Senior Manager, Formula Governance

The Senior Manager, Formula Governance is a strategic and technical leader responsible for overseeing the integrity, compliance, and efficiency of product formulation processes across the organization and driving the digital and AI transformation of formula governance. This includes embedding predictive analytics, machine learning models, and process automation into global governance workflows to improve speed-to-market, ensure compliance, and maintain data integrity across the enterprise.

With deep expertise in regulatory frameworks, digital systems, and product development, the Senior Manager ensures that formula governance practices align with business strategy, regulatory requirements, and operational goals. This role is pivotal in shaping governance policies, optimizing systems, managing data analysis and enabling successful product launches across global markets.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Governance

• Develop and implement formula governance strategies that support innovation, compliance, and business growth.

• Lead the creation and enforcement of governance policies, procedures, and standards across GDI team.

• Define and execute a Data & AI strategy for formula governance, including advanced analytics, automation, and system integration.

• Serve as the senior technical authority on ingredient composition, proprietary data protection, and regulatory alignment.

• Team Leadership & Professional Development

• Serve as a leader to a team of Formula Governance Scientists and Managers by providing coaching, mentoring, and developmental support to help them achieve their full potential.

• Lead initiatives to develop governance-related key performance indicators (KPIs) powered by automated data collection and reporting.

• Oversee project prioritization and resource allocation to meet innovation and commercialization timelines.

• Drive enhancements to proprietary systems (e.g., PICASSO, KOcreate) and lead cross-functional initiatives to improve digital tools supporting formula governance and other GDI areas.

• Collaborate with IT, R&D, and regional governance teams to ensure system integrity, scalability, and user adoption.

• Lead the development of manuals, guidelines, and training programs to support digital transformation and governance consistency.

• Act as a strategic partner to R&D, CPS, SRA, QA, Supply Chain, strategic suppliers and Innovation teams to ensure alignment on governance requirements.

• Influence decision-making across technical and commercial functions, providing expert guidance on formulation strategies and approval processes.

• Represent formula governance in global forums and contribute to enterprise-wide initiatives.

• Ensure all formulas and ingredients comply with applicable food regulations and internal policies.

• Lead the review and approval of Product Approval Requests (PARs), ensuring accuracy, completeness, and strategic alignment.

• Identify risks and implement mitigation strategies to protect brand integrity and regulatory compliance.

• Bachelor's degree in food science, Chemistry, Biology, or a related field. Advanced degree preferred.

• Minimum 7-10 years of experience in R&D, regulatory affairs, product development, or formula governance within the food or beverage industry.

• Proven experience managing teams, leading cross-functional projects, and driving digital transformation.

• Lead initiatives to develop governance-related key performance indicators (KPIs) powered by automated data collection and reporting.

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to align governance practices with business strategy and innovation goals.

• Technical Expertise: Deep knowledge of formulation systems (e.g., PICASSO), regulatory frameworks, and proprietary data protection.

• Leadership: Strong people management skills with experience in coaching, performance management, and team development.

• Digital Fluency: Proficiency in digital tools, data platforms, and system optimization.

• Influence & Communication: Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills across technical and commercial functions.

• Problem Solving: High learning agility and analytical thinking to resolve complex governance challenges.

• Project Management: Skilled in planning, prioritization, and execution of governance activities across multiple projects.