The Head of Regulatory Affairs will lead the development and execution of GBfoods' regulatory strategy in Nigeria, navigating complex regulatory requirements and aligning business objectives with compliance and sustainability. This role demands an outspoken and persuasive leader with strong negotiation skills, technical regulatory knowledge, and an understanding of GBfoods' product categories. The position will also manage external relationships with regulatory bodies and trade associations, and foster close collaboration with internal stakeholders across our African and Global businesses.
This position includes managing one direct report within the Lagos office and engaging with a broader global regulatory team of eight members to ensure excellence in regulatory operations.

Key Responsibilities
Regulatory Compliance

• Oversee Compliance: Ensure GBfoods Nigeria’s full compliance with relevant food laws and regulatory standards, proactively addressing changes that impact our products.
• Technical Expertise: Serve as an internal expert on Nigeria's regulatory landscape, providing interpretative guidance on food laws, product claims, raw materials, and finished goods.
• Regulatory Submissions: Lead high-priority regulatory submissions, managing complex interactions with regulatory agencies, and driving successful approvals for key projects.
• Crisis Management: Lead internal regulatory responses to food crises, communicating effectively with all relevant stakeholders and ensuring rapid response to regulatory challenges.
• Export Compliance: Guide the company’s approach to export regulations, ensuring that GBfoods products meet all legal requirements for smooth market access.

Innovation Support

• Collaborative Innovation: Work closely with cross-functional teams (R&D, Marketing, Quality) to ensure regulatory requirements are understood and incorporated into product development.
• Product & Process Adaptation: Support the adaptation of global regulatory policies to the Nigerian context, ensuring that our product innovation aligns with local and regional standards.
• Regulatory Strategy for NPD: Lead regulatory assessments for new product categories and potential market expansions, aligning with GBfoods’ innovation and growth objectives.
• Monitor and Advise on Legislation: Track forthcoming legislation affecting operations and recommend strategic responses to business leaders, particularly in new product and packaging innovations.

Advocacy and Industry Engagement

• External Representation: Represent GBfoods Nigeria in relevant regulatory forums, trade associations (e.g., AFBTE), and regulatory bodies to advocate for company interests and promote regulatory harmonization.
• Policy Influence: Lead efforts to shape industry standards, including promoting the harmonization of vertical product standards across the ECOWAS region.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Build relationships with regulatory authorities and other stakeholders to ensure GBfoods is well-positioned to navigate regulatory changes and advocate for industry-friendly policies.

o A university degree in food chemistry, food science and technology, chemistry, or a comparable field.
o Minimum of 10 years of regulatory affairs experience within the FMCG sector, with at least 4 years in a leadership role.
o Deep knowledge of regulatory processes and requirements in Nigeria.
o Strong leadership, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
o Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
o Ability to manage multiple priorities effectively and work well under pressure.
o Proven track record of successful regulatory submissions.
o Membership in relevant professional organizations.
This role is perfect for a driven regulatory professional eager to make a significant impact in one of Nigeria’s leading food companies, driving compliance, innovation, and sustainable practices across the industry.