports cross-functional partners through accurate information, timely follow-up, and consistent application of established standards.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Nutrition, Regulatory Affairs, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• 3+ or more years of experience in food labeling, regulatory affairs, product compliance, specification management, quality systems, product development, or a related function in a USDA- or FDA-regulated environment.
• Experience reviewing or maintaining labels, ingredient statements, formulas, specifications, nutrition information, claims, approvals, or related technical records.
• Working knowledge of food labeling, ingredients, standards of identity, product certifications, or packaging compliance requirements.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, maintain detailed records, learn new technical concepts, and work independently after appropriate training.
• Strong written communication, organization, problem-solving, and attention to detail.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 and experience with specification, labeling, PLM, ERP, database, or related business systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Infor PLM for Process or a similar formulation, specification, or PLM platform.
• Experience preparing USDA label approval submissions or nutrition information.
• Experience with customer specification portals, product certifications, packaging compliance, EPR reporting, or supplier documentation.
• Experience in food or protein manufacturing, ingredients, oils, consumer packaged goods, or another regulated environment.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Regulatory & Product Knowledge: Applies working knowledge of labeling, ingredients, nutrition, claims, certifications, and specifications.

Accuracy & Documentation: Maintains complete, organized, and reliable product information and compliance records.

Systems & Data Management: Uses Infor PLM for Process and related systems consistently and follows established data standards and workflows.

Organization & Follow-Through: Manages deadlines, recurring activities, and multiple assignments with dependable follow-up.

Communication & Collaboration: Asks clear questions, coordinates effectively, and explains technical information in practical language.

Judgment & Initiative: Works independently within assigned authority and escalates questions, risk, or uncertainty appropriately.

Leadership Expectations

Models Miniat's values by serving customers and colleagues, making sound decisions, building for the future, taking pride in the work, and contributing to a team that plays to win.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

Work is primarily performed in an office environment and requires regular computer use, communication, detailed document review, data entry, and comparison of technical information. Occasional work in manufacturing, warehouse, laboratory, or product-development areas and occasional business travel may be required. These environments may include temperature variation, noise, wet surfaces, sanitation controls, and required personal protective equipment. Reasonable accommodations will be considered consistent with applicable requirements.

Equal Employment Opportunity & Job Description Notice

Miniat is committed to equal employment opportunities and reasonable accommodations consistent with applicable law and Company policy. This description summarizes the general nature and level of work and is not an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Responsibilities may change based on business needs.

Benefits for this role include: Medical, vision, dental, discretionary bonus up to 12% (50% personal performance based & 50% company performance), 401(k) with matching up to a max of 4% and 120 hours PTO in the 1st 12 months.