Director of Regulatory & Compliance

At Pets People, we make tails wag and customers smile with products brought to market through strategic licensing and innovation. Our brands make everyday life fresh, fun, and user-friendly for the whole family. Our team of over 80 dedicated employees is headquartered in New York City with both national and global support. With our background, experience, and network, we are uniquely positioned to extend the reach of any brand to a new market. “We’ve been a pioneer in licensing since 2008, translating favorite brands into practical "pet" applications. In 2014, we expanded our vision into new markets within the "people" sector. Now, we are leveraging our long track record of success and applying it both to pets people.” – Steven Shweky, Top Dog

The Director of Regulatory and Compliance at Pets People is responsible for leading regulatory compliance efforts, developing strategies, and managing teams to ensure all products meet global and local regulatory standards. This role is pivotal for safeguarding Pet’s People’s product compliance, strategic planning, and proactive response to evolving regulatory landscapes.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead regulatory teams to ensure compliance for products marketed across all regions and channels, providing support to resolve incidents and prevent recurrences.
• Develop and implement regulatory strategies for product registrations, new product introductions, and changes.
• Continuously assess and improve internal regulatory processes aligned with business strategies.
• Represent company interests externally with regulatory bodies, trade associations, and technical committees.
• Oversee regulatory risk assessment, horizon scanning, and response planning to new/emerging requirements impacting the business.
• Ensure clear communication and alignment with cross-functional teams and executive leadership regarding regulatory activities.
• Provide training and enforce compliance procedures, supporting global QA teams.
• Regulatory strategy planning and monitoring for ongoing and future compliance.
• Directing the development of SOPs and training for consistent regulatory execution.
• Managing relationships and negotiations regarding regulatory matters with internal and external stakeholders.
• Leading regulatory team recruitment, performance, and development initiatives.
• Reporting on regulatory threats, solutions, and long-term compliance planning to executive management.
• Leading Product Compliance: Including label review, product registration, claim substantiation, risk assessments, and coordinating product testing.
• Responsible for regulatory research covering new markets, new product types, ingredient reviews, and tracking updated regulations.
• Initiating Third-Party Compliance: Focused on managing customer portals, WERCSmart, import/export certifications, and maintaining compliance with FDA, AAFCO, NASC, and Amazon requirements

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge of global regulations for CPG products, including food, OTC drugs, cosmetics, and related consumer goods.
• Proven ability to lead, attract, and develop regulatory talent.
• Experience interacting with government agencies, trade groups, and representing the company’s regulatory interests.
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in a scientific, technical, or regulatory field; advanced certification preferred.
• Strong background in compliance audit, risk assessment, product safety, and continuous improvement.
• 10 years of regulatory affairs experience, including senior people management and strategic leadership.

Company Perks

• Hybrid role: three in-office day, two work from home

• 20 additional work-from-anywhere days

• Paid time off

• Health, dental and vision insurance

• 401k available

• Pet friendly office