Compliance & Regulatory Manager

The Regulatory Manager is responsible for overseeing the company's compliance with all relevant regulations and standards governing its operations. This includes managing regulatory submissions, ensuring that products and processes meet the required legal and regulatory standards, and monitoring changes in regulations. The Regulatory Manager will work closely with internal departments, external regulatory bodies, and stakeholders to ensure ongoing compliance and minimize risks.

Roles and Responsibilities

Regulatory Compliance Management:

• Develop and oversee the implementation of comprehensive food safety programs and policies that align with industry standards and regulatory requirements.
• Function as a high-level, strategic decision-maker within the organization. Help direct and grow the company.
• Oversee the Food Safety (HACCP) Plan, risk assessments, and GMPs (Good Manufacturing Practices).
• Lead factory audit programs as per company requirement to verify adherence to certification standards and regulatory requirements.
• Manage strategic planning and daily operation of the Quality Control department including coaching and mentorship of department members.
• Regularly inspecting food processing areas, storage facilities, and equipment to identify potential hazards
• Oversee and coordinate 3rd party and FDA/USDA audits, leads investigations of quality concerns and complaints, and collaborate with both farming and manufacturing departments
• Support IPM (Integrated Pest Management) program management.
• Issuing warnings, notices, fines, or even closing businesses that do not comply with food safety regulations.
• Lead risk assessments and hazard analyses to identify potential food safety issues and develop effective mitigation strategies.
• Stay abreast of industry trends, best practices, and regulatory changes to ensure ongoing compliance and food safety leadership.
• Develop, maintain, and revise updates to all Quality and Food Safety SOPs.

Regulatory Risk Assessment and Mitigation

• Conduct regular audits and inspections across all facilities to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local food safety regulations
• Monitoring compliance with food safety regulations and standards.
• Develop efficient inspection procedures.
• Ensure that the QA/QC-Food Safety team produces work that is of the highest quality while ensuring maximum profitability, productivity, and efficiency
• Lead investigations with trend analysis, root cause analysis, corrective actions, and preventative actions into food safety incidents.

Reporting and Documentation:

• Prepare and submit regular reports on regulatory compliance, audit results, and risk assessments to senior management.
• Maintain accurate and detailed records of regulatory activities and compliance audits for internal tracking and external inspections.
• Prepare and deliver presentations to senior management regarding regulatory matters and proposed actions.

Continuous Improvement and Training: 

• Inspire people, led by example, and create a culture of high performance by providing ongoing and actionable performance-based feedback. Ensure that appropriate direction is established and maintained for all.
• Review, maintain, and enhance factory resources to support personnel training and competency development, food safety, and quality management systems.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams to set aligned standards and provide coaching around sanitation practices.
• Manage food safety training programs for employees at all levels, fostering a proactive food safety culture across the organization.

• Bachelors in food science, Microbiology, or related field. MBA will be a priority.
• Certified Lead auditor of ISO 9001, 22000, will be an additional advantage.
• Minimum of [7] years of experience in food safety and quality assurance related work.
• Strong knowledge of HACCP, GMPs, ISO standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Certification in food safety management systems (e.g., HACCP, ISO 22000).
• Familiarity with FDA/USDA, BRCS, SQF regulations and third-party audit requirement
• Proven track record in managing food safety programs and audits.

Competencies and Soft Skills

• Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Experience risk assessment and hazard analysis.
• Proficiency in food safety software and tools.
• Ability to develop and deliver effective training programs.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality
• Experience in crisis management and mock recalls.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to inspire and motivate teams.