Regulatory Affairs Specialist Nutrition & Foods

Why This Role Matters

In the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector, regulatory compliance is not just a legal requirement - it is a strategic enabler of business growth. For a global organization like Unilever, regulatory excellence ensures that products are safe, compliant, and trusted by millions of consumers.
With 3.4 billion people across 190+ countries using Unilever products daily, maintaining compliance with food safety, nutrition, labeling, and licensing regulations is critical. The Regulatory Affairs Specialist – Nutrition plays a key role in ensuring that the Foods portfolio adheres to Indian regulatory frameworks such as Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), Legal Metrology, and other applicable standards.
This role bridges business innovation and regulatory integrity. By supporting new product launches, reformulations, and nutrition claims, the specialist ensures that products reach consumers quickly—without compromising compliance or safety. It is a high-impact role that directly contributes to responsible nutrition initiatives and sustainable business growth.

Job Description

The Regulatory Affairs Specialist – Nutrition is responsible for leading regulatory compliance for the Foods portfolio at Unilever R&D Bangalore. This role involves developing regulatory strategies, ensuring product and raw material compliance, managing labeling approvals, and supporting licensing requirements.
The position requires strong collaboration with R&D, Marketing, Legal, Quality, Procurement, and Supply Chain teams to enable compliant innovation and speed-to-market. The specialist also serves as a key liaison for FSSAI licensing activities and regulatory documentation.
This role demands regulatory expertise, analytical thinking, strong documentation skills, and the ability to navigate evolving regulatory landscapes in India and globally.

Key Features of the Role

• End-to-end regulatory ownership for the Foods portfolio
• Direct interaction with FSSAI and state licensing authorities
• Strategic involvement in product innovation and reformulation
• Cross-functional collaboration across business functions
• Contribution to nutrition, fortification, and clean label initiatives

Responsibilities

Regulatory Strategy & Compliance

• Lead regulatory compliance for the Foods portfolio in alignment with FSSAI, Legal Metrology, and applicable global regulations.
• Monitor and interpret regulatory updates, including FSSAI notifications related to labeling, claims, fortification, and food safety.
• Communicate regulatory changes to internal stakeholders and assess business impact.
• Develop and execute regulatory strategies for new product launches and reformulations.
• Approve packaging artwork to ensure labeling compliance.
• Draft and manage FSSAI documentation, including Statements of Ingredients (SOI) and regulatory query responses.
• Ensure raw material compliance for both existing and new ingredients.
• Support digital tools strategy implementation within the regulatory function.

Nutrition & Claims Management

• Ensure all nutrition, health, and functional claims are scientifically substantiated and compliant with regulatory standards.
• Partner with R&D and Marketing teams to develop compliant and consumer-relevant communication.
• Provide regulatory guidance on fortification programs, clean label initiatives, and responsible nutrition strategies.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Collaborate closely with R&D, Quality, D&H, Legal, Marketing, Procurement, and Supply Chain teams.
• Act as the primary liaison for FSSAI license-related coordination with consultants and state licensing officials.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams to meet licensing and compliance requirements.

Risk Management & Training

• Identify and document regulatory risks across the value chain.
• Support mitigation strategies to minimize compliance exposure.
• Lead regulatory awareness and training programs for cross-functional teams.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Food Technology, Nutrition, Pharmacy, Life Sciences, or related field.
• 2–7 years of hands-on experience in Regulatory Affairs within the FMCG or food industry.
• Strong understanding of Indian regulatory frameworks, including FSSAI, Legal Metrology, and State FDA requirements.

Educational Requirements

• Degree in Food Technology, Nutrition, Pharmacy, Biotechnology, or equivalent scientific discipline.
• Additional certifications in food regulations or compliance management are advantageous.

Experience and Skills

• In-depth knowledge of FSSAI regulations, labeling standards, and nutrition claim requirements.
• Experience managing artwork approvals and regulatory documentation.
• Strong understanding of fortification standards and clean label initiatives.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong documentation and submission accuracy.
• Effective cross-functional collaboration and influencing skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and regulatory priorities simultaneously.
• Strategic mindset aligned with business growth objectives.
• Strong communication skills for engaging internal and external stakeholders.

Salary Insights

Compensation for this role is competitive within the FMCG regulatory landscape in Bangalore. Salary may vary depending on:
• Years of regulatory experience
• Depth of FSSAI and labeling expertise
• Exposure to product innovation and portfolio management
• Stakeholder management experience

In addition to base salary, Unilever offers comprehensive employee benefits including health coverage, learning and development opportunities, and flexible working arrangements.

Company Overview

Unilever is one of the world’s leading FMCG companies, operating in over 190 countries. With a strong portfolio of trusted brands, Unilever focuses on sustainable growth and responsible business practices.
The organization’s purpose - to make sustainable living commonplace—drives its innovation strategy and regulatory commitment. Unilever R&D Bangalore plays a critical role in developing and supporting food products tailored for Indian and global markets.
Unilever fosters an inclusive, collaborative, and flexible working environment where employees are encouraged to shape their careers and contribute meaningfully to business impact.

FAQs

1. What is the primary focus of this role?
   Ensuring regulatory compliance for the Foods portfolio, including labeling, claims, and licensing requirements.

2. Is FSSAI experience mandatory?
   Yes, strong working knowledge of FSSAI regulations is essential.

3. Does this role involve cross-functional collaboration?
   Yes, the specialist works closely with R&D, Marketing, Legal, Quality, and Supply Chain teams.

4. Is prior FMCG experience required?
   Yes, 2–7 years of regulatory experience within FMCG or food industry is required.

5. Does this role support product launches?
   Yes, regulatory strategy for new launches and reformulations is a key responsibility.

Application Tips

• Highlight direct experience with FSSAI compliance and labeling approvals.
• Provide examples of regulatory support for product launches.
• Emphasize claim substantiation and nutrition communication expertise.
• Showcase cross-functional collaboration experience.
• Demonstrate strong documentation accuracy and regulatory risk management skills.