Regulatory Affairs Manager in Wantage

The role reports to the Head of Materials Compliance, supporting the delivery of the broader EMEA regulatory vision and the mitigation of regional legal risks. The Regulatory Affairs Manager leads the application of the regulatory requirements for the Metal Packaging division across EMEA, ensuring that Sonoco products consistently meet stringent Food Contact, Chemical, and Environmental safety standards. Acts as the technical lead for metal packaging, partnering with Sales and Operations to translate complex legislative shifts, such as PPWR and REACH, into practical guidance for the business. Monitors regulatory developments relevant to Metal Packaging and highlights potential impacts to the business, supporting engagement with industry groups and Trade Associations (MPE, JIG). Coordinate regulatory activities across the Metal Packaging area, ensuring compliance documentation is accurate and aligned with requirements, and provides technical input to customer discussions where needed.

Role & accountabilities

• Customer Strategy & Brand Protection: Lead the high-level response strategy for Tier-1 global brand owners. This includes the authoring and validation of complex, customer-specific Declarations of Compliance (DoC) and technical position papers on sensitive regulatory topics. Act as the primary technical authority in meetings with major customers, presenting strategic compliance topics and risk assessments to ensure consumer safety and business continuity. Provide technical input in customer discussions, explaining regulatory requirements and supporting responses to compliance-related queries. Coordinate and support responses to key customer regulatory requirements, including the preparation and review of Declarations of Compliance (DoC) and technical documentation on complex topics.
• Regional Supplier Governance & Audit: Oversee the final regulatory approval of all materials (coatings, inks, compounds) used in Metal Packaging, managing the approval process to ensure documentation is reviewed and complete. Participate in the Supplier Quality Audit (SQA) program for regulatory compliance, performing on-site audits and coordinating 3rd-party testing to validate supplier data and mitigate raw material risks. Work with suppliers to ensure data transparency, specifically regarding “Trade Secret” formulations and complex substance migration.
• Horizon Scanning & Industry Influence: Represent Sonoco’s interests at the industry level through active leadership in Trade Associations (MPE, JIG). Monitor regulatory developments and support engagement with industry groups and trade associations, sharing relevant updates with the business. Provide Executive Summaries to senior stakeholders to highlight potential impacts, supporting Sonoco decision-making regarding any exposure and mitigation strategies.
• Functional Leadership & Workflow Management: Provide day-to-day technical guidance for the Food Contact Compliance Analyst, ensuring high-quality output and alignment with EMEA regulatory standards. Plan and prioritise the workload for the Food Contact Compliance Analyst function, managing resource allocation to ensure timely delivery of regulatory support to Sales and Operations. Provide technical mentorship, ensuring the team maintains up-to-date knowledge of evolving FCM legislation. Support the maintenance and effective use of the Regulatory Information Centre (SharePoint), ensuring the standardisation of responses to ensure the business has a “Single Source of Truth” for safety and sustainability data.

Essential:

• Degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Food Science, or a related technical discipline.
• In-depth working knowledge of EU Food Contact Legislation (Framework Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004, etc.), global chemical standards (REACH/CLP), and EU Packaging Regulations (PPWR and Conflict Minerals).
• Proven experience in influencing industry bodies or trade associations (e.g., MPE, JIG) to protect business interests.
• Experience supporting data-driven decision-making on material safety that impacts production, sales, and brand reputation.
• Experience managing and prioritising technical workloads, mentoring team members, and providing technical guidance to the department to ensure it meets legal standards.
• Experience monitoring regulatory developments and highlighting potential impacts or risks to the business.
• Exceptional proficiency in English, with the ability to present complex regulatory strategies to internal stakeholders and customers in plain language.

Desirable:

• Certified Lead Auditor status or significant experience in leading Supplier Quality Audit (SQA) programs for regulatory compliance.
• Experience in overseeing the governance of digital regulatory databases (SharePoint/SMD) or advising on compliance integration within ERP systems (e.g., SAP).
• Knowledge of emerging circular economy regulations (e.g., PPWR) and their impact on metal packaging substrates and recycled content claims.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and we strictly prohibit and do not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, marital status, gender identity or expression, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any legally protected characteristic.