Position SummaryThe Regulatory Compliance Supervisor leads and oversees regulatory compliance activities across food products, dietary supplements, seafood programs, and third-party certification initiatives. This role is responsible for ensuring organizational adherence to FDA, USDA, and other applicable regulatory requirements, supporting accurate labeling, certification integrity, and product traceability.
The Supervisor partners cross-functionally with Quality, Supply Chain, Product Development, and external stakeholders to strengthen compliance processes, maintain effective regulatory systems and controls, and support compliance strategy for both new and existing products. This position provides day-to-day leadership to Regulatory Compliance team members, assigns and reviews work, supports professional development, and serves as a primary resource for regulatory guidance and issue resolution across the organization.
CoverageIn the absence of the Regulatory Compliance Supervisor, all Food Safety and Quality responsibilities will fall upon the Regulatory Compliance Manager. The Regulatory Compliance Manager may delegate responsibilities.
Duties and ResponsibilitiesMajor responsibilities of the position are listed below. To perform the job successfully, the individual must be able to execute each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Other duties, assignments and specific projects may be assigned at the discretion of management.
- Serve as subject matter expert on FDA, USDA, and other applicable regulations governing food, dietary supplements, labeling, manufacturing, and traceability.
- Supervise and oversee regulatory review and approval of product formulations, specifications, ingredient statements, allergen disclosures, nutrition/supplement facts panels, claims, and all labeling content across packaging, print, and digital platforms.
- Oversee collection, validation, and maintenance of ingredient, allergen, nutritional, supplier, and country-of-origin data. Ensure accurate calculations, rounding, panel format selection, and compliance with federal requirements.
- Manage and continuously improve regulatory databases, documentation systems, and record retention practices to ensure audit readiness and operational efficiency.
- Ensure team proficiency in the following categories:
- Incoming products
- Labeling of internally manufactured items
- Labeling of externally manufactured items
- Maintain working oversight of WMS systems and regulatory software/databases. Ensure team competency and proper utilization of systems to support compliance activities.
- Partner cross-functionally with Purchasing, Planning, R&D, QA, Production, Merchandising, Marketing, and other stakeholders to support compliant product development and commercialization.
- Monitor regulatory and certification changes, assess risk, guide regulatory research efforts, and implement procedural updates to strengthen compliance controls and mitigate business risk.
- Supervise, train, and mentor Regulatory Compliance Leads and Specialists. Assign and prioritize workload, review work for accuracy and completeness, and serve as escalation point for complex compliance matters and risk-based decisions.
- Represent Regulatory Compliance in cross-functional meetings and support leadership with strategic projects and special initiatives.
- Perform additional supervisory and compliance-related duties as assigned to support regulatory integrity and business objectives.
Education and Experience- Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Nutrition, Biology, Chemistry, or a related field preferred. Specialized training in Food Labeling is preferred.
- Minimum of seven years of experience in regulatory compliance, food safety, quality assurance, product development, or a related food industry role. Internships or relevant coursework may be considered.
- Demonstrated advanced knowledge of FDA and USDA regulations, including food and dietary supplement labeling requirements (e.g., 21 CFR 101, 111, 117), gained through direct hands-on experience.
- Experience managing or supporting third-party certification programs. (e.g., SQF, kosher, organic, gluten-free) preferred but not required.
- Experience training or mentoring team members and supporting cross-functional partners in regulatory matters.
- Proficiency in using standard business software (e.g., Microsoft Office).
- Proficiency in using ERP, PLM, WMS, and Regulatory software for all brands.
- Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience may be considered.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities To perform the job successfully, an individual must be able to execute each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and ability required.
Knowledge- Federal and state food regulations, including FDA, USDA (as applicable), and related guidance documents
- Food labeling regulations, including ingredient statements, allergen declarations, nutrition labeling, and claims
- Third-party and certification program requirements such as SQF, GFSI, kosher, organic, gluten-free, and similar standards
- Food safety principles, including GMPs, HACCP, and preventive controls
- Product development and commercialization processes within the food industry
- Ingredient and packaging compliance requirements
- Document control and record retention requirements
- Quality assurance and regulatory documentation practices
- Basic understanding of food manufacturing processes and supply chain operations
Skills- Regulatory review and interpretation of laws, standards, and guidance documents
- Label review, verification, and approval for compliance and accuracy
- Technical writing and documentation management
- Data analysis and verification of regulatory and product information
- Organization and time management in a deadline-driven environment
- Attention to detail and accuracy
- Effective verbal and written communication across cross-functional teams
- Problem-solving and risk assessment
- Proficiency with enterprise systems (e.g., ERP systems, labeling software, document management tools, and Microsoft Office)
- Collaboration with Quality, R&D, Operations, Procurement, and external suppliers
Abilities- Interpret and apply complex regulatory requirements to products, processes, and business activities.
- Manage multiple projects and competing priorities effectively in a fast-paced environment.
- Identify compliance risks or gaps and recommend appropriate corrective actions.
- Work independently with minimal supervision while maintaining accuracy and accountability.
- Communicate regulatory requirements clearly and effectively to non-technical stakeholders.
- Handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.
- Adapt to changing regulations, business needs, and production schedules.
- Support regulatory audits, inspections, and external inquiries as needed.
- Learn, adopt, and apply new systems, tools, and regulatory requirements efficiently.