Regulatory Affairs Legal Specialist

Regulatory Affairs Legal Specialist - OnSite: Tampa FL

Job summary

Ashley Furniture Industries, LLC is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Regulatory Affairs Specialist to join our regulatory affairs and compliance department. This role is crucial for ensuring that our products consistently meet the evolving landscape of U.S. federal and state product safety, environmental, and labeling regulations. The successful candidate will play a vital role in supporting the department's efforts to maintain compliance across our product portfolio, minimize regulatory risks, and contribute to the overall integrity and legality of our operations.

Key responsibilities

Product compliance management

• Research & Analysis: Conduct comprehensive research and analysis on U.S. federal and state regulations impacting furniture products, including, but not limited to, CPSC, TSCA/CARB, Law Labels, PFAS reporting, and the Lacey Act.
• Compliance Assessments: Conduct regular reviews and assessments of new and existing products, materials, and processes to ensure alignment with applicable regulations and internal policies.
• Documentation & Recordkeeping: Maintain organized and up-to-date compliance documentation, records, and databases, including test reports, SDS, certifications, and supplier information.
• Reporting & Submissions: Assist in preparing and coordinating regulatory filings and submissions to relevant agencies, including PFAS reporting under TSCA.
• Supplier Compliance: Collaborate with the procurement team to assess supplier compliance with regulations, review supplier documentation, and manage due diligence efforts related to materials sourcing, especially timber and other wood products under the Lacey Act.

Specific regulatory focus areas

• Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC):
• Monitor and interpret CPSC regulations related to furniture safety, such as the mandatory federal flammability standard for upholstered furniture (adopting CA TB 117-2013).
• Review product labeling and packaging to ensure compliance with CPSC labeling requirements, including the mandatory certification statement.
• Provide support during CPSC investigations or recalls as needed.
• Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) / California Air Resources Board (CARB):
• Monitor compliance with chemical regulations related to furniture, such as formaldehyde emissions from composite wood products (TSCA Title VI and CARB Phase 2).
• Maintain records and prepare reporting related to chemical substances used in furniture manufacturing, including PFAS reporting as required under TSCA.
• Assist in ensuring proper labeling for products containing composite wood, reflecting TSCA Title VI compliance.
• Law Labels:
• Ensure compliance with state law label requirements for upholstered furniture and bedding products.
• Collaborate with production and manufacturing teams to ensure proper placement and content of law labels on products and materials.
• Lacey Act:
• Conduct due diligence to verify the legal harvesting and sourcing of timber and other plant products used in our furniture, in accordance with the Lacey Act amendments.
• Assist in preparing and filing Lacey Act declarations (PPQ Form 505) for imported plant material, providing necessary details like scientific name, quantity, value, and country of harvest.

Internal collaboration and communication

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Partner with various internal departments, including Product Development, Manufacturing, Quality Control, Marketing, and Supply Chain, to provide regulatory guidance and ensure compliance throughout the product lifecycle.
• Policy Development: Assist in developing and implementing internal policies and procedures to ensure adherence to compliance standards.
• Training & Education: Support the regulatory team in developing and delivering training and educational materials for employees on relevant regulatory matters.
• Risk Mitigation: Work with the compliance team to identify potential compliance risks and develop strategies to mitigate them effectively.

International coordination

• Occasionally coordinate with international team members, suppliers, or regulatory bodies in different time zones to gather information, clarify requirements, and ensure global compliance. This may require flexibility to accommodate non-traditional working hours.

Qualifications and skills

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Legal Studies, Public Policy, Environmental Science, or a related field.
• Experience: Minimum of 3-5 years of experience as a paralegal or compliance professional, ideally within the furniture manufacturing or a related industry.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Demonstrated understanding of U.S. federal and state regulations, including CPSC, TSCA/CARB, Law Label requirements, PFAS regulations (TSCA Section 8(a)(7) reporting), and the Lacey Act.
• Research & Analysis: Proficiency in legal research, regulatory interpretation, and analyzing complex legal and scientific information.
• Legal Documentation: Experience drafting and reviewing legal documents, reports, and internal memos.
• Organizational Skills: Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities effectively.
• Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate complex regulatory requirements to diverse audiences.
• Technical Proficiency: Proficiency in legal research tools (e.g., Westlaw, LexisNexis), Microsoft Office Suite, and compliance management software.
• Collaboration: Ability to work effectively independently and as part of a cross-functional team.

Benefits We Offer

• Health, Dental, Vision, Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Vacation, Holidays, and Your Birthday off
• Generous Employee Discount on home furnishings
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Ashley Wellness Centers (location specific) and Medical Tourism
• Telehealth
• 401(k) and Profit Sharing
• Life Insurance

Our Core Values

• Honesty & Integrity
• Passion, Drive, Discipline
• Continuous Improvement/Operational Excellence
• Dirty Fingernail
• Growth Focused

To learn more about Ashley Furniture, our community engagement programs, environmental stewardship, and our core values, please visit our Corporate Social Responsibility information page:

Corporate Social Responsibility

We are an equal opportunity employer and provide a drug-free working environment. While Ashley appreciates the interest of all candidates only those meeting specific position requirements may be contacted. Principals Only.