Role: Specifications & Regulatory Manager
Location: Tyler, TX
Department: Specifications & Regulatory
Reports To: Senior Manager, Specifications & Regulatory
Direct Reports: Specialist, Documentation & Nutrition
Travel: 0%-10%
Normal Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Job Summary
The Manager, Specifications & Regulatory (Strategic Projects) leads enterprise-wide initiatives that support the accuracy, integrity, governance, and continuous improvement of product information and regulatory compliance processes. This role serves as a strategic resource across the Specifications & Regulatory department, providing project leadership, implementation support, and workload balancing assistance for both Breaded and Grilled teams.
The position is responsible for coordinating new product launch activities and driving process improvement initiatives for the product and regulatory compliance team, supporting data governance programs, leading specification software implementations, and executing large-scale specification and labeling projects. The role also serves as a business continuity resource, providing operational coverage and technical expertise during periods of resource constraints, organizational change, or increased workload demand.
This position works cross-functionally with Operations, R&D, Marketing, Quality Assurance, M3 Data, Supply Chain, Cost Accounting, IT and Sales to ensure product information is accurate, compliant, and effectively managed throughout the product lifecycle.
Qualifications
Education
• High school diploma required; Bachelor's degree preferred
• Degree in Food Science, Regulatory Affairs, Nutrition, Business, Information Systems, Quality Assurance, or related field preferred
Experience
• 5+ years of experience in food labeling, product specifications, regulatory compliance, quality assurance, product information management, or related field
• Demonstrated project management experience required
• Experience leading cross-functional initiatives preferred
• Experience with specification management systems and product information databases preferred
• USDA and food labeling regulatory knowledge required; poultry and breaded regulatory knowledge preferred
• Strong written and verbal communication skills required
Required Skills/Abilities
• Microsoft Outlook
• Microsoft Excel (advanced proficiency preferred)
• Microsoft Teams
• Microsoft Word
• Adobe Acrobat
• Specification management software platforms
• Product lifecycle management (PLM) systems experience preferred
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Project management and organizational skills
• Process improvement and change management capabilities
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Projects & Business Support
• Lead enterprise-wide product information and compliance projects.
• Coordinate specification and labeling activities related to new product launches.
• Provide workload balancing and capacity support across Breaded and Grilled teams.
• Serve as a business continuity resource by providing operational coverage during absences, vacancies, or peak workload periods.
• Develop and monitor project timelines, milestones, and deliverables for strategic initiatives.
Systems & Process Improvement
• Lead specification software implementation, enhancement, and optimization projects.
• Partner with Information Technology and business stakeholders to improve product information systems and workflows.
• Identify, recommend, and implement process improvements that increase efficiency, accuracy, and compliance.
• Develop standard operating procedures, training materials, and best practices related to product information management.
Product & Regulatory Compliance
• Support the development, maintenance, and governance of product specifications, labels, and related product information.
• Ensure compliance with USDA, customer, and company requirements.
• Lead large-scale specification and labeling updates resulting from regulatory changes, supplier changes, acquisitions, system upgrades, or customer requirements.
• Monitor regulatory developments and assist with implementation of compliance-related changes.
• Support customer and internal audits related to product information and labeling accuracy.
Data Governance & Customer Management
• Lead product information data governance initiatives to improve data quality, consistency, and accuracy.
• Establish and monitor data standards, controls, and validation processes.
• Coordinate customer information requests and maintain compliance with customer-specific requirements.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Partner with R&D, Culinary, Operations, Quality Assurance, M3 Data, Cost Accounting, Purchasing, Marketing, Sales, IT, and Supply Chain teams to support business objectives.
• Facilitate communication between departments to ensure accurate and timely product information.
• Provide training and guidance on product information systems, specifications, and compliance requirements.
Work Environment
This job is carried out in a professional office setting and involves using standard office equipment such as laptops, desk phones, and smartphones. Regular visits to manufacturing facilities and cross-functional project meetings may be required. During facility visits, the employee may occasionally be exposed to cold, humid, noisy, or production-related environments.
Physical Demands
Employees must be able to sit, stand, walk, communicate verbally, and use a computer for extended periods of time. Occasional lifting or movement of materials may be required.
Additional requirements include:
• Sitting for extended periods while working on a computer
• Ability to travel between company locations as needed
• Reliable transportation required
Why this role exists: To provide dedicated leadership for enterprise initiatives, technology implementation, process improvement, and workload balancing across the Specifications & Regulatory organization while supporting business growth, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance. This position allows the Breaded and Grilled Sr. Specialists to focus on day-to-day execution while ensuring strategic projects receive dedicated ownership and accountability.
The applicant who fills this position will be eligible for the following:
• Incentive Pay: This position is eligible for the Company's bonus plan, with amounts varying based on program terms.
• Vacation / Sick days
• Medical, Dental, Vision Benefits
• Telemedicine
• Onsite Clinic - Tyler and Valley
• 401 (k) with company match
• STD and LTD
• Life insurance & other voluntary benefits
• Career Development: We support professional growth through continuous learning and development opportunities.
