Sr. Specialist, Regulatory

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For more than 115 years, Ferrara has created sugar confections that enable moments of sweetness, celebration, and connection for candy lovers of all generations. Today, the company is the #1 sugar confectioner in the United States. Ferrara boasts a passionate team of nearly 9,000 employees creating and delivering hundreds of products sold under 20 popular brands like Brach’s®, NERDS®, SweeTARTS®, Laffy Taffy®, and Trolli® to more than 66 million U.S. households annually and popular Dori snacking products under brands such as Dori, Gomets, Pettiz, and Yogurte 100 in Brazil.

Additionally, Jelly Belly, known world-wide for its confections, was acquired in November of 2023.

Chicago, IL

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.

The Senior Regulatory Specialist works cross-functionally on complex and innovative projects to provide technical expertise and support in ingredient approvals, innovative product formulation development, label copy development and maintenance, claim substantiation, and artwork review for Ferrara’s US Iconic, Seasonal, and Jelly Belly branded confectionary and dietary supplement products. The Senior Regulatory Specialist is highly experienced with both US FDA formulation and labeling requirements and possesses leadership skills to guide and mentor Associate Regulatory Specialists and Regulatory Specialists.

• Independently research information pertaining to ingredient/additive, standard of identity, labeling, and claim substantiation requirements through the navigation of internal and external tools and systems.
• Provide proactive and risk-based regulatory recommendations on ingredient, formula, claim, and labeling to cross-functional stakeholders on complex commercialization projects such as, platform and pipeline innovations.
• Independently create and validate the technical label copy (FLS) through application of FDA regulations and the standards and principles of nutrition and food science.
• Collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders to review label content for accuracy and provide recommendations for required changes.
• Independently review, register, and certify raw materials and finished goods with 3rd party certification bodies (e.g., Kosher, Organic, Gluten-Free certified, non-GMO project verified, etc.)
• Co-lead 3rd party certification audits with the manufacturing Quality team.
• Support Associate Specialists and Specialists in regulatory research and risk-based recommendations.
• Partners with Scientific Regulatory Affairs team to stay abreast of emerging applicable global regulations and helps assess impact on labeling of our product portfolio.
• Partners with external regulatory experts to build internal expertise.
• Provide technical guidance, as appropriate, in response to product-related consumer inquiries.
• Maintain a proactive approach by identifying opportunities for continuous improvement to internal processes.
• Independently develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) with related trainings.
• Undergo training to stay current with FDA food and dietary supplement regulations.
• Act as a back up to the US & Seasonal Regulatory Manager.
• Understand and demonstrate the Company’s core values (empathy, empowering, agile, collaborative, and lead with integrity).
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned (special projects may require travel to the manufacturing sites).

• B.S. in Food Science, Nutrition, Biology, or related field required.
• 7 years of experience working for a food or dietary supplements manufacturer with minimally five years of experience in the application of government labeling regulations for a Consumer-Packaged Goods company.
• Adept in raw materials (macro and micronutrients), ingredient functionality,…