job purpose:

The Senior Manager of Dairy Scientific and Regulatory Affairs will provide oversight, strategy and advocacy support around all aspects of dairy regulatory compliance, from plant-level to end product on behalf of the business. This role will also serve as the technical subject matter expert related to the dairy regulatory, translating complex regulatory and scientific issues into practical guidance, policy positions and actionable recommendations. This role will maintain organizational awareness and engagement to influence dairy regulatory standards established by governmental agencies and industry bodies. This position partners with Operations, Quality, R&D, Legal, Marketing, Public Affairs and has a direct dotted line into the Scientific and Regulatory Affairs (SRA) team at TCCC.

responsibilities:

• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders including federal and state level government officials, policy makers, regulatory officials, industry associations, academia and advocacy groups.

• Monitor, interpret and provide analysis on federal and state regulatory and legislative developments within portfolio areas to inform senior leadership and provide timely recommendations to advance the key interests of the business in conjunction withTCCC and SRA team.

• Develop and lead advocacy strategies related to dairy regulatory landscape, including legislation and policies in the areas of nutrition, food safety, labeling, claims and other key areas based upon interpreted impact to the businessin collaboration with TCCC SRA team.

• Provide technical expertise, deepen leadership position and influence on behalf of the business’ regulatory priorities with organizations such as International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), National Conference on Interstate Milk Shipments (NCIMS), National Association of Dairy Regulatory Officials (NADRO), International Dairy Federation (IDF), CODEX and other related entities.

• Work with dairy trade associations and related coalitions to develop positions, draft comments on dairy regulatory priorities including nutrition, food safety, labeling, claims, standards of identity in addition to other key areas.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with regulatory operations, quality, research and development, legal, brand marketing, and public affairs teams along with liaising and alignment with the TCCC SRA to execute upon dairy regulatory strategy and projects.

skills/qualifications required:

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in a scientific or technical field, such as dairy/food science, public health, microbiology, or nutrition.

• Minimum of eight to ten years of experience in legislative, regulatory, scientific affairs or related fields, with preference given to experience within in the dairy industry.

• Deep knowledge and experience with the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance (PMO), dairy-related Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), including Low‑Acid Canned Foods (LACF), and dairy product processing, ingredients, labeling, claims, regulatory compliance, and consumer appeal. Hands on experience in dairy plant operations, supporting dairy inspections, regulatory findings and compliance would be beneficial.

• Proven track record of successful advocacy and regulatory impact at the national (FDA, USDA) and state levels.

• Strong understanding of the legislative and regulatory processes and environment, and political landscape related to dairy.

• Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders.

• Ability to analyze complex scientific, regulatory and operational issues and develop technical reports, regulatory comments, policy proposals, briefing materials and executive communications.

how fairlife nourishes you:

At fairlife, we believe in better — and that includes how we support our people. We offer a comprehensive suite of benefits and wellbeing resources designed to support you physically, emotionally, socially, and financially, both in and out of work.

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, effective day one!

• Supplemental health plans (hospital indemnity, accident, and critical illness insurance)

• Paid Time Off to recharge and support work-life balance

• Paid parental leave & adoption assistance (up to $10,000)

• Parental support & family care benefits, including childcare resources and lactation support

• 401(k) to support retirement planning with up to 9% in employer match

• Wellness reimbursement (up to $500 for qualified wellbeing expenses)

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for emotional wellbeing and work-life support

• Company-paid life insurance and short-term disability

• Employer HSA funding (for HDHP participants)

• Tuition reimbursement (up to $10,000) and student loan repayment ($200/month)

• Learning & development programs to unlock your full potential

• Rewards & recognition, matching gifts, free product, and Business Resource Groups

fairlife’s nour!sh program is designed to meet you where you are — supporting your individual wellbeing journey while enabling you to do your best work every day.

position location: Chicago, IL preferred, DC or located near a fairlife plant commutable to Webster, NY, Goodyear, AZ or Coopersville, MI

reports to: Senior Director, Dairy Industry Affairs

travel requirements: Up to 30%

exempt/nonexempt: Exempt