Spec Regulatory Affairs

Temporary position: 2-3 months. Start as soon as possible

Location of the temporary job: Bakersfield CA

Main Purpose of the job:

Drive regulatory compliance assessment, label development and approvals, and engage with internal and external partners to contribute to the Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream regulatory agenda for the ice cream business. Support RSA business processes, proactively monitors the regulatory environment relevant to the business, analyses impact to the business, and acts as appropriate to mitigate risks through implementation, documentation and maintenance of regulatory programs and systems.

Role and Activity:

• Contribute to early and effective Innovation & Renovation of ice cream and frozen dessert products, leading to compliance by design of ingredients, labels, claims and communications in the area of responsibility, supporting brand specific projects in the US Market from brief to launch.
• Ensure compliance by design of label content and other product communications (printed-on-packaging labels, Smart Label, eCommerce, websites).
• Ensures all claims are appropriately substantiated and documentation maintained.
• Develop components of product label including ingredient statement, allergen declaration, nutrition facts panel, net weight statement and claims, which meet government requirements, standards of identity and certifications.
• Collaborate with and provide regulatory guidance to cross-functional partners within project teams, including commercial marketing, legal, QA, food safety and product development.
• Monitor the regulatory environment and watch for trends in local and international spheres for the product category and topic area owned to assess impact on our products and business; implement changes where chance for optimization exists within the compliance period.
• Engage with authorities, agencies and/or trade associations to represent Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream positions in the market.
• Contribute optimally to the foundation of the Regulatory team by maintaining compliance tools, updating policies and procedures, and striving for continuous improvement to enable products to get to market quickly.

• Ensure adherence to all regulatory, legal and company standards. Align with Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream requirements (includes Nutritional Requirement and Environmental Social Governance), external standards, and local regulatory framework.
• Work closely with internal procurement and technical teams to ensure all existing and new materials comply with required documentation to support claims and label content.
  • Collaborates with corporate and site QA teams on Food Safety and Quality Plan development and annual review, bringing knowledge of regulatory requirements and ingredient risks for consideration in developing prerequisite programs and preventive controls.
  • Continuous improvement of technical skills and personal development, while growing internal and external networks.

Measurable Outcomes

• Specified product label projects completed on time and accurately
• All paperwork and files completed correctly and on time
• Adherence to the internally agreed Regulatory processes, systems, and best practices
• Ensure that data integrity is maintained
• Ability to form positive relationships with both internal teams and external customers and suppliers
• Solid knowledge of Brand essence and values
• Active communication with the RSA manager on current projects, issues, concerns, and compliance risks during the planned one-on-one sessions

Levels of responsibility:

• All issues relating to assigned project portfolio (I&R, Buy Better, Factory Support etc.).
• Guidance and possible mentorship of more junior technologist’s development technicians in the team
• Responsible for clear communication between Regulatory team and cross-functional project team members
• All issues relating to label compliance – ‘right first time’ label
• Ensure a high level of attention to detail in all work that is done

Behaviors

• Adaptable - Adjust approach to match varied task requirements; Adjust behavior to others’ styles; Change priorities to meet changing demands; Adjust quickly to new responsibilities and tasks.
• Communication - presents ideas optimally, actively listens and works across functional boundaries.
• Teamwork/ Cooperation - effectively working within and outside the formal line of authority.
• Performance – Open to change and will always look for better, simpler, and more effective ways of operating.
• Hands on approach. – Decisions and plans based on seeing and being part of the event, not solely based on report reading.
• Zero compromise on Quality and excellence. – Hygiene, Process, Labor resource and Waste.
• Entrepreneurial – challenges the status quo and explores new ideas and opportunities. Continually striving to increase the knowledge of the processes and products - Understand all tasks, processes and activities as an expert in Ice cream.
• Accountability – Personal commitment, full participant who uses personal impact to build the business.
• Consumer focused – Produce product to the agreed quality standards.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Requires BS/BA, preferably in nutrition and/or food science; MS/MA preferred.

BS/BA in another field with min 2 years relevant regulatory experience in the food and beverage industry will be considered.

Experience:

1-2 years of experience in the Food & Beverage industry, primarily in regulatory affairs, regulatory compliance, food labeling, nutrition or product development.

Understanding of industry standard of Quality and Food

Has a strong knowledge food and beverage Raw materials, Additives, Allergens

Skills:

• Results-oriented team player capable of working in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities.
• Organized and detail-oriented, with proven analytical and decision-making skills.
• Strong verbal and written communications skills, along with influencing and negotiation skills, process knowledge in functional area, and an ability to communicate regulatory and technical issues in clear, concise terms to non-technical audiences.
• Knowledge of FDA food labeling regulations and documentation requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and independently.

Work Environment: 

In this position, the employee will regularly work with and around others; in a wet and/or humid environment; in areas of high noise level; and around mechanical, electrical, and pressurized equipment. The work is fast paced.

The position involves frequent exposure to nuts and other potential allergens.

The pay scale for this role takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs. At Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their role, and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. The pay range for prospective employees in this role is between $75,000 to $85,000 per year.

Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream Inc. provides equal employment opportunities for all applicants, regardless of race, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.

Salary : $75,000 - $85,000