Manager Global Compliance & Package Safety

Morgan Street•Chicago, IL

44d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Global Compliance & Packaging Safety Manager – North America is responsible for leading the regulatory compliance, safety assurance, and risk management strategies for disposable fast-food packaging and reusable packaging within the North American region. The role ensures that all packaging and food contact materials (FCMs) meet applicable federal, state, and local regulatory requirements, as well as company policies and global standards. In addition to compliance oversight, the position supports Anticipatory Issues Management, proactively identifying, evaluating, and communicating emerging risks and opportunities in the food packaging landscape, with a focus on food contact materials/packaging, substances of concern, regulatory change, and food safety.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Packaging Engineering, Regulatory Affairs, or related field.
Deep knowledge of U.S. and Canadian food contact regulations (FDA, CFIA), and familiarity with state-specific requirements.
Understanding of packaging materials science and safety testing protocols.
Strong organizational, analytical, and documentation skills.
Proactive problem-solver with the ability to manage complex regulatory landscapes.
Effective communicator, able to influence and guide cross-functional teams.
Knowledge in risk analysis, supplier engagement, and regulatory interpretation.
Minimum 7 years of experience in packaging safety, regulatory affairs, or food contact materials, preferably within the foodservice, QSR, or CPG industries.
Experience managing compliance for fast food, disposable packaging, retail food contact products, and or reusable food contact packaging systems.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree preferred.
Knowledge of international food packaging regulations (EU, China GB, Mercosur).
Active participation in industry associations or regulatory task forces.
Experience supporting compliance, sustainability or circular packaging programs from a Quick Serve Restaurant (QSR) perspective.

Responsibilities

Ensure all food packaging and contact materials used in North America comply with applicable regulations (e.g., FDA, Health Canada, state laws such as California Prop 65).
Maintain up-to-date documentation of compliance and safety validations, including Food Contact Substance Notifications (FCNs), No Objection Letters (NOLs), and supplier declarations of compliance.
Partner with suppliers and material vendors to obtain, review, and manage safety and regulatory documentation for materials and components used in packaging.
Partner with third party test laboratories to ensure application of appropriate compliance and safety testing protocols.
Oversee internal compliance protocols, audits, and risk assessments for packaging materials, including new product development and changes to existing formats.
Coordinate with Packaging Development, Quality, Sourcing and Product Management teams on enforcement or litigation risks related to packaging safety.
Lead regulatory and safety evaluations of reusable, refillable, and returnable packaging systems within North America.
Ensure compliance with applicable sanitation, durability, and reuse safety standards, including FDA food code interpretations and local health regulations.
Provide technical and regulatory input into the design and implementation of reusable packaging initiatives to support circularity and sustainability goals.
Monitor scientific, regulatory, and societal trends that may impact packaging safety and compliance (e.g., substance restrictions, use restrictions, content limitations, recycled content mandates, etc.).
Support early warning systems to flag potential issues and advise internal stakeholders on risk mitigation strategies.
Contribute to the development of proactive company positions and responses to emerging challenges in the packaging and FCM space, including monthly global AIM reporting.
Monitor industry groups, regulators, and NGOs to track and engage on regulatory developments and stakeholder expectations.
Serve as the North America lead within the global Packaging Safety & Compliance team, ensuring alignment with global standards, policies, and initiatives.
Collaborate cross-functionally with Packaging Development, Innovation, Legal, Sourcing, Market Operations, and Sustainability teams to embed compliance and safety considerations early in packaging development cycles.
Contribute to global knowledge-sharing and continuous improvement activities.