Packaging Regulatory & Compliance Manager

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Packaging Regulatory & Compliance Manager based in the United States.

This is a strategic, enterprise-level role responsible for shaping and leading packaging regulatory compliance across a global organization.

The position will initially focus heavily on the European Union Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), while establishing a foundation for broader global compliance and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) requirements.

You will serve as a subject matter expert, translating complex regulations into practical standards, processes, and business actions.

Working across engineering, sourcing, manufacturing, quality, sustainability, and commercial teams, you will drive packaging improvements from design through end-of-life.

The role offers significant influence, requiring you to build alignment and implement change across multiple functions without direct authority.

You will also help advance packaging sustainability through material reduction, recyclability, recycled content, reusable solutions, and standardized packaging components.

This is an opportunity to shape long-term regulatory strategy and contribute to more sustainable, compliant, and efficient packaging practices at scale.

Accountabilities

• Lead the enterprise implementation strategy for the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), developing a clear compliance roadmap with milestones, resources, priorities, and timelines.
• Monitor evolving European and international packaging regulations and translate regulatory requirements into actionable business processes, standards, and design guidelines.
• Serve as the primary technical expert on packaging sustainability and regulatory compliance, covering recyclability, recycled content, packaging minimization, labeling, documentation, and end-of-life considerations.
• Establish and advance global packaging strategies focused on reducing packaging materials, enabling reusable transport packaging where appropriate, increasing recycled content, improving recyclability, avoiding difficult-to-recycle constructions, and standardizing packaging components.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams to identify regulatory gaps, assess compliance risks, develop mitigation plans, and implement corrective actions.
• Partner with engineering teams to incorporate regulatory and sustainability requirements into product and packaging design standards.
• Collaborate with sourcing organizations and suppliers to ensure packaging materials, specifications, and supporting documentation meet applicable regulatory requirements.
• Establish governance frameworks, metrics, dashboards, and executive reporting for PPWR and future EPR compliance programs.
• Review and maintain corporate packaging specifications, procedures, and design guidelines to ensure alignment with global packaging regulations.
• Lead packaging compliance risk assessments and support internal and external audits in partnership with Supplier Quality Engineering and other relevant functions.
• Develop training materials and deliver education sessions for engineering, sourcing, manufacturing, commercial, and other stakeholder groups.
• Engage with industry associations, regulatory agencies, and external consultants to remain current on legislative developments, regulatory expectations, and emerging packaging best practices.
• Provide senior leadership with strategic recommendations regarding regulatory risks, implementation priorities, resource requirements, and investment needs.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Environmental Science, Supply Chain, Packaging Engineering, or a related technical discipline, or equivalent relevant professional experience.
• 7+ years of experience in regulatory compliance, packaging engineering, product compliance, sustainability, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience interpreting complex international regulations and translating them into operational requirements and business practices.
• Strong project and program management capabilities, with experience leading complex, cross-functional initiatives from strategy through implementation.
• Experience with European environmental regulations such as PPWR, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), or related packaging directives is highly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of packaging design, packaging materials, recyclability standards, sustainable packaging practices, and packaging compliance requirements.
• Experience in manufacturing, energy, industrial equipment, or another highly regulated industry is advantageous.
• Familiarity with lifecycle assessment (LCA), circular economy principles, and sustainability reporting is a plus.
• Proven ability to influence and align stakeholders across multiple business functions without relying on direct authority.
• Excellent written, verbal, and executive-level communication and presentation skills.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities, with the capacity to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced global environment.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent program management experience is preferred.
• A proactive, strategic mindset with the ability to balance regulatory requirements, business priorities, operational realities, and long-term sustainability objectives.

Benefits

• Remote position within the United States with no relocation assistance required.
• Base salary range of $127,500-$212,500, with actual compensation determined by factors including location, experience, education, and skills.
• Geographic salary differentials of 110%, 120%, or 130% may apply in certain locations.
• Eligibility for a discretionary annual bonus.
• Medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage.
• Access to a 24/7 nurse-based health coaching resource.
• Employee Assistance Program offering confidential assessment, counseling, and referral services.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with company matching and retirement contributions.
• Access to financial planning resources and retirement guidance.
• Tuition assistance and professional development opportunities.
• Adoption assistance and paid parental leave.
• Disability benefits and life insurance.
• 12 paid holidays and permissive time off.
• Opportunity to work in a global, technically sophisticated environment with significant cross-functional influence and professional growth potential.