Sr. Regulatory Manager (Food & Beverage/Flavors)
3 days ago
Melville
Job Description Founded in 1954, Vibrant Ingredients is a leading provider of natural, clean label ingredients and systems that power extraordinary food and beverage experiences. The company’s broad portfolio — including natural flavors, botanical extracts, functional nutrition, cold brew coffee, tea essences, and food protection solutions — enhances taste, texture, color, shelf life, and performance across a wide range of applications. Vibrant operates four state-of-the-art facilities across the United States and works with leading brands, manufacturers, and foodservice operators. With vertically integrated capabilities and a proven track record of innovation and execution, Vibrant helps customers accelerate to market without compromise. About the role: We are a trusted partner to our customers when it comes to innovation and an industry leader in clean label ingredients, we are a true partner. We collaborate with our customers in ways that respect people and the environment. A commitment to Purely Better™ drives our innovation team to discover new, on trend solutions. As a Senior Regulatory Manager, you will lead regulatory strategy and execution across multiple business units, guide regulatory compliance, and oversee the Regulatory Manager(s). This role partners closely with R&D, Quality, Commercial, and Operations teams to drive compliant product development, ensure market readiness, and support customer and regulatory engagement at a strategic level. How will you contribute: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. Essential job functions and duties include, but are not limited to: Regulatory Leadership & Strategy • Lead regulatory oversight for assigned business units and ensure compliance with U.S. and international food and flavor regulations (FDA, FEMA, EFSA, CFIA, USDA, TTB)., • Support the Director in developing and implementing regulatory strategies, policies, and long-term compliance plans., • Guide regulatory interpretation for new ingredients, formulations, claims, labeling, certifications, and market-entry needs., • Serve as a senior advisor to cross-functional teams on regulatory risks, opportunities, and best practices., • Participate in FEMA regulatory affairs meetings to stay informed on industry standards and emerging requirements. Team Management & Development • Supervise, mentor, and develop Regulatory Manager(s)., • Establish team priorities, KPIs, workload distribution, and resource planning., • Promote a culture of proactive compliance and continuous improvement. Product Compliance & Documentation • Oversee review and approval of product formulations, ingredient statements, claims, labels, and regulatory documentation., • Ensure accurate and timely development and maintenance of regulatory documents (TDS, SDS, allergen, nutrition, etc.)., • Lead regulatory assessments for new product development and ingredient qualification., • Ensure global market-entry requirements are met., • Provide expert-level regulatory guidance to internal teams and customers. Regulatory Intelligence & Risk Management • Monitor and interpret emerging global regulations, industry shifts, and scientific developments., • Conduct regulatory impact assessments and recommend product, process, or label changes., • Ensure preparedness for audits, inspections, and compliance reviews. Cross-Functional Collaboration • Partner with R&D, QA, Procurement/Supply Chain, Marketing, and Sales to guide compliant product launches., • Support customer relationships by offering high-level regulatory expertise during meetings and documentation reviews., • Collaborate with regulatory agencies to resolve issues and ensure compliance., • Partner with Quality on supplier approval, issue mitigation, crisis management, and corrective actions. Systems, Processes & Continuous Improvement • Drive harmonization and standardization of regulatory processes across business units., • Contribute to the development and maintenance of regulatory databases and digital tools. Minimum Requirements/Qualifications: • Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Food Science, Quality, Biology, Biotechnology, Chemistry, or related field., • 8+ years’ experience in food/beverage, ingredients, or related consumer goods industry with a preferred strong emphasis on flavor industry., • Strong working knowledge of global food and flavor regulations (FDA, FEMA GRAS, USDA, CFIA, EU, Organic, Kosher, Halal, TTB)., • Knowledge of Rainforest Alliance, Fair Trade, and Non-GMO Verification Project preferred., • Familiarity with AAFCO and IFRA a plus., • Experience managing regulatory audits and customer visits., • People-management experience required; experience supervising managers strongly preferred., • Experience supporting innovation pipelines and regulatory aspects of new product development., • Expert-level regulatory interpretation and problem-solving abilities., • Strong leadership, decision-making, and coaching skills., • Excellent communication skills for both technical and non-technical audiences., • Highly organized and capable of managing multiple complex projects simultaneously., • Ability to influence cross-functional teams and drive compliance-focused culture., • Generous time off for vacations, • Paid Holidays, • 401(k) with company match, • Tuition reimbursement, • Medical/Dental/Vision More about us: Vibrant Ingredients, headquartered in Lake Mary, FL, is one of the world's leading independent providers of natural ingredients. With a legacy spanning over 70 years, we deliver a diverse portfolio of clean label ingredients and innovative system solutions to the food and beverage industry. Our commitment to quality and performance is reflected in our American-made products, which enhance both taste and functionality. Backed by advanced manufacturing capabilities, we specialize in fermentation, patented cold brew extraction, custom flavor development, and a range of drying and blending technologies. Operating from four state-of-the-art facilities strategically located across the U.S., we ensure the accessibility of real, high-quality ingredients—helping our customers create better-for-you food and beverage for consumers. "Improving the food and beverages consumed by providing real ingredients from nature that work." This position is currently classified as on-site. Employees are eligible to participate in Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, 401(k), Holidays, Vacation, Tuition Reimbursement Program. The final salary offered for this position may take into account a number of factors including, but not limited to, location, skills, education, and experience. The Company reserves the right to modify, update, change and/or make corrections to this job description, at the sole discretion of senior management, at any time during the employee’s employment term, at the sole discretion of management. EEO Statement Vibrant Ingredients is an equal opportunity employer committed to employing a diverse workforce and providing accommodations for people with disabilities in all parts of the hiring process as required under its Employment Accommodation Policy. Vibrant Ingredients will work with applicants to meet accommodation needs that are made known to Vibrant Ingredients in advance. Please no external recruiters
