Scientific & Regulatory Affairs Coordinator Brazil

Job Title: Scientific & Regulatory Affairs Coordinator Brazil

Reports to: Senior Scientific & Regulatory Affairs Manager, Latin America

Business Unit: QRC   

Location: São Paulo / SP

Summary:

This position is primarily responsible for ensuring that all products marketed in Brazil comply fully with local food regulations. The role encompasses the development and validation of compliance documentation and food‑labeling information, including ingredient statements, recipes, nutrition facts, and product claims. The coordinator will work closely with commercial teams to support innovation initiatives, new product development, and continuous improvement projects, ensuring regulatory compliance at every stage of the process.

In addition, the coordinator will proactively support the senior manager in planning and responding to immediate regulatory threats, addressing compliance needs resulting from evolving legislation, and building long‑term strategies to mitigate emerging regulatory risks in the food regulatory landscape. This requires a strategic mindset capable of going beyond day‑to‑day operational tasks and contributing to a robust, forward‑looking regulatory roadmap.

The role involves frequent interaction with cross‑functional partners, including Corporate QRC, Marketing, Supply Chain, Product Development, the Legal Department, Global Manufacturing teams, and regional leadership across multiple geographies. It also includes responsibility for maintaining clear, accurate, and timely communication—both written and verbal—with internal stakeholders and external entities such as regulatory agencies, government authorities, and trade associations representing Hershey’s interests.

The position may require occasional travel within the region and to Hershey, Pennsylvania, including possible weekend or overnight trips; therefore, flexibility is essential.

Principal Responsabilities: 

Regulatory Compliance – 30%:

1. Lead Brazil regulatory team to assure regulatory compliance of products directly marketed and indirectly marketed via distributor/e-commerce channels. Provide support and guidance to teams to resolve regulatory incidents and institute measures to prevent recurrence. 
2. Ensure seamless communication and alignment across functional departments regarding regulatory compliance activities and deliverables.
3. Acts as a subject matter expert in providing regulatory expertise; including, but not limited to food labeling, recipe/ingredient reviews, claims and regulatory changes. 
4. Continuously assess risks, and plan for compliance across short/long term regulatory measures through cross functional engagement with stakeholders in devising clear plan.

Strategy and Continuous Improvement – 20%:

1. Continuously assess our internal regulatory processes, and devise strategies for improvement in the short/long term that coincide with the business strategies. (i.e., regulatory review process, artwork review, product compliance)

Employee Development & Planning – 20%:

1. Develop, retain, and attract talent. Support senior manager on devising strategy to strengthen the organization and provide sustainable, consistent regulatory programs that provide business supportability and continuously build inner bench strength through strong development and succession planning.

Business Engagement – 20%:

1. Support to Sr. Manager as representative within Brazil Latam Leadership team when needed. Support in driving strategic direction at regional level, and taking leadership in driving regulatory initiatives, supporting on department meetings etc.
2. Actively participate in cross functional meetings and provide regulatory guidance to project teams regarding development/innovation, formulation changes, and communication materials (i.e., Stage Gate, QDR, Technical Readiness, Management Meeting etc.)
3. Collaborates with Legal, R&D Nutrition, Product Development, Quality Assurance, Regulatory Affairs, Government Relations, and Supply Chain customers as well as external trade associations to gain and share knowledge.
4. Effectively communicates impact, and develops compliance plans to respond to new and emerging food regulations, and potential changes/threats
5. Develop communication for consumer and customer inquiries pertaining to changes

External Facing – 10%:

1. Provide leadership externally with technical committees (i.e., trade associations) and regulatory bodies in shaping legislation that directly impact Hershey’s, and ensuring our points of view are appropriately represented, and for resolving regulatory actions.

Academic Background:

• Graduation and Post-graduation level preferred in a technical field such as Nutrition / Food Regulatory / Food Science.

Previous Experience:

• Minimum 5 years of food regulatory experience in confectionery/snacking industry preferred.

       Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Exceptional attention to detail, ensuring accuracy across all deliverables.
• Excellent organizational abilities with strong self‑management skills to handle multiple priorities simultaneously.
• High level of initiative and adaptability in fast‑changing, dynamic environments.
• Strong influencing skills, with the ability to simplify complex subjects and communicate them clearly to non‑technical audiences.
• Impeccable ethics, professionalism, and the ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
• Superior verbal and written communication skills, including advanced presentation capabilities.
• Ability to interact effectively with employees at all organizational levels.
• Sound decision‑making skills aligned with strategic business objectives.
• Advanced problem‑solving and troubleshooting abilities, with a strong “big‑picture” mindset.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, and SAP (Recipe Management).
• Deep understanding of food regulatory requirements across South America, with specialized expertise in Brazil.
• Fluency in Portuguese and English is mandatory
• Spanish fluency is desirable
• Strong relationship‑building skills, using sound judgment, tact, and diplomacy when interacting with internal and external customers, technical experts, and regulatory representatives.

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