Sr. Scientific and Regulatory Affairs Manager - Food Contact Material Compliance

Job Description:

Sr. Scientific and Regulatory Affairs Manager- Food Contact Material Compliance

Locations- Chicago, IL; Hackettstown NJ; Battle Creek MI

As a member of Scientific & Regulatory Affairs (SRA) team, the Sr. Scientific and Regulatory Affairs Manager- Food Contact Material Compliancedrives competitive advantage for Mars Snacking by leading safety, regulatory risk assessment, and compliance strategy for sustainable packaging innovations.

This role serves as the SRA lead and primary regulatory point of contact for packaging sustainability initiatives, partnering cross-functionally with R&D, Packaging Engineering, Marketing, Procurement, Legal, Quality, and regional SRA teams to enable innovation while ensuring food contact compliance. The position delivers actionable risk assessments and pragmatic solutions for complex and emerging materials—eg PCR plastics, compostable substrates, and bio-based polymers—while establishing supplier specifications and leading regulatory submissions to support North America route-to-market strategies.

By leveraging horizon scanning and regulatory intelligence, the job holder anticipates emerging policy trends and chemicals of interest to protect Freedom to Operate and strengthen long-term business preparedness.

What are we looking for?

• Minimum of a bachelor's degree in a technical area, such as chemistry, toxicology, food chemistry, food science. Master's degree preferred.

• Minimum 7 years of experience in scientific and/or regulatory compliance with food products and/or related product categories (such as food supplements, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals) with proficiency in food law, and ingredient and packaging management in North America. Experience in Treating and Snacking category is preferred.

• Experience working with trade associations and government agencies to clarify and resolve regulatory matters.

• Experience working on large-scale regulatory projects involving packaging with a demonstrated track record of working successfully across functions to achieve shared goals.

• Proven ability to interact cross-functionally at all levels within the organization are required.

What will your key responsibilities be?

Food Contact Material Risk Assessment & Compliance Strategy for Sustainable Packaging

• Lead safety and compliance assessments for complex and emerging packaging materials, e.g., PCR plastics, compostable materials, and bio-based polymers.

• Serve as the SRA lead and primary regulatory point of contact for compliance and risk assessment packaging sustainability initiatives, partnering with R&D, Packaging Engineering, Marketing, Procurement, Legal, Quality, and external stakeholders.

• Evaluate risks associated with potential contaminants (e.g., NIAS, mineral oils, printing ink residues), altered migration behavior, and thinner or redesigned packaging structures.

• Deliver actionable risk assessments and pragmatic compliance solutions—not solely risk identification.

• Provide scientific and regulatory guidance on food contact materials for new packaging formats, materials, and technologies.

• Escalate key regulatory decision points to SRA Leadership Team (LT) to ensure appropriate governance and risk management.

Route-to-Market & Regulatory Approvals for Novel Sustainable Packaging

• Develop regulatory strategies and define route-to-market pathways for new packaging innovations in North America.

• Lead regulatory submissions and petitions with authorities such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Health Canada for novel materials (e.g., PCR, bio-based packaging).

• Set clear regulatory specifications and compliance requirements for suppliers of sustainable packaging materials.

Freedom to Operate & Strategic Foresight

• Leverage horizon-scanning tools and regulatory intelligence platforms to anticipate emerging legislation, policy trends, and enforcement priorities affecting sustainable packaging.

• Proactively manage chemicals of interest under regulatory and public scrutiny (e.g., microplastics, phthalates, PFAS, and other emerging substances) to protect and expand Freedom to Operate (FTO).

• Engage with industry associations and expert networks to stay informed on evolving standards and regulatory expectations.

• Support the development of mid- to long-term SRA strategic roadmaps related to sustainable materials and packaging innovation.

Governance, Communication & Capability Building

• Communicate project highlights, key regulatory risks, and strategic implications to the broader SRA community to drive organizational learning and alignment.

• Establish decision frameworks and documentation standards to ensure transparency and audit readiness.

• Support cross-functional education on food contact regulations and sustainability compliance considerations.

What can you expect from Mars?

• Work with 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.

• A strong focus on learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.

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

#LI-BM1

The base pay range for this position at commencement of employment is between the range listed below, however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including but not limited to job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position will include variable pay, medical and dental benefits, participation in 401k plan, and paid time off benefits. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an applicant receives an offer of employment.