What are the responsibilities and job description for the Regulatory Affairs Specialist position at Reser's Fine Foods?
General Summary
Responsible for reviewing, revising and approving all Reser’s brand labels for legal accuracy, regulatory compliance and overall correctness in accordance with current FDA and USDA regulations and company-specific standards.
Benefits and Culture
We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package designed to help employees live a healthier life, build rewarding careers and save for the future. Reser's offers choices whenever possible, because we recognize the diverse and ever changing needs of our employees. Full-time employee benefits include medical, dental, vision, AD&D, life, 401(k) with discretionary match, wellness programs, paid time off, company paid holidays and a variety of voluntary benefit options.
We strive to be your Employer of Choice. As one of our five cornerstones, this means that we go all-out to create an environment that shows we are committed to investing in employee growth and creating a culture of belonging where employees want to build a lasting career.
Visit our website to learn more about our competitive benefit programs - https://www.resers.com/careers/#benefits
Principle Duties and Responsibilities
1. Researches, interprets and applies labeling laws and regulations to new and novel products and packaging.
2. Collaborates with Private Label customers and provides technical assistance to jointly develop and approve product labels.
3. Proofs product labels to verify correctness and regulatory compliance. Generates product Nutrition and Ingredient statements from company database.
4. Identifies potential regulatory issues, provides resolution and offers suggestions when working on new product labels or product reformulations to improve speed to market.
5. Processes and submits all USDA label sketch approvals and temporary approvals. Issues generic label approvals to production facilities.
6. Collaborates with Private Label customers to review label content for accuracy and provides recommendations for required changes.
7. Uses labeling expertise to advise other departments and production facilities on the requirements for substantiation and compliance to product label claims. Assists with documentation if needed.
8. Responds to inquiries relating to private label items, ingredients, label claims, allergens or other technical information.
9. Researches labeling requirements for new or novel ingredients and/or packaging designs.
10. Assists with maintaining formulas, internal specifications or other technical documents as needed.
11. Maintains training to stay current with all new USDA and FDA regulations.
Job Specifications
1. Bachelor of Science in the field of Food Science, Nutrition or other strongly related field is preferred.
2. 5 years of experience with direct responsibility for food product labeling.
3. 10 years of experience in a similar regulatory or labeling position is preferred.
4. Current knowledge of FDA & USDA labeling regulations is required.
5. Ability to work independently without close supervision and possess good judgment, decisiveness and interpersonal skills. Comfortable with ambiguity and problem solving.
6. Intermediate or better PC skills are required; advanced skills in Excel, PowerPoint, and Access are desired. Experience with electronic label review software and systems.
Working Conditions
1. Office environment.
2. Occasional travel (10%) throughout the US for work or professional training. Able to work extended hours on occasion.
3. Occasionally lift packages up to 20 pounds.
This position is eligible for a bonus based on company goals/performance.
Recipe for Success
Reser’s is the leading provider of fresh refrigerated deli salads, side dishes, and prepared foods for the supermarket, club store, and food service industries. Family owned and operated, Reser’s has been a proud sponsor of good times at racetracks, picnics, BBQs, music festivals, and affordable family meals since 1950. Reser’s family of brands include Reser’s American Classics, Main St Bistro, Stonemill Kitchens, and more. With more than 4,500 employees, Reser’s operates 14 facilities in the US, Mexico, and Canada and actively supports the communities it serves.