Job Description
Basic Purpose
The Label & Regulatory Manager is responsible for ensuring all product labeling, formulations, and packaging materials meet USDA, FDA, and other applicable regulatory requirements. This role oversees regulatory submissions, label approvals, ingredient and nutritional compliance, and communication with regulatory authorities. The position requires deep knowledge of USDA-FSIS regulations, product standards of identity, and current labeling policy for retail and foodservice products. This position will also manage customer portals and lead all new customer labeling / packaging efforts.
Essential Job Duties & Responsibilities :
- Review, update, create, maintain and approve product labels, claims, and formulations for compliance with USDA-FSIS and FDA regulations.
- Lead new item set-up for Co-packers, Plainville, and Customers
- Verify ingredient statements, allergens, product standards of identity, and nutritional facts are accurate and compliant.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date regulatory documentation for all product SKUs.
- Monitor changes to federal and state labeling regulations and implement required updates to product packaging.
- Partner with Product Development, Marketing, and Operations teams to ensure new products and reformulations meet regulatory requirements before launch.
- Review and approve all artwork
- Provide regulatory guidance during product innovation and commercialization processes.
- Communicate with suppliers to verify regulatory compliance of ingredients, specifications, and certifications.
- Support customer requests for product documentation such as specification sheets, statements of compliance, and export certificates.
- Assist with regulatory audits, label reviews, and compliance verifications during USDA or third-party inspections.
- Conduct internal label audits to identify and correct inconsistencies or potential noncompliance’s.
- Maintain labeling database, customer portal, regulatory files, and version control for all active and historical labels.
- Manage customer portals, not limited to uploading documentation, updating information, communicating with customers, disseminating information to inhouse and relative teams.
- Ensure timely updates of product information sheets, allergen declarations, and nutrition panels.
- Perform other related duties assigned to support business needs.
Skills / Knowledge / Abilities
Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Animal Science, Meat Science, Regulatory Affairs, or related field preferredMinimum of 5 years of experience in labeling and regulatory compliance within the meat, poultry, or food manufacturing industry.Demonstrated expertise in USDA-FSIS labeling regulations, product formulation, and nutrition labeling.Experience submitting labels for FSIS approval strongly preferred.Comprehensive knowledge of 9 CFR labeling requirements, product standards of identity, and claim substantiation (e.g., natural, no antibiotics, gluten-free).Strong understanding of allergen labeling, nutrition labeling software, and regulatory databases.Exceptional attention to detail, documentation, and organizational skills.Ability to interpret and communicate regulatory language clearly across cross-functional teams.Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and labeling software.Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities; capable of making regulatory determinations under tight timelines.Physical Demands
This role typically requires working in a manufacturing or food production environment, which may involve exposure to varying temperatures, machinery, and other operational hazards.Some travel may be required for supplier audits, inspections, other business locations or training.Sitting 90%Walking 5%Standing 5%Near acuity (clarity of vision at 20 inches or less)Speaking-ordinary speechHearing-ordinary conversationFingering-computer keyboardPhysical Demands
Florescent lights & occasional plant environment.