Sr. Scientific and Regulatory Affairs Specialist Packaging Sustainability Compliance

Job Description:

Sr. Scientific and Regulatory Affairs Specialist - Packaging Sustainability Compliance

Locations - Chicago IL; Hackettstown NJ; Battle Creek MI

As a member of Scientific & Regulatory Affairs (SRA) Team the Sr. Scientific and Regulatory Affairs Specialist - Packaging Sustainability Compliance supports Mars Snacking North America efforts to assess implement and govern evolving sustainability requirements across claims labeling chemicals of interest and packaging composition. Serving as a key SRA partner to Marketing Legal Corporate Affairs Packaging R&D Procurement and Quality this role conducts risk assessments of environmental and sustainability claims to ensure they are substantiated and not misleading provides clear mitigation recommendations and escalates issues to support informed business decisions.

The position evaluates portfolio impacts of emerging state and federal labeling laws leads execution of compliant label updates supported by robust data and coordinates supplier documentation for chemicals of interest such as PFAS. Through structured supplier engagement regulatory tracking change management and documentation oversight the Senior Specialist delivers actionable guidance maintains audit readiness and strengthens internal capability to ensure consistent compliant and business-aligned sustainable packaging practices.

What are we looking for

• Minimum of a bachelors degree in a technical area such as chemistry toxicology food chemistry food science packaging engineering. Masters preferred.

• Minimum of 5 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; 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 and suppliers are required.

What would your key responsibilities be

Sustainability Claims Management

• Conduct risk assessments of environmental and sustainability claims to ensure claims are substantiated accurate and not misleading.

• Partner with Marketing Legal and Corporate Affairs to establish appropriate oversight documentation standards and approval processes for sustainability claims.

• Provide clear business-relevant recommendations on claims risk and mitigation strategies and escalate as needed to facilitate decision making.

Sustainability Labeling Compliance

• Assess portfolio impact of evolving state and federal labeling regulations e.g. California SB 343

• Lead execution of required label updates and partner with cross-functional teams to ensure substantiating data (e.g. recyclability testing material composition validation) is complete and audit-ready.

• Coordinate cross-functionally to implement compliant and timely packaging changes.

Chemicals of Interest & Regulatory Documentation Management

• Monitor and assess fast-evolving state regulations addressing packaging chemicals of interest such as PFAS and other restricted substances.

• Coordinate with suppliers converters and internal stakeholders to collect and review required regulatory documentation (e.g. PCR certifications PFAS-free declarations compliance statements recyclability verification).

• Maintain organized documentation systems to support audits regulatory inquiries and customer requests.

Regulatory Change Management & Tracking

• Track and manage regulatory developments related to sustainability claims labeling packaging composition and chemicals of interest.

• Support the implementation of structured change management processes to ensure timely internal alignment and compliance execution.

• Develop summaries and impact assessments to inform business stakeholders of regulatory changes and associated risks.

• Serve as a trusted technical partner to R&D Packaging Procurement Marketing and Legal teams on sustainable packaging topics.

• Contribute to internal capability building by sharing regulatory insights and supporting training initiatives.

What can you expect from Mars

• Work with diverse and talented Associates all guided by the Five Principles.

• Join a purpose driven company where were 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 total compensation package for this position will include variable pay medical and dental benefits participation in 401k plan and paid time off of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an applicant receives an offer of employment.