Senior Regulatory Specialist, Foods

IRCAisaleadinginternationalproviderofsemi-finishedingredientsforthebakery,pastryandgelatomarkets,servingindependent producers as well as large food manufacturers (e.g. CPG). Core products include chocolate, chocolate decorations, creams, pastry mixes, gelato ingredients, and other bakery / pastry ingredients. 

TheCompany, established in1919, and headquartered in Italy, was acquired by Advent International, theglobal PrivateEquity firm, inJuly2022,andhas astrongtrackrecordofgrowthoverthelastdecade. Ircahas madeseveralacquisitionsrecentlyintheareas of candiedfruits(Cesarin),pistachioingredients(Anastasi)andSweetingredientsinUSandEurope,aswellasexpansionandgrowthof US facilities. 

ThebusinessfocusesonhighvalueandspecialtyingredientsfortheFoodManufacturerssegment,withaportfoliothatincorporates a range of products including sweet particulates, chocolate confections, baked inclusions, variegates and fruit purées.Irca has 22 production facilities in Europe, US and Vietnam, with over 2400 employees serving 100+ countries. 

Position Summary:   The primary role of Senior RegulatorySpecialist is to work in partnership with the Irca Regulatory team to support regulatory work which includes but not limited toqueries from internal and external stakeholders.  As a Sr Regulatory Specialist, you would be expected to build and support existing relationships with key customers, maintain clear and timely communication, and assist with a variety of regulatory tasks across technologies, involving both domestic and international food compliance.  This is a hybrid position and can be based at one of the following IRCA Group production facility locations: Duluth, GA; Elk Grove Village, IL; or Affton, MO.

Responsibilities Responsible for supporting the execution and operation of various Regulatory processes and procedures in an efficient and timely manner.

Conducts administrative duties within defined guidelines.

Manage technical and customer documentation and data accurately and to tight time scales. Executes using conventional/ established processes and structures.

Create and maintain Technical and Food Safety documentation. Respond to internal & external stakeholders by providing technical guidance, determinations, and documentation.

Liaise with RD&A, QA, & Operations for technical documentation review/management control.

Develop effective working relationships with internal and external customers, contributing to overall department Key Performance Indicators.

Remain fully flexible to meet business requirements as assigned.

Education / Experience Degree or local equivalence of same in Chemistry, Biology, Biotechnology, Food Science or related discipline

Minimum of 7+ years experience of related experience in food industry in Regulatory, Food Safety, Quality Assurance or RD&A

Food regulatory & legislative knowledge, both domestic and international

Food Safety and HACCP knowledge is preferred

Knowledge of ingredient functionality is preferred

Experience with large retailers or consumer packaged goods manufacturers is preferred

Skills & Competencies Work accurately and quickly in a fast-moving environment

Take initiative; translate direction into a clear plan and perform work accordingly and independently

Manage multiple projects/activities at once and adapt to changing timelines or priorities

Execute using established processes and structures as well as optimize procedures

Collaborate e ffective ly a cross function s

Strong communication skills, with ability to interface with customers, auditors, and leadership

Strong commitment to service for business partners and customer s

Highly organized , detail oriented

A nalytical and solution driven

Resilient under pressure

Flexible and supportive team player

Ab le to interpret technical, regulatory, and scientific information

Capable of presenting information clearly to stakeholders at multiple levels

Proficien cy in Microsoft Office is required ; proficiency in product lifecycle management systems and tools is preferred (e.g., Intelex, Optiva, ERP systems ) .

Fluency in English is required. Fluency in one or more additional languages is preferred.