Sr Manager, Dairy Scientific and Regulatory Affairs

fairlife•Chicago, IL

About The Position

The Senior Manager of Dairy Scientific and Regulatory Affairs provides oversight, strategy, and advocacy support for dairy regulatory compliance across plant operations and finished products. This role serves as a technical subject matter expert, translating complex regulatory and scientific issues into practical guidance, policy positions, and actionable recommendations. It maintains organizational awareness of dairy regulatory developments and works to influence standards established by government agencies and industry bodies. The position partners with Operations, Quality, Research and Development, Legal, Marketing, and Public Affairs, and has a direct dotted-line relationship to The Coca-Cola Company’s Scientific and Regulatory Affairs team. The preferred location is Chicago, Illinois; Washington, D.C., or a location commutable to a fairlife plant in Webster, New York; Goodyear, Arizona; or Coopersville, Michigan may also be considered. Travel is up to 30%. The position is exempt and reports to the Senior Director, Dairy Industry Affairs.

Requirements

Bachelor’s or master’s degree in a scientific or technical field, such as dairy or food science, public health, microbiology, or nutrition.
Eight to ten years of experience in legislative, regulatory, scientific affairs, or related fields.
Deep knowledge of the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance (PMO), dairy-related Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), including Low-Acid Canned Foods (LACF), and dairy product processing, ingredients, labeling, claims, regulatory compliance, and consumer appeal.
Proven track record of advocacy and regulatory impact at the national (FDA, USDA) and state levels.
Strong understanding of legislative and regulatory processes, the regulatory environment, and the political landscape related to dairy.
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders.
Ability to analyze complex scientific, regulatory, and operational issues and develop technical reports, regulatory comments, policy proposals, briefing materials, and executive communications.

Nice To Haves

Experience in the dairy industry.
Hands-on experience in dairy plant operations, supporting dairy inspections, addressing regulatory findings, and maintaining compliance.

Responsibilities

Cultivate and maintain relationships with federal and state government officials, policymakers, regulatory officials, industry associations, academia, and advocacy groups.
Monitor, interpret, and analyze federal and state regulatory and legislative developments in relevant portfolio areas; advise senior leadership and provide timely recommendations in coordination with The Coca-Cola Company’s Scientific and Regulatory Affairs team.
Develop and lead advocacy strategies for dairy regulatory issues, including nutrition, food safety, labeling, claims, and other areas affecting the business.
Provide technical expertise and help advance the company’s regulatory priorities with organizations including IDFA, NCIMS, NADRO, IDF, CODEX, and other related entities.
Work with dairy trade associations and coalitions to develop positions and draft comments on regulatory priorities, including nutrition, food safety, labeling, claims, and standards of identity.
Collaborate with regulatory operations, quality, research and development, legal, brand marketing, and public affairs teams, and coordinate with The Coca-Cola Company’s Scientific and Regulatory Affairs team to execute dairy regulatory strategies and projects.

Benefits

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage effective on day one.
Supplemental health plans, including hospital indemnity, accident, and critical illness insurance.
Paid time off.
Paid parental leave and adoption assistance up to $10,000.
Parental support and family care benefits, including childcare resources and lactation support.
401(k) with up to 9% employer match.
Wellness reimbursement up to $500 for qualified wellbeing expenses.
Employee Assistance Program for emotional wellbeing and work-life support.
Company-paid life insurance and short-term disability.
Employer HSA funding for HDHP participants.
Tuition reimbursement up to $10,000 and student loan repayment of $200 per month.
Learning and development programs.
Rewards and recognition, matching gifts, free product, and Business Resource Groups.