Position Summary
The Lead Regulatory Compliance Specialist provides leadership and oversight of regulatory compliance programs across food products, dietary supplements, seafood initiatives, and third-party certifications. This role ensures organizational adherence to FDA, USDA, and other applicable regulatory requirements, supporting accurate labeling, certification integrity, and traceability initiatives.
The position partners cross-functionally to strengthen compliance processes, maintain regulatory systems and controls, and guide compliance strategy for new and existing products. This role may supervise Regulatory Compliance team members and serves as a key resource for regulatory expertise across the organization.
Coverage
In the absence of the Regulatory Compliance Lead, all Food Safety and Quality responsibilities will fall upon the Regulatory Compliance Manager. The Regulatory Compliance Manager may delegate responsibilities.
Duties and Responsibilities
Major responsibilities of the position are listed below. To perform the job successfully, the individual must be able to execute each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Other duties, assignments and specific projects may be assigned at the discretion of management.
- Serve as subject matter expert on FDA, USDA, and other applicable regulations governing food, dietary supplements, labeling, manufacturing, and traceability.
- Lead regulatory review and approval of product formulations, specifications, ingredient statements, allergen disclosures, nutrition/supplement facts panels, claims, and all labeling content across packaging, print, and digital platforms.
- Oversee collection, validation, and maintenance of ingredient, allergen, nutritional, supplier, and country-of-origin data. Ensure accurate calculations, rounding, panel format selection, and compliance with federal requirements.
- Maintain and continuously improve regulatory databases, documentation systems, and record retention practices.
- Demonstrates working knowledge in all of the following categories:
- Incoming products
- Labeling of internally manufactured items
- Labeling of externally manufactured items
- Proficient in at all WMS systems and regulatory software/databases.
- Partner cross-functionally with Art Production/Design, Purchasing, Planning, R&D, QA, Production, Merchandising, Marketing, and other stakeholders to support compliant product development and commercialization.
- Interpret regulatory and certification changes, conduct research, assess risk, and recommend procedural updates to strengthen compliance controls.
- Train, mentor, and provide technical guidance to Regulatory Compliance Specialists. Assist with workload prioritization and serve as escalation point for complex compliance decisions.
- Represent Regulatory Compliance in cross-functional meetings and support leadership with strategic projects and special initiatives.
- Perform additional duties as assigned to support regulatory and business objectives.
Requirements:
Education and Experience
- Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Nutrition, Biology, Chemistry, or a related field preferred. Specialized training in Food Labeling is preferred.
- Minimum of five years of experience in regulatory compliance, food safety, quality assurance, product development, or a related food industry role. Internships or relevant coursework may be considered.
- Demonstrated advanced knowledge of FDA and USDA regulations, including food and dietary supplement labeling requirements (e.g., 21 CFR 101, 111, 117), gained through direct hands-on experience.
- Experience managing or supporting third-party certification programs. (e.g., SQF, kosher, organic, gluten-free) preferred but not required.
- Experience training or mentoring team members and supporting cross-functional partners in regulatory matters.
- Proficiency in using standard business software (e.g., Microsoft Office).
- Proficiency in using ERP, PLM, WMS, and Regulatory software for all brands.
- Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience may be considered.
