Head of Regulatory Affairs

Location:

High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, UK (Remote, 1-2 days onsite per month)

Are you an experienced Regulatory Affairs Leader who thrives on driving both people and performance? This is an exciting opportunity to take full ownership of the European Regulatory Affairs function for a fast-growing, international business with a proud heritage in innovation, quality and sustainability.

Reporting to the COO, you will support the business' drive for commercial growth and extension into European markets whilst overseeing regulatory and food safety activities across Europe.

• Manage and provide technical leadership to current international team of 3 professionals responsible for Regulatory Affairs, Food safety and Quality Assurance.
• Manage the transition of current role and split of Regulatory Affairs and Quality Assurance.
• Support the further extension of the business into European markets and oversee all regulatory and food safety related activities across Europe.
• Ensure all raw materials, processing aids, and finished products are permitted in each of the countries where products will be processed.
• Stay abreast of regulatory requirements, track global regulatory updates, and communicate changes to the business that could affect their products.
• Prepare, review, and submit regulatory documentation - including dossiers, technical data sheets, safety assessments, product specifications, and approvals - to support customer requests, audits, and compliance across EU markets.
• Represent the company in external regulatory bodies, trade associations, and working groups to influence policy, maintain awareness of evolving frameworks, and strengthen Synergy's regulatory reputation across Europe.
• Advise marketing and customers on permissible claims and mandatory labelling information (allergens, additives) for our product in isolation.
• Provide compliance statements, safety data sheets, and certificates.
• Maintain all specifications for all products.
• Develop and maintain Food Safety Management Systems like HACCP.
• Identify microbiological, chemical, allergen and physical risks in production.
• Implement measures to avoid fraud.
• Build food safety awareness in manufacturing teams via training programs.
• Lead recall/withdrawal processes and crisis management in case of contamination.
• Define, implement and audit against GFSI standards; liaise with the relevant inspection bodies.
• Ensure systems, processes and suppliers consistently meet quality and regulatory standards.
• Monitor the timely resolution of all customer complaints and proposing or taking corrective and/or preventative action against any similar occurrence.

You’ll bring strong regulatory affairs knowledge and experience, ideally from a Food and Beverage manufacturing environment. You’re pragmatic, commercially minded and confident navigating both strategic and operational challenges.

• Degree in Food Science or Related discipline.
• Experience of working in a regulatory role and food safety / quality assurance in F&B, ideally within flavouring.
• Strong knowledge of UK and European regulatory requirements and regulations.
• Knowledge of extraction, blending and forms of concentration (i.e., evaporation and spray drying).
• Demonstrated people management skills and ability to develop high performing teams.
• Keen attention to detail and accuracy.
• Effective communicator with all stakeholders, both internally and externally.

A dynamic, values-led environment where HR is central to business success - offering:

• Annual performance bonus.
• Fully funded private healthcare and dental cover.
• 25 days holiday, rising with service, plus a volunteer day.
• Life assurance and income protection.
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave.

This role offers genuine progression opportunities as the business continues to grow in the UK and globally. If you’re ready to make a meaningful impact in a people-centric, forward-looking organisation, we’d love to hear from you.

* Applicants must have existing working visa*