Regulatory Affairs Specialist

Relocation Assistance Offered Within Country

Job Number #173284 - Tokyo, Tokyo-To, Japan

Who We Are

Colgate-Palmolive Company is a global consumer products company operating in over 200 countries specialising in Oral Care, Personal Care, Home Care, Skin Care, and Pet Nutrition. Our products are trusted in more households than any other brand in the world, making us a household name!

Join Colgate-Palmolive, a caring, innovative growth company reimagining a healthier future for people, their pets, and our planet. Guided by our core values—Caring, Inclusive, and Courageous—we foster a culture that inspires our people to achieve common goals. Together, let's build a brighter, healthier future for all.

Core Responsibility

Primary functions include: support Sr. Regulatory Affairs Manager to ensure compliance with regulations and statutes pertaining to import, domestic product approvals, support marketing initiatives, artwork and packaging, distribution, and in market requirements in Japan. Proactively monitor regulations/guidelines pertaining to and impacting pet food in Japan. Strong care to detail and dedication to learn and gain knowledge and to be subject matter expert. Professionally and positively represent Hill’s at trade association, with government agencies and government-related agencies. Learn and leverage technologies (such as AI) to support automation of processes and continuous improvement. Support the Sr. Manager maintain SOPs and work instructions for accuracy and version control; create, develop, document and maintain all procedures and record keeping; product artwork and packaging excellence; maintain regulatory intelligence files.

Day to Day Responsibilities

• Review product formulations, ingredient specifications and their accurate translation for compliance in Japan. Provide timely regulatory assessments of project proposals for new products and changes to existing products.
• Artwork and packaging - development and maintenance of the product copy sheet process including product recipe review and translation accuracy, regulatory review of product claims, copy sheet creation and version control, artwork review for packaging accuracy and excellence.
• Maintain up-to-date import and in-market requirements including product registration/notification of new and existing products, ensure up to date records and provide regular fit for purpose status updates to the business.
• Ensure accuracy in the PXM-Stibo (global) database of product label technical information in Japanese.
• Ensure accuracy of the regulatory information appearing on the Hill’s Japan website.
• Build, foster and maintain effective relationships with key regulatory agencies to improve regulatory understanding, expertise and processes.
• Represent Hill’s at trade associations, in particular in working groups and committees. Support Sr. Manager to provide regular status updates to the business.
• Ensure regulatory databases are up to date and fit for purpose through continuous improvement and leveraging technologies such as AI for effectiveness and efficiency.
• Self-motivated, highly organized and able to work independently to analyze and evaluate regulations and technical data, gather and prepare documents as required.

This is not an exhaustive list of duties or functions. Education/ Experience Requirements

• Minimum 2+ years experience in a similar role in Regulatory, Compliance or Quality. Experience in the pet food industry will be highly valued.
• Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Science (chemistry, pharmacology, biological sciences, etc), Nutrition (human and/or animal), Animal Science, Veterinary or relevant field.

Expected Areas of Skills

• Fluent in English and Japanese - proficient and advanced reading, writing, verbal skills.
• Good written and verbal communication skills and the ability to foster positive and proactive relationships with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Capable of responding to regulator complaints and queries.
• Familiar with the Japanese regulatory landscape and/or other country/regional authorities.
• Experience in product labelling and packaging artwork processes.
• Be able to work in a fast-paced environment, prioritise and manage time effectively to meet critical deadlines.
• Be self-motivated, demonstrate initiative and good judgement, adaptability and problem-solving skills.

Leadership Competencies

• Teamwork and Collaboration
• Relationship Building
• Analysis Decision Making
• Effective Execution

Working Relationships (Key partnerships and reporting relationships)

• Global Marketing and Innovation, Japan Marketing
• Global Regulatory Affairs and Product Safety
• Quality
• Customer Service \& Logistics, Supply Chain
• Science \& Technology
• Legal
• Regional collaboration (North America, EMEA, Asia Pacific)

Travel Requirements

Expected percentage of travel: Up to 5% Our Commitment to Inclusion

Our journey begins with our people—developing strong talent with diverse backgrounds and perspectives to best serve our consumers around the world and fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels a true sense of belonging. We are dedicated to ensuring that each individual can be their authentic self, is treated with respect, and is empowered by leadership to contribute meaningfully to our business.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Colgate is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, marital status, veteran status (United States positions), or any other characteristic protected by law.

Reasonable accommodation during the application process is available for persons with disabilities. Please complete this request form should you require accommodation.

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