At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead regulatory compliance for Metal Packaging across EMEA and ensure product safety standards.
- Company: Join a leading global company committed to sustainability and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities to influence industry standards and mentor team members.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on consumer safety and environmental standards in packaging.
- Qualifications: Degree in Chemistry or related field; experience in regulatory affairs preferred.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 € per year.
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, including 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.
Regulatory Affairs Manager in Wantage employer: Sonoco
At Sonoco, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation in the heart of EMEA. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through continuous training opportunities and mentorship, ensuring that our team members are well-equipped to navigate the complexities of regulatory affairs in the Metal Packaging division. With a focus on compliance and sustainability, we provide a meaningful work environment where your contributions directly impact consumer safety and business success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Regulatory Affairs Manager in Wantage
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts and attend relevant events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that Regulatory Affairs Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of EU Food Contact Legislation and recent regulatory changes. We want you to be the go-to expert in the room, so practice explaining complex topics in simple terms.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your experience with industry bodies like MPE and JIG during interviews. We need someone who can influence and represent our interests, so share specific examples of how you've done this in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Regulatory Affairs Manager in Wantage
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience with EU Food Contact Legislation and regulatory compliance. We want to see how your skills align with the specific requirements of the Regulatory Affairs Manager role.
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:Don’t shy away from detailing your knowledge of complex regulations like REACH and PPWR. We’re looking for someone who can translate these into practical guidance, so give us examples of how you've done this in the past!
Highlight Your Communication Skills:Since you'll be presenting to major customers and stakeholders, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to explain complex topics in plain language. Share instances where you’ve successfully communicated technical information to non-experts.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sonoco
✨Know Your Regulations
Make sure you brush up on EU Food Contact Legislation and global chemical standards like REACH and CLP. Being able to discuss these regulations confidently will show that you’re not just familiar with the requirements but can also translate them into practical guidance for the business.
✨Prepare for Technical Discussions
Since you'll be acting as a technical authority, practice explaining complex regulatory topics in simple terms. Think about how you would present these topics to major customers or stakeholders, as clear communication is key in this role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Be ready to discuss your experience in mentoring team members and managing workloads. Highlight specific examples where you've provided technical guidance or led initiatives that improved compliance processes, as this will demonstrate your functional leadership capabilities.
✨Stay Updated on Industry Trends
Familiarise yourself with current regulatory developments and emerging circular economy regulations. Showing that you actively monitor these changes and understand their potential impacts will position you as a proactive candidate who can influence industry bodies effectively.
