Director, Food Regulatory Strategy & Compliance

Woodland Foods, Ltd.; Waukegan (IL); On-site; USD 160,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k with company match

Medical, dental, vision plans

Paid time off and holidays

Job summary

Woodland Gourmet is seeking a Director, Regulatory Affairs & Compliance to lead the company’s food regulatory strategy across its portfolio. This role owns FDA and state labeling compliance, Prop 65 strategy, and cross-functional risk management to translate complex regulations into practical actions.

The ideal candidate will pair deep regulatory expertise with ESG knowledge, enable proactive risk management, and collaborate with Legal, Q&R, Ops, and Marketing to ensure compliant product

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Biology, or related field.
• 8+ years of progressive experience in food regulatory affairs or compliance.
• Experience with Proposition 65 compliance and OEHHA requirements.
• Knowledge of FDA nutrition labeling regulations, allergen labeling, and food claims substantiation.
• ESG frameworks and sustainability compliance knowledge.
• Experience managing outside counsel, regulatory agencies, or contract laboratories.
• RAC a plus, though not required.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• High attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects.

Responsibilities

• Serve as SME on FDA regulations and state food regulations affecting product formulation, labeling and claims.
• Review and approve ingredient statements, nutrition panels, allergen declarations, and label claims.
• Own Prop 65 compliance strategy and warnings, monitor regulatory developments.
• Track regulatory thresholds (MADL/NSRL) relevant to labeling decisions.
• Partner with Legal, QA, R&D, Operations, and Marketing to assess regulatory risk on new products.
• Maintain regulatory intelligence on FDA, USDA, and state agencies.
• Manage FSVP per FSMA including supplier verification and recordkeeping.
• Develop and maintain SOPs, checklists, and training for label-review workflows.
• Represent Woodland Gourmet's regulatory position with industry associations and regulators.
• Align regulatory direction with Executive Leadership Team and budgeting.

Skills

FDA regulations

Prop 65 compliance

Labeling compliance

ESG knowledge

Regulatory leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Food Science/chemistry/biology

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

ICP-MS

Job description

Woodland Gourmet is seeking a Director, Regulatory Affairs & Compliance to lead the company’s food regulatory strategy across its portfolio. This role owns FDA and state labeling compliance, Prop 65 strategy, and cross-functional risk management to translate complex regulations into practical actions.

The ideal candidate will pair deep regulatory expertise with ESG knowledge, enable proactive risk management, and collaborate with Legal, Q&R, Ops, and Marketing to ensure compliant product