Sr. Scientific and Regulatory Affairs Manager - Packaging Sustainability

Mars is seeking a Sr. Scientific and Regulatory Affairs Manager for Packaging Sustainability, based in Hackettstown, NJ, and other locations. The role involves interpreting sustainability regulations, developing technical requirements, and ensuring compliance in packaging. The manager will collaborate with various teams, conduct regulatory intelligence, and drive sustainable packaging initiatives. Candidates should have a relevant degree and at least 7 years of regulatory experience in food-related products.
Job Description:

Sr. Scientific and Regulatory Affairs Manager - Packaging Sustainability

Locations - Chicago, IL; Hackettstown NJ; Battle Creek MI

As a member of Scientific & Regulatory Affairs (SRA) team, the Sr. Scientific and Regulatory Affairs Manager - Packaging Sustainability leads Mars Snacking North America efforts to interpret, apply, and influence complex and evolving sustainability regulations, translating legislation on packaging design, labeling, claims, and chemicals of interest into clear technical requirements and internal specifications.

Serving as the primary SRA regulatory lead, this role partners cross-functionally with Legal, Packaging R&D, Procurement, and Quality teams to enable sustainable packaging compliance and innovation while ensuring compliance and protecting Freedom to Operate (FTO). The position drives proactive horizon scanning, regulatory intelligence, and risk assessment for emerging materials and regulatory trends, develops internal tools, systems, and governance frameworks, and delivers pragmatic solutions including technical arguments, exemptions, and advocacy with trade associations and regulatory agencies.

By providing actionable guidance, and representing the business on FTO core project teams, the Senior Manager ensures consistent regulatory interpretation and supports long-term strategy for safe and compliant sustainable packaging.

What are we looking for?
• Minimum of a Bachelor's degree in areas such as food law, chemistry, toxicology, food chemistry, food science. Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum 7 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 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 with 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 are required.

What will you key responsibilities be?

Interpretation of packaging sustainability regulations & technical requirement development
• Interpret complex and evolving sustainability legislation, e.g., sustainable packaging compositional design mandates, sustainability claims, labeling requirements, chemicals of interest and to determine technical and operational compliance requirements.
• Translate regulatory language into clear, practical, and measurable internal specifications, processes, and decision criteria that influence packaging design, marketing claims, and supplier expectations.
• Develop internal tools, systems, guidelines, training, and governance frameworks to elevate organizational capability in interpreting and complying with sustainability regulatory requirements.
• Communicate regulatory developments, risk implications, and strategy updates to senior leadership and relevant stakeholder groups to drive shared understanding and coordinated action.

Horizon Scanning & Support Compliance Strategy
• Conduct proactive horizon scanning and regulatory intelligence gathering to track emerging and proposed legislation at federal, state/provincial, and local levels impacting sustainable packaging compliance.
• Identify regulatory trends, risk areas, and opportunities to inform strategy, internal guidance, and decision-making.
• Partner with cross-functional teams such as Legal, Packaging R&D, Procurement and Public Affairs to assess potential business impacts of new or changing regulations and recommend mitigation or adaptation strategies.
• Maintain consistent approaches to compliance interpretation, technical strategy, and external advocacy through active engagement with internal networks and governance forums.
• Represent the organization on packaging sustainability FTO core project teams, contributing regulatory insight, compliance strategy, and risk management approaches.

Technical Advocacy & Freedom to Operate Support
• Lead development of technical arguments and exemption requests ensuring robust scientific and legal justification.
• Serve as the primary packaging sustainability technical advocate with external stakeholders, including trade associations, industry working groups, and regulatory agencies, to advance industry positions and secure appropriate exemptions or clarifications.

What can you expect from Mars?
• Work with diverse and talented Associates, all guided by the Five Principles.
• Join a purpose driven company, where we’re 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 experience. The total compensation package for this position will include variable pay, medical and dental benefits, participation in 401k plan, and paid time off benefits. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an applicant receives an offer of employment.

The pay range shown is applicable to all US locations listed within the job posting:USD 153,600.00 - USD 211,200.00