Scientific & Regulatory Affairs Lead - Food & Nutrition Europe

Job Description

Job Description:

You will play a crucial role within the Scientific & Regulatory Affairs (SRA) function, operating within Mars Food & Nutrition Europe. Your primary objective is to ensure that both new and existing products within the segment adhere to regulations, guidelines and internal standards. This involves safeguarding innovation and business continuity in a competitive way. Additionally, your role extends to shaping regional and country-specific regulatory developments by representing Mars' interests in trade associations and proactively engaging with regulatory authorities.

What are we looking for?

• Minimum: BSc in Food science/engineering, Nutrition, Chemistry or related technical field. Previous work experience in scientific and/or regulatory affairs in FMCG companies or trade associations. Fluent English.

• Preferred: MSc or PhD in Food Science, Nutrition or related technical field, business administration. Fluent French or German will be a plus.

• Significant experience in scientific and/or regulatory affairs related to food, beverages, nutritional products, and/or associated categories (ingredients, food supplements, cosmetics)

• Proficient in European and UK legislation, demonstrating a proven ability to operate effectively in ambiguous and ever-changing regulatory environments.

• Solid track record of translating regulations into business solutions, resulting in increased brand value.

• Demonstrated success in developing clear and competitive regulatory strategies for products, claims, and new ingredients aligned with brand plans, segment strategy, and internal standards.

• Horizon scanning: Proficient in using multiple data sources, forecasting, planning contingency, and formulating calculated risk scenarios.

• Issues management: Adept at anticipating issues and developing action plans to mitigate business impact.

• Internal and external influencing: Proven track record of managing complex stakeholder relationships, building broad regional networks, anticipating objections to regulatory assessments, and preparing in advance to influence others.

• Technical advocacy: Demonstrated success in working with trade associations and government agencies to achieve business or industry objectives, with the ability to articulate a regulatory advocacy agenda.

• Project management skills: Ability to plan and prioritize multiple projects and priorities with pragmatism and agility.

• Collaborative and inclusive team player.

• Good understanding of key Nutrition or Science concepts to ensure the proper execution of all Scientific and Regulatory Affairs priorities.

• Ability to travel (London often & EU sites), min of 1 day/week in the office

• Skills:

  Business acumen, problem-solving, horizon scanning, risk management, project management, nutrition policy, technical advocacy

What will be your key responsibilities?

As the regional SRA Lead for the Food & Nutrition segment in Europe, your responsibilities encompass serving as the main point of contact for technical advocacy, innovation, and product compliance matters within the region. Furthermore, you will actively contribute to building a robust and globally aligned team of regulatory partners. Your duties will include engaging with senior stakeholders, fostering collaboration, and ensuring robust cross-functional, cross-country, and cross-segment alignment, recognizing the interconnected nature of standards and regulatory developments.

Product compliance & Innovation

• Lead end-to-end regulatory activities, ensuring compliance with product composition, raw materials, food contact materials, communications, and labeling.

• Serve as the primary point of contact for specific regulatory inquiries from other functions (Product Development, Marketing, Corporate Affairs, QFS, Supply Chain, Legal, and Corporate SRA), offering guidance and meeting business needs.

• Take charge of European SRA work plans, KPIs, and metrics.

• Play a pivotal role in contributing to and ensuring the success of innovation and renovation projects by providing regulatory expertise and solutions to the project team.

• Develop a regulatory strategy for innovation and renovation initiatives.

• Validate on-pack and off-pack communication materials by conducting risk assessments and providing recommendations based on regulations, Mars guidelines and standards, and the external environment.

• Oversee the regional regulatory training program for relevant internal functions, fostering and promoting internal understanding of the function.

• Contribute to/support the delivery of the F&N SRA strategic plans and collaborate with other areas of activity in R&D.

• Address queries from regulatory authorities and competitors.

Technical advocacy

• Develop and implement advocacy plans in collaboration with Public Affairs to represent Mars's positions to governmental and non-governmental entities when specific business interests need promotion.

• Drive the external technical agenda for Mars Food & Nutrition, actively engaging with trade associations, Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs), academia, and authorities on technical and scientific matters. Coordinate responses to public consultations or inquiries from regulatory bodies.

• Utilize SRA horizon scanning to proactively monitor the evolution of scientific research, current legislation, and/or new legislation, ensuring timely and comprehensive management of changes to protect our freedom to operate.

• Collaborate with teams from other segments to support the appropriate definition and application of positions, guidelines, policies, pledges, and external commitments.

What can you expect from Mars?

• Work with over 130,000 diverse and talented Associates, all guided by the Five Principles.

• Join a purpose-driven company, where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.

• Best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.

• An industry-competitive salary and benefits package, including a company bonus.

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Mars is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process because of a disability, it is available upon request. The company is pleased to provide such assistance, and no applicant will be penalized as a result of such a request.