Packaging Regulatory & Compliance Specialist

About the role

As environmental regulations continue to evolve globally, organizations need trusted experts who can interpret complex requirements and translate them into clear business actions. Our commitment is to ensure our packaging portfolio remains compliant with emerging regulations while enabling informed decisions across the organization. We view compliance not simply as meeting legal requirements, but as a strategic capability that helps the company navigate change, mitigate risk, and support sustainability goals.

This critical role reports to the Global Head of Regulatory & Food Safety and is based in our North American Headquarters in downtown Chicago, Illinois. Onsite presence 5 days a week is required.

The ideal candidate will enjoy being at the intersection of regulatory compliance, packaging innovation, and business strategy, staying ahead of regulatory changes, analyzing their business impact, and serving as a trusted advisor to stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Monitor, evaluate, and interpret global packaging-related regulations, including EPR, recycling, recyclability claims, packaging waste, labeling, and reporting requirements.
• Serve as the internal regulatory expert on U.S. state packaging laws, Canadian packaging regulations, EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), and other emerging global requirements.
• Assess the impact of new and proposed legislation on company products, packaging, supply chains, and business processes.
• Develop and maintain regulatory guidance documents, compliance standards, and interpretation frameworks for internal stakeholders.
• Provide clear, actionable recommendations to packaging, sustainability, procurement, legal, quality, and commercial teams regarding regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate EPR reporting activities, regulatory declarations, registrations, and compliance documentation across relevant jurisdictions.
• Maintain regulatory intelligence processes, tracking legislative developments, implementation timelines, and enforcement activities.
• Support compliance risk assessments and recommend mitigation strategies related to packaging regulations and environmental claims.
• Develop and deliver training programs to educate internal teams on regulatory requirements and emerging legislative trends.
• Represent the company in industry associations, regulatory forums, and external working groups to stay informed of evolving policies and guidance.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree is required.
• 3+ years of experience in regulatory affairs, environmental compliance, EPR, sustainability compliance, or packaging regulations.
• Strong understanding of global packaging legislation, including U.S. state EPR laws, recyclability labeling requirements, Canadian regulations, UK packaging obligations, and EU packaging legislation.
• Demonstrated experience interpreting complex regulations and communicating business implications to diverse stakeholders.
• Experience managing regulatory reporting, compliance documentation, and jurisdictional registration requirements.
• Familiarity with compliance management systems, reporting tools, and regulatory databases (e.g., SAP, SpecRight, or similar platforms).
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to assess regulatory risks and identify practical compliance solutions.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to simplify complex regulatory requirements for non-specialists.
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail in managing multiple regulatory initiatives simultaneously.
• Ability to influence cross-functional teams and serve as a trusted advisor on regulatory matters.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience interpreting recyclability regulations and claims-related legislation, including California SB 343 and similar emerging requirements.
• Knowledge of EPR fee structures, producer obligations, and packaging reporting methodologies.
• Participation in industry organizations such as AMERIPEN, SPC, PAC, APR, or similar regulatory and sustainability groups.
• Experience developing corporate compliance policies, governance processes, and regulatory monitoring programs.

Benefits

• Comprehensive & Affordable Benefits: Coverage for you (and your eligible dependents) with plans designed for peace of mind and savings for the future.
• A Culture of Well-being: Paid Volunteer time off, access to events, resources, and learning opportunities that inspire physical, social, emotional, and financial well-being for you and your family.
• Family Support: Paid parental leave, fertility benefits, lactation support (including milk shipping for traveling employees).
• Vacation & Leave: Vacation time accruing from Day 1, paid sick leave, and company-paid holidays.
• Retirement Savings: 401K match starting on Day 1.
• Performance Bonuses: Discretionary bonus rewarding company performance as well as your contributions and impact (for eligible roles).
• Career Growth & Learning: Commitment to developing talent, fostering innovation, and creating meaningful opportunities.

Pay

The pay for this role ranges from $77,000 to $102,000 annually and is based on position responsibilities and geographic location. Actual pay within this range may be determined based on the candidate's experience, qualifications, and/or other determining factors.