Sr. Specialist, Regulatory

Work Location: Chicago. 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, strong supervision, real-time problem-solving, and participation in cross-functional initiatives.

About the role

The Senior Regulatory Specialist will make a meaningful impact on Ferrara’s product innovation and brand stewardship by providing expert regulatory guidance across a diverse portfolio of U.S. Iconic, Seasonal, and Jelly Belly confectionery and dietary supplement products. This role supports complex and innovative projects through ingredient approval, formulation review, label copy development and maintenance, claim substantiation, and artwork review, helping ensure products are compliant, market-ready, and positioned for successful launch and ongoing support. As a trusted regulatory partner, this individual will apply deep expertise in U.S. FDA formulation and labeling requirements to navigate complexity, manage risk, and support cross-functional teams throughout the product lifecycle. The Senior Regulatory Specialist will also play an important leadership role by mentoring junior team members and helping elevate regulatory excellence across the organization.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Partner with Scientific Regulatory Affairs team to stay abreast of emerging applicable global regulations and help assess impact on labeling of the product portfolio.
• Partner 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 backup 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).

Requirements

• B.S. in Food Science, Nutrition, Biology, or related field required.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience working for a food or dietary supplements manufacturer with at least 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, standard of identity, etc. as they pertain to labeling.
• Advanced knowledge of 21 CFR FDA food and DSHEA regulations and high level of comfort with regulatory interpretation.
• Strong knowledge of Kosher, Non-GMO project Verified, Gluten-Free Certified, and USDA Organic product and facility audit requirements.

Skills

• Demonstrated experience working with SAP, Microsoft Office suite, Food Label Review software, SharePoint, and a Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) system.
• High level of autonomy and strong ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment, work with ambiguity, and problem solve.
• Strong intra and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent attention to detail with a high degree of accuracy and thoroughness.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• 401(k)
• Paid time off (PTO)
• Eligible employees may receive an annual bonus based on company performance

Learn more about our benefits at https://flimp.live/Ferrara-Candy-2025-OE-QR.

Pay

The salary range for this position is $80,325 to $112,455 annually.