Regulatory Affairs & Compliance Lead

Summary:

• Title: Regulatory Affairs & Compliance Lead
• Department: Regulatory Affairs
• Status: Full-time/Permanent
• Reports to: Senior Director of QA and RA
• Location: This opportunity is open to qualified candidates based in Canada (Mississauga) and the United States ( Nashville, NC)
• Base Compensation: $93,000 to $103,000
• About Salary Range: We are committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and transparent approach to compensation. This role is aligned to the posted salary range, and all offers are made within that range. When determining compensation, we thoughtfully consider the responsibilities of the role, internal equity, and market context, while valuing the diverse experiences, skills, and perspectives everyone brings. Our goal is to ensure fair, consistent, and meaningful offers that recognize both the role and the person.
• Vacancy Status: This is an active permanent opportunity, and we are looking to welcome a long‑term team member who is eager to grow and make an impact.
• Start Date: ASAP

About Us:

At The Crump Group, our passion for pets isn’t just what we do it’s who we are. For over 20 years, we’ve been creating simple, wholesome, all-natural treats that pets love and that pet parents trust. What started in a family garage has grown into a proudly family-led, award-winning company with more than 150 employees across North America. Today, our brands Crumps Naturals, Caledon Farms, and Dog Delights are helping shape the future of all-natural pet nutrition as we work toward becoming North America’s leading pet treat company.

Recognized as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies, we are driven by more than just growth we’re driven by people. When you join our team, you become part of a team that cares about what we do and how we do it. We believe in creating a workplace where you can grow your career, share your ideas, and make a real impact.

Here, your work matters. Your voice is heard. Your contributions help bring better, healthier products to pets and families every day.

If you’re looking to be part of a purpose-driven, fast-growing company where passion meets opportunity, Crumps is the place for you.

About You:

You are a confident, proactive and collaborative regulatory leader who takes ownership and is comfortable leading the Regulatory Affairs function. You bring strong judgment, communication and stakeholder-management skills, with the ability to translate complex regulatory requirements into clear, practical business decisions. You thrive in a fast-paced, hands-on environment and are comfortable working with senior leaders, cross-functional teams and external regulatory authorities. You build strong relationships, influence without direct authority, and proactively identify risks and opportunities to support the business. You are detail-oriented, solutions-focused and committed to maintaining high standards of compliance while enabling business growth.

Role Overview:

The Regulatory Affairs & Compliance Lead will lead the organization’s regulatory function, providing strategic guidance on Canadian, U.S. and international requirements. The role is responsible for regulatory compliance, AAFCO requirements, external regulatory relationships, and cross-functional support to ensure products and business initiatives meet applicable regulatory standards while supporting business growth.

Core Competencies:

• Regulatory Leadership & Strategic Thinking
• Regulatory Risk Management & Decision-Making
• Stakeholder & External Relationship Management
• Cross-Functional Leadership & Influence
• Communication & Problem-Solving

Key Responsibilities:

• Own and lead the Regulatory Affairs & Compliance function, establishing priorities, strategy, compliance direction and standards across the organization.
• Be accountable for overall regulatory compliance strategy, risk management and regulatory outcomes, ensuring regulatory requirements are effectively managed and aligned with business objectives.
• Influence cross-functional regulatory decisions and provide strategic regulatory direction to senior leadership and business stakeholders.
• Exercise independent judgment and provide regulatory recommendations and compliance-related business guidance on complex or high-risk matters.
• Lead relationships with government agencies, regulatory authorities, inspectors and other external stakeholders, representing the organization on regulatory matters.
• Own AAFCO and U.S. pet food regulatory compliance, including assessing regulatory changes and their impact on products, labels, ingredients and business activities.
• Influence organizational decisions relating to product commercialization, compliance risk and market access, ensuring regulatory considerations are incorporated into business planning and decision-making.
• Lead regulatory strategy for new products, formulations, labels, claims and market launches, providing direction throughout the product development and commercialization process.
• Lead and influence cross-functional regulatory initiatives, partnering with R&D, Quality, Operations, Marketing, Sales, Supply Chain and other stakeholders to achieve regulatory and business outcomes.
• Identify, assess and own regulatory risks, developing mitigation strategies and escalating significant compliance matters to leadership when required.
• Own the regulatory approach for import/export requirements, product registrations, certifications and market access activities.
• Lead regulatory change management, assessing emerging Canadian, U.S. and international requirements and translating them into business actions, policies and processes.
• Build regulatory capability across the organization through training, guidance and development of practical compliance processes and standards.

Recipe For Success:

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Animal Science, Nutrition, Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry or a related field is required.
• Equivalent relevant regulatory experience may be considered.
• 5 to 7+ years of progressive regulatory affairs experience, preferably within pet food, food, animal feed or regulated manufacturing.
• Demonstrated experience leading regulatory activities, cross-functional initiatives and external regulatory communications.
• Experience working with government agencies, regulatory authorities or inspectors is required.
• Experience with AAFCO and U.S. pet food regulations is required.
• Relevant regulatory, food safety or quality certifications are considered an asset.
• Working knowledge of Canadian and international pet food regulations, labeling, ingredients and product claims.
• Knowledge of product registration, facility requirements, permits and import/export regulations.
• Understanding of food safety, HACCP, allergens and pet food manufacturing processes.
• Ability to interpret regulatory changes, assess business impact and provide practical compliance recommendations.

Extra Ingredients:

• Regulatory leadership and strategic thinking
• Strong AAFCO and U.S. regulatory knowledge
• Regulatory risk assessment and problem-solving
• Strong communication and stakeholder management
• Ability to work effectively with regulatory authorities and government agencies
• Cross-functional leadership and influencing skills
• Strong decision-making and analytical skills
• Project management and organizational skills
• Ability to interpret and apply complex regulations
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

Why Work With Us:

Join a team that values people, growth, and a positive workplace culture. We are proud to be recognized as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies, reflecting our commitment to excellence, innovation, and employee satisfaction. We offer:

• Competitive salary with performance-based incentives
• 100% employer paid benefit premiums (health, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, travel)
• PTO: vacation, sick days, personal days, parental leave top-up
• Flexible hours, including summer hours, holiday hours and core working hours
• A collaborative and supportive work environment
• Opportunities for career growth and development
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Employee discount programs, including Perkopolis and GoodLife Fitness
• Tuition reimbursement program with unlimited learning through Udemy
• Employee referral bonus program
• Free onsite parking
• Casual dress code
• Social committee with monthly engagement activities
• Monthly town halls with quarterly lunches
• Anonymous employee engagement surveys
• Dog-friendly office with free treats!

The Crump Group is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace where everyone feels respected, valued, and supported. We are dedicated to providing an accessible, barrier-free recruitment experience in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and AODA. If you require accommodation at any stage of the process, we are happy to support you, Please contact us at HR-Canada@crumps.ca.

As a family-led organization, we welcome candidates from all backgrounds and encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet every requirement. We value unique perspectives and experiences that help us grow stronger as a team.

Please note that we do not use AI in our recruitment process every application is thoughtfully reviewed by our team. While we thank all applicants for their interest, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Successful candidates may be required to complete a background check.