International Food Regulatory Affairs Manager

Work Location: Chicago

Due to the highly interactive and team-based nature of this role, in-person attendance for most of the workweek (i.e., 3 days or more) is essential for: effective communication including during in-person meetings, strong supervision, real-time problem-solving, and participation in cross-functional initiatives.

Want to make an impact?

The Global Food Regulatory Affairs Manager will make a meaningful impact on Ferrara's global business by leading regulatory compliance strategies that support the successful expansion and sale of branded confectionery products across international markets. As the company's subject matter expert in global food regulations, this role provides leadership on ingredient and additive requirements, formulas, labeling, claims, and third-party certification standards, ensuring products meet country-specific regulatory expectations while aligning with business objectives.

This role is central to protecting Ferrara's brands and enabling growth globally. Partnering with third-party distributors and internal cross-functional teams, the International Regulatory Manager will lead the team responsible for global product compliance, strengthen internal regulatory programs, and guide stakeholders through complex and evolving international requirements. Through strong leadership, sound decision-making, and cross-functional collaboration, this individual will help Ferrara bring compliant, high-quality products to consumers around the world.

Ways you will make a difference

Team Leadership and Management:

• Lead, coach, and mentor a team of International Regulatory Specialists and Senior International Specialists by fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture.
• Develop internal training programs and provide continuous feedback to support team growth.
• Develop and retain strong talent within the team, focusing on growing team members' skills and leadership capabilities.
• Support and execute the continued development of the team's 5-year plan (PS5).

Cross-Functional Coordination:

• Support and collaborate with Global Product Development, Specifications, Marketing, Procurement, Project Management, Legal, and Quality teams.
• Utilize internal and external tools and systems to evaluate regulatory risk and provide proactive, pragmatic, and risk-based recommendations to cross-functional partners.
• Ensure accurate and timely global compliance data is available to the business.
• Drive stakeholders to alignment on global regulatory compliance data, processes, and best practices.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for all International Regulatory related questions and queries.

Project and Program Management:

• Manage competing priorities between product innovation and operational stability, while keeping the bar high on compliance.
• Facilitate cross-functional meetings, analyze impacts, prioritize work needed based on company goals, and implement a balanced action plan.
• Set clear objectives, resource allocation, and define project milestones to ensure timely and accurate regulatory deliverables.
• Understand and manage the Global Compliance Module within SAP PLM
• Identify and lead the development and continuous improvement of PLM/business processes to enable formula compliance, labeling, regulatory evaluations, and compliance to claims.
• Report on Regulatory management metrics, including international product compliance and progress on strategic initiatives.

Culture and Policies

• Understand and actively demonstrate Ferrara's Core Values (Respect, Collaboration, Imagination, Excellence, Responsibility)
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned (special projects may require travel to the manufacturing sites).
• Ensure adherence to all company policies and procedures.

Skills that will make you successful

• Proven leadership experience with a demonstrated ability to mentor and develop a team.
• Self-starter with a high level of capability to manage multiple projects and prioritize effectively in a dynamic environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with experience engaging with upper management and cross-functional teams.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to decision-making.
• Strong drive for results and ability to bring projects to completion.

Experiences that will support your success

• B.S. in Food Science, Nutrition, Biology, Engineering or related field required, MS preferred.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience working for a global food or dietary supplements manufacturer with minimally five years' experience of international food law and regulatory framework. 5-7 years experience in change management and direct management experience preferred.
• Independent regulatory interpretation in Canada, Mexico, European Union, Asia Pacific (APAC), and Latin American (LATAM) markets.
• Demonstrates strong SAP and systems knowledge, contributing to the development of training materials, documentation, and scalable processes to support effective system adoption across the organization
• Supports the development, documentation, and implementation of new processes, SOPs, and procedures, contributing to clear training materials and consistent operational execution.
• Experience in process improvement, change management, and direct management experience preferred.
• Bilingual preferred

What We Offer

At Ferrara, we're proud to support our employees by providing comprehensive benefits such as health insurance, dental insurance, a 401(k), and paid time off (PTO). Eligible employees may also receive an annual bonus based on company performance. Learn more about our benefits at https://flimp.live/Ferrara-Candy-2025-OE-QR

Compensation

The salary range for this role is $102,075 - $142,905 annually.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees, employment decisions and opportunities at Ferrara will be based on merit, qualifications, and abilities, without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital or civil union status, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, military or veteran status, disability, handicap, genetic information, pregnancy (childbirth or related medical condition), or on any other basis prohibited by law. This policy governs all aspects of employment, including selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination, and access to benefits and training.

Nearest Major Market: Chicago