Product Regulatory Specialist I

Purpose of the Position

Assist in compliance, oversight and guidance for the complete Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) thru all modules included in PLM to move information through the system prior to release for production. Assist in labeling and regulatory functions for the approval of the specifications and graphics.

Essential Position Responsibilities - This is a Salary Exempt position.

Assist in Spec Management process. Assist in collection and collaboration with suppliers to develop and maintain accurate specifications, including but not limited to raw material specifications, formulas, LIO, Nutrient Profiles, packaging specifications, graphics and trade specs. Monitor inactivation of all components associated with trade specs at end of lifecycle. Input data, where necessary, to keep specifications up to date.

Assist with Supplier Approval process. Participates in the approval process to qualify both new and existing suppliers for production. Assists to ensure data input into PLM, based on guidelines set forth by leadership, is up to date and accurate to adhere to defined corporate policies. Collaborate with suppliers to update needed information.

Monitor supplier portal on outstanding documents as directed by leadership. Work closely with suppliers on system issues to enhance data collection through electronic questionnaires and other programs and processes.

Assist with Regulatory Compliance. Assist regulatory team members in validating claims on new product launches. Assist with the label library in the applicable system and update as needed. Assist in proper documentation and fees for label registrations & tonnage fees in a timely fashion, if applicable for Pet Food. Notifies manager of any nonconformance disputes which arise from states regarding unregistered products for resolution. Assist in customer and sales requests to support label and market claims.

Explore process improvement activities within the area of responsibility. Focus on system integrations to decrease manual entry between Simmons processes and systems. Work with all team members for reports to help drive business processes for their area of expertise.

Participates as a member of the Technical Services Team. Participates in the ongoing development, communication and implementation of team concepts, programs and policies; coordinates work to ensure best practices with all team members. Attends appropriate team meetings. Accepts responsibility to quickly identify any areas that lack cohesiveness, bringing them to the attention of leadership and working with the team in a supportive manner to resolve issues and actively look for ways, and reinforce actions needed, to achieve synergy possible within the larger organization.

Simmons Operating systems principles and objectives: Is familiar with Simmons’ established operating systems (e.g. quality, security, office environment, company policies, continuous improvement); understands the responsibility to maintain familiarity with the systems and this position’s role in support of these systems - including a consideration of the impact of individual actions on the systems and the responsibility to communicate concerns and improvement ideas.

Performs other duties as necessary in support of business objectives: Perform other duties as directed by your supervisor. This position description is intended to guide the activities of the person in this position and is not intended to limit the thinking and creativity of the person as to the work of this function nor is it intended to describe all the work that may be required of the person in this position.

Physical Activities: Enters and locates information on a computer. Visually verifies information, often in small print. Presents information to small or large groups. Communicates with Customers, Suppliers, or Employees via phone, in person, and/or electronic mail.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): As needed in required environment.

Travel: Travels occasionally to manufacturing locations.

Technical Experience: Related work experience preferred. Preference for experience in a field requiring attention to detail including graphics, regulatory, labeling, prepress, quality, business, science, sourcing, etc. Strong communication and project management skills and an understanding of food safety and basic quality systems are required.

Industry Experience: Background in food manufacturing preferred.

Minimum Education: High School education.

Preferred Education: Graduate degree in animal nutrition, business, graphics, food science, etc. Food Labeling laws and regulations preferred.