The Director, Regulatory Compliance & Nutrition is responsible for defining and leading the enterprise-wide strategy, governance, and execution of regulatory compliance and nutrition standards across Inspire Brands. This role ensures all brand products, materials, and communications comply with applicable federal, state, local, and international regulations while protecting brand integrity and mitigating business risk.

This leader serves as the enterprise subject matter expert and strategic advisor on regulatory and nutrition matters, influencing product development, menu strategy, and brand positioning. The role partners closely with cross-functional and brand leadership to proactively monitor the regulatory landscape, assess business impact, and guide enterprise response strategies.

This position sits within our Atlanta based Global Support Center with an expectation to be onsite 80% of the time.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Enterprise Strategy & Governance: Define and lead the enterprise-wide regulatory compliance and nutrition strategy, establishing standards, governance frameworks, and scalable processes to ensure adherence to current and emerging U.S. and international regulations.
• Regulatory Leadership & Business Advisory: Serve as the primary advisor to brand and enterprise leadership on regulatory risks, emerging legislation, and industry trends; translate complex regulatory requirements into actionable business strategies.
• Nutrition & Labeling Strategy: Establish and oversee enterprise processes for nutrition analysis, product specifications, labeling, and consumer disclosures, ensuring compliance while supporting brand and product innovation.
• Cross-Functional Influence & Integration: Partner with R&D, Marketing, Legal, Supply Chain, and Brand teams to integrate regulatory and nutrition considerations into product development, commercialization, and consumer-facing communications.
• Regulatory Monitoring & Proactive Risk Management: Lead continuous monitoring of regulatory activity, competitive landscape, and public health guidance; proactively assess business impact and drive enterprise response plans.
• Communications & Thought Leadership: Develop and deliver executive-level communications, including regulatory updates, risk assessments, and forward-looking insights to inform leadership decision-making.
• Nutrition Standards & Portfolio Guidance: Own enterprise nutrition criteria and provide guidance to support menu optimization, innovation, and long-term portfolio strategy; track and report progress against established standards.
• External Engagement & Industry Representation: Lead relationships with external regulatory consultants and industry bodies (e.g., National Restaurant Association); represent Inspire in internal Inspire Brands Food Policy Working Group, industry forums and policy discussions.
• Compliance Oversight: Provide oversight and final approval for retail packaging, labeling, advertising, and related materials to ensure regulatory compliance and consistency across brands and markets.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum: 4-Year degree of Science (Nutrition or related field preferred) 
• Preferred: Registered Dietitian (RD); Master’s degree.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in regulatory compliance, nutrition, or quality assurance within the food industry. 
• Demonstrated experience leading enterprise or multi-brand regulatory strategy. 
• Experience managing and developing high-performing teams. 
• Proven ability to influence senior leadership and drive cross-functional alignment.
  

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS or ABILITIES

• Subject matter expertise in nutrition science, nutritional value, ingredient statements, allergen disclosures, claims compliance, and food labeling regulations.
• Deep knowledge of FDA Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) for food labeling, manufacturing, and retail, including Nutrition Facts Panels and ingredient statements.
• Proven experience reviewing and approving retail food packaging and labeling for regulatory compliance.
• Strong understanding of USDA Dietary Guidelines and application to product and menu strategy.
• Knowledge of state, local, and international food regulations, including work with local health departments and food codes.
• Experience with nutrition analysis systems (e.g., ESHA Genesis) and related data tools.
• Familiarity with industry training (e.g., AIB Labeling, Keller & Heckman) and participation in industry groups (e.g., NRA Nutrition forums).