Sr. Scientific and Regulatory Affairs Manager – Food Contact Material Compliance
Mars
full-time
Posted on:
Location Type: Office
Location: Chicago • Illinois • Missouri • United States
Visit company websiteExplore more
Salary
💰 $153,600 - $211,200 per year
Job Level
About the role
- Lead safety and compliance assessments for complex and emerging packaging materials, e.g., PCR plastics, compostable materials, and bio-based polymers.
- Serve as the SRA lead and primary regulatory point of contact for compliance and risk assessment packaging sustainability initiatives, partnering with R&D, Packaging Engineering, Marketing, Procurement, Legal, Quality, and external stakeholders.
- Evaluate risks associated with potential contaminants (e.g., NIAS, mineral oils, printing ink residues), altered migration behavior, and thinner or redesigned packaging structures.
- Deliver actionable risk assessments and pragmatic compliance solutions—not solely risk identification.
- Provide scientific and regulatory guidance on food contact materials for new packaging formats, materials, and technologies.
- Escalate key regulatory decision points to SRA Leadership Team (LT) to ensure appropriate governance and risk management.
- Develop regulatory strategies and define route-to-market pathways for new packaging innovations in North America.
- Lead regulatory submissions and petitions with authorities such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Health Canada for novel materials (e.g., PCR, bio-based packaging).
- Set clear regulatory specifications and compliance requirements for suppliers of sustainable packaging materials.
- Leverage horizon-scanning tools and regulatory intelligence platforms to anticipate emerging legislation, policy trends, and enforcement priorities affecting sustainable packaging.
- Proactively manage chemicals of interest under regulatory and public scrutiny (e.g., microplastics, phthalates, PFAS, and other emerging substances) to protect and expand Freedom to Operate (FTO).
- Engage with industry associations and expert networks to stay informed on evolving standards and regulatory expectations.
Requirements
- Minimum of a bachelor's degree in a technical area, such as chemistry, toxicology, food chemistry, food science.
- Master's degree preferred.
- Minimum 7 years of experience in scientific and/or regulatory compliance with food products and/or related product categories (such as food supplements, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals)
- Proficiency in food law, and ingredient and packaging management in North America.
- Experience in Treating and Snacking category is preferred.
- Experience working with trade associations and government agencies to clarify and resolve regulatory matters.
- Proven ability to interact cross-functionally at all levels within the organization are required.
Benefits
- medical benefits
- dental benefits
- participation in 401k plan
- paid time off benefits
- company bonus
Applicant Tracking System Keywords
Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.
Hard Skills & Tools
regulatory compliancerisk assessmentfood contact materialsregulatory submissionspackaging sustainabilitychemical managementhorizon scanningpackaging innovationsingredient managementfood law
Soft Skills
cross-functional collaborationcommunicationleadershipproblem-solvingstrategic thinkingstakeholder engagementgovernancerisk managementscientific guidanceproactive management
Certifications
Bachelor's degreeMaster's degreecertification in regulatory affairscertification in food safetycertification in toxicologycertification in packaging technologycertification in sustainabilitycertification in quality managementcertification in risk assessmentcertification in environmental science