Regulatory Compl Specialist, Sr

Position Summary:

The Senior Regulatory Compliance Specialist is responsible for supporting the implementation of the strategic food regulatory and nutrition labelling regulatory pillars across Ventura Foods.  The individual contributor: 

• Has increasing responsibility in the areas of global regulatory compliance of ingredients and finished products in U.S. and at least two global selling markets (e.g. APAC, EMEA, NA, and LATAM). 
• Provides the appropriate regulatory direction to R&D, Legal, Quality, Sales, Marketing, Operations, Customers, Co-Manufacturers, Suppliers, Consultants and other internal and external stakeholders.  

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Continuously expands knowledge and understanding of new and existing statutes, Trade Agreements (TA) and regulations at the local, state and federal levels (U.S.) and in global selling markets (e.g. APAC, EMEA, NA, and LATAM) which may impact Ventura Foods' products and processes. Applies this knowledge to interpret and communicate regulatory issues to impacted customers and teams to ensure branded and private label products will be legislatively acceptable.
• Initiates and leads cross-functional regulatory projects and develops the necessary protocol inclusive of labels, standards, procedures, guidance documents and customers' communications in response to assigned selling markets (e.g., APAC, EMEA, NA, and LATAM regulatory rule-making activities. 
• Utilizes risk assessments and risk/benefit analyses to determine regulatory risks pertaining to claims, nutritional information, market analyses, branded and private label compliance, ingredients, allergens, food contact packaging materials, production disruptions and supply chain shortages.
• Collaboratively works with cross-functional partners on new business opportunities in assigned global selling markets. Utilizes applicable food laws, Free Trade Agreements (FTA) and country permissibility assessments to influence and coach the teams to consider the plausible options to drive the desired business initiatives.
• Juggles multiple priorities as a regulatory subject matter expert, including facilitating knowledge transfer to enhance regulatory capability and capacity. Works directly with consultants, suppliers and customers to improve regulatory processes and achieve regulatory and business results.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Regulatory Compliance, Regulatory Affairs, Food Science, Food Nutrition, Quality Assurance, Food Safety, Biology, Chemistry, International Food law, or related field, or equivalent industry experience.
• A minimum of three (3) years experience in food, beverage, or pharmaceutical industry in regulatory compliance, or in a regulatory affairs capacity.
• Active participation leading regulatory compliance projects, required as a result of rulemaking activities, preferred.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Proficient knowledge in global food laws and regulations including food ingredients and food labelling under FDA and USDA, and CFIA  jurisdictions.
• A working knowledge of Kosher and Halal Certification Programs, Trade Agreements (FTA), Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS), Food Contact Packaging Materials Regulations and related geographic regional trade activities (APAC, EMEA, LATAM, NA).
• Knowledgeable in hazard analysis, risk assessments and food safety concepts.
• Demonstrative understanding of Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and associated Final Rules, Federal Food Drug and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), Codex Alimentarius, California Proposition 65, California Proposition 12, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Labelling Statutes and Regulations, Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), and other applicable regulations governing food manufacturing.
• Excellent organizational, communications (both verbal and written), interpersonal and team interaction skills.
• Highly motivated, collaborative, self-directed and self-starter team player.
• Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office, regulatory software systems (e.g. FoodChain ID, Decernis gComply and Decernis gComply Plus) and Genesis labelling platform.