Job Overview:

The Senior Regulatory Manager is responsible for proactive regulatory risk management and enabling compliance with federal and state regulations for all UNFI Brands manufacturers and associated products. Manages QA team with responsibilities associated with quality and regulatory conformity, customer and consumer relations, legal, recalls, and WIC. This position is a key liaison with cross-functional internal and external partners.

Job Responsibilities:

Core Responsibilities

Regulatory Oversight

·       Serve as the primary regulatory compliance liaison for internal teams and external regulatory authorities, including FDA, USDA-FSIS, EPA-FIFRA, OSHA, DOT, and state and local agencies.

·       Act as the Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI) and subject matter expert for Owned Brands regulatory and governmental programs, including FSMA, MoCRA, GFSI, FSVP, Organic SOE, USDA PACA, and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).

·       Lead state‑specific compliance oversight, including California regulatory requirements (Prop 65, Right‑to‑Know, MoCRA), and manage EPA product renewals with Departments of Health and/or Pesticide Regulation offices.

·       Provide expert guidance on regulatory requirements, product safety, labeling compliance (FDA/USDA), and special claims to ensure safe, compliant product development and manufacturing.

·       Partner cross‑functionally with Sales, Brand Marketing, Sourcing, Quality, Recalls, and Product Development to deliver regulatory and risk guidance related to new product development, supplier onboarding, brand messaging, consumer inquiries, and formulation and packaging standards.

·       Monitor emerging regulatory changes and non‑conformance risks, developing proactive compliance strategies that balance brand integrity and business objectives.

·       Review and approve marketing, sales, promotional, and press materials to ensure regulatory accuracy and risk mitigation.

·       Lead and develop the UNFI Brands QA team, setting priorities, providing coaching, and fostering a growth‑oriented culture aligned with company values.

·       Oversee management and governance of FS/QA SharePoint systems, internal “Free-from” ingredient lists, and customer‑specific technical data portals

Legal Collaboration

·       The primary liaison to UNFI Legal and Government Affairs, ensuring alignment on regulatory strategy, risk mitigation, and compliance priorities.

·       Review, discuss, and authorize legal agreements from third‑party certifying bodies, including Organic, Kosher, and Fair-Trade organizations, to ensure accuracy, compliance, and brand protection.

·       Act as a key reviewer for UNFI Brands supply agreements, retailer non‑disclosure requests, and service or licensing contracts, providing regulatory and risk‑based guidance.

·       Maintain and oversee Claim Verification records and document collection.

·       Lead biweekly cross functional touchpoints with UNFI Legal and FS/QA leadership to coordinate on emerging issues, regulatory updates, and strategic initiatives.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:

Education/ Certifications:

·       Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science, Food Safety, Regulatory or Government Affairs, or closely related field.

·       FSPCA Preventative Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI) active certification required.

Experience:

·       Minimum of 7+ years of experience in Food Safety/Quality, regulatory affairs, or government affairs, with direct engagement across external regulatory agencies and cross‑functional internal teams.

·       Comprehensive knowledge of FDA and USDA labeling regulations, including nutrition labeling and related compliance frameworks.

·       Strong working knowledge of current and emerging federal and state regulatory requirements, with particular emphasis in California regulations, FSMA 204, and Extender Producer laws.

·       Demonstrate deep technical knowledge of HACCP and FSMA HARPC based principles, GMPs, SOPs, and other applicable operating control processes.

Knowledge/Skills/ Abilities

• Be self-motivated and capable of working independently, as well as motivating others and directing others to attain the goals that are set for the department.
• Act with a high sense of urgency, customer focus and organizational skills.
• Contribute to a cooperative, teamwork atmosphere, possessing the ability to work in cooperation with others effectively to achieve desired results.
• Highly adaptable to shifting priorities and continuously operating with solution-seeking attitude.
• Excellent organizational, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Comfortable presenting in front of large groups and executive leadership.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office required.

·       Good judgment is required for this position as there may be times when direct supervision may not be immediately available.

Work Environment:

Remote Role:

·       This position is classified as remote where the associate will perform remote work from their primary residence. Remote associates are welcome to work from the office but are not required to do so. While remote associates are not required to work from an office on a regular basis, they may be required to come to the office or other UNFI locations for necessary business reasons or if directed to do so by their manager.

Travel (minor):

·       This position may require the associate to travel to company offices, distribution centers, or other locations for specific meetings or other business reasons.

Physical Environment/Demands:

Office Roles:

·       Most work is performed in a temperature-controlled office environment.

·       Incumbent may sit for long periods of time at a desk or computer terminal.

·       While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.  

·       Incumbent may use calculators, keyboards, telephones, and other office equipment in the course of a normal workday.

·       Stooping, bending, twisting, and reaching may be required in the completion of job duties.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature of the work performed by the employees assigned to this job. All employees must comply with Company policy and applicable laws. The responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified may vary within each department and/or location.