Product Regulatory Specialist 2

Simmons Foods•Siloam Springs, AR

11d

About The Position

The Product Regulatory Specialist directs activities related to compliance, oversight, and guidance across the complete Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) process, helping move information through PLM modules for production. The role also supports labeling and regulatory functions for approval of specifications and graphics. The position directs specification management, including supplier collaboration and collection, maintenance, and updating of accurate raw material specifications, formulas, LIO, nutrient profiles, packaging specifications, graphics, and trade specifications. It monitors the inactivation of components associated with trade specifications at the end of their lifecycle. The role directs supplier approval activities, participating in qualification of new and existing suppliers and ensuring accurate, current PLM data in accordance with corporate policies and leadership guidelines. The specialist directs regulatory compliance activities, including team work to validate claims on new product launches, maintain label libraries, and ensure timely documentation and fees for applicable label registrations and tonnage fees. The role supports state and customer summaries, responds to sales and customer requests regarding labels and market claims, and keeps current with labeling guidelines and regulations from the USDA, AAFCO, FDA, Competition Bureau Canada, and other relevant countries. It also provides team guidance and training on data collection, supplier trending, processes, and programs. The position explores process improvements, particularly system integrations that reduce manual data entry, and works with team members on reports that support business processes. As a member of the Technical Services Team, it contributes to team development, communication, and implementation of concepts, programs, and policies, and promotes cohesive collaboration and best practices. The role supports Simmons operating systems, including quality, security, office environment, company policies, and continuous improvement, and performs other duties as directed by the supervisor. The work involves computer use, visually verifying information that may be in small print, presenting to groups, and communicating with customers, suppliers, or employees by telephone, in person, or email. PPE is used as needed in the required environment. Occasional travel to manufacturing locations or trade/regulatory conferences is required.

Requirements

At least 2 years of experience in a project coordination or business analyst role.
Intermediate to advanced Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint skills and experience preparing documents for presentation.
Ability to quickly learn applicable company software suites.
Strong communication, project management, and analytical skills.
Understanding of basic quality systems.
Bachelor’s degree in animal nutrition, business, graphics, food science, or a related field, or 4 years of equivalent work experience.

Nice To Haves

Background in food manufacturing.
Graduate degree in animal nutrition, business, graphics, food science, or a related field.
Knowledge of food labeling laws and regulations.
Project Management Professional (PMP) credential.

Responsibilities

Direct the specification management process, including collection and collaboration with suppliers to develop and maintain accurate specifications and entering information as needed.
Monitor the inactivation of components associated with trade specifications at the end of their lifecycle.
Direct supplier approval activities and participate in qualification of new and existing suppliers for production.
Ensure PLM supplier data is current and accurate, collaborate with team members and suppliers to update information, and monitor outstanding supplier portal documents as directed.
Work with suppliers and team members to address system issues and improve electronic questionnaires and other data-collection processes.
Direct regulatory compliance activities, including validating claims on new product launches and maintaining label libraries in applicable systems.
Ensure timely documentation and fees for applicable label registrations and pet food tonnage fees; notify the manager of disputes concerning unregistered products.
Support annual state/customer summaries for budget preparation and respond to sales inquiries about potential cost allocation.
Collaborate on customer and sales requests related to labels and market claims; research and validate claims on new product launches.
Remain current on applicable labeling guidelines and regulations from the USDA, AAFCO, FDA, Competition Bureau Canada, and other relevant countries.
Work with management and team members to ensure compliance and understanding of processes; provide team training, direction, and guidance.
Explore process improvements, particularly system integrations that reduce manual data entry, and collaborate on reports that support business processes.
Participate in the Technical Services Team and contribute to development, communication, and implementation of team concepts, programs, policies, and best practices.
Support cohesion across the team by identifying issues and working collaboratively with leadership and colleagues to resolve them.
Maintain familiarity with Simmons operating systems and communicate concerns and improvement ideas.
Perform other duties as directed by the supervisor.
Occasionally travel to manufacturing locations or trade/regulatory conferences.