Food Regulatory and Specification Specialist

Overview
We recruit the best talent and invest in their ongoing development, through training and mentoring. We provide opportunities to work across our national network. dnata catering U.S. is looking for a
Food Regulatory and Specification Specialist
to join our Corporate team located in White Plains, NY.
This position is onsite fulltime.
The incumbent must be able to commute to the White Plains office.

POSITION SUMMARY
As a Food Regulatory and Specification Specialist at dnata Catering, you will play a crucial role in ensuring that our inflight catering products meet all regulatory requirements and food safety standards. You will be responsible for managing the accuracy of nutritional information, allergen properties, and product labeling in compliance with local food standards and legislation. This position requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.

dnata is one of the world's largest air services providers. Established in 1959, the company ensures the aviation industry operates smoothly and efficiently in 127 airports. Offering ground handling, cargo, travel, and flight catering services in 35 countries across six continents, dnata is a trusted partner for over 300 airline customers around the world. Each day, the company handles over 1,900 flights, moves over 8,500 tons of cargo, books over 16,000 hotel stays, and uplifts over 320,000 meals.

Accepting applications until:
You Will

• Perform analysis and record nutritional information and allergen properties for raw materials and recipes, ensuring regulatory compliance of product labeling in accordance with local food standards and legislation.
• Generate and approve food label information, including ingredient declarations, nutrition facts panels, and claims, to ensure labels meet food labeling standard requirements.
• Stay updated on food labeling regulations to ensure ongoing label compliance.
• Participate in cross-functional teams, providing technical guidance around labeling requirements.
• Ensure dnata Catering policies and procedures are applied to labels.
• Manage specific projects related to ensuring accurate product labels and product formulas that comply with Food Labelling & Compliance Standards.
• Verify compliance of product labels, including ingredient lists, allergen statements, and nutrition facts, prior to the approval and printing of final artwork.
• Manage the development and maintenance of nutrition formulation, specification databases, and labeling software.
• Collaborate with procurement to review specifications of items purchased and identify allergens to finalize labeling.
• Maintain a specification database for halal and kosher products.
• Set up a system that includes version control of specifications.
• Audit units to ensure the proper specifications are being followed.
• Conduct independent audits of dnata Catering's suppliers as required by the menu development and/or compliance management team.
• Maintain an up-to-date list of HACCP certificates, Halal certificates, product specifications, and the approved supplier file.
• Provide specialist advice to external/internal stakeholders regarding food safety, HACCP, halal, biosecurity, environmental, and risk prevention, with guidance and clear guidelines readily available.
• Maintain current knowledge of state and federal food safety legislation (regulations, compliance codes, etc.).
• Demonstrate a high standard of professionalism and integrity in all interactions.
• Seek out, quantify, and develop opportunities for process improvement.
• Effectively leverage and optimize cross-functional resources and teams.
• Contribute to the achievement of dnata Catering's overall business performance.
• Establish strong working relationships and effective communication across the organization.
• Provide feedback to managers diplomatically and apply appropriate leadership styles to suit various situations.
• Ensure dnata Catering is not exposed to unnecessary risks or costs associated with non-compliance in relation to food safety, HACCP, food labeling, halal, environmental, and biosecurity procedures.

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Other duties as assigned by management.

This salary range and is influenced by the level of experience. When calculating the base pay, we take into account various factors such as location, qualifications, training, and experience as part of the overall compensation package.
$63,000 -$85,000.
You Have
EDUCATION:
Bachelor's degree in nutrition, regulatory affairs, or a science background. Demonstrated success in a similar role with 2-3 years of experience.

• Formal food science and nutrition qualification (Technical/Auditing).
• HACCP, Halal and allegen knowledge are required.
• Experience in a food service organization with a specific focus on labeling and nutrition.
• Experience in managing a diverse group of stakeholders and suppliers in a high-volume, high-value environment.
• Competent in documentation and records management.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of food safety management and an understanding of the underlying principles.
• Ability to conduct research, analyze complex issues, and engage with key stakeholders to identify options.
• Well-developed report writing and research skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PDF.
• Ability to work well under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Highly motivated and a fast learner.
• Collaborative and comfortable working with multiple functions (culinary, quality, commercial, procurement).
• Commitment to standardization, accuracy, and verification of nutritional/allergen information through scheduled label reviews.
• Achieve effective launch dates for all food labeling releases in line with airline schedules/requirements.
• Maintain nutritional and allergen information within dnata Catering's Food Nutritional Software database.
• Review airline menu specifications, interpret food nutritional/allergen attributes, and provide feedback to menu development on any anomalies identified.
• Conduct required supplier audits in accordance with menu development requirements to ensure supplier approval status and compliance.
• Strong communication and influencing skills.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.

Intellectual/Social demands:
While performing the essential functions of this job, the employee is continuously asked to multi-task under time limits. Position requires constant attention to precise details and accuracy of specified standards including following simple to complex (more than 3 steps) instructions, and concentration which frequently extends beyond 30 minutes at a time. This position also requires constant attendance and punctuality - Is consistently at work and on time. Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan. Meets productivity standards; Completes work in timely manner; Strives to increase productivity; Works quickly.

Physical demands:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk; reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 30 pounds. Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Use equipment and materials properly.

Work environment:
The essential functions of this position are performed indoors. The noise level in the work environment can range from minimal to loud.

dnata's Competencies Required to be Successful in the Job:
There are two aspects to working as effectively as we can: our people and our results. Our eight competencies are designed to help you focus on these aspects:

Delivering:
Does what they say they will. And they balance the needs of our customers' needs with our business's needs.

Drive
Always gets the job done. And still put the needs of our business first.

Open to opportunity:
Adapts when plans change. Is open to new ideas. Makes suggestions that will help shape our culture.

Business thinking:
Understand our business. Uses this understanding in their day-to-day work and plans for the future.

Collaborate:
Look for solutions that work for themselves, their team, and the whole organization.

Engaging others:
Acts in a way that gets others on board – and when things don't go to plan, they deal with conflict in the right way.

Provide direction:
Share plans with others. Tracks how each project is progressing. Gives constructive feedback during, and after, each project.

Developing talent:
Self-aware. Always learning. Always developing. And always helping others to develop, too.

dnata Catering's Core Values
At dnata Catering, our people and operations are guided by six global values that shape how we work every day:

• Safety – We put the well-being of our people and operations first, encouraging everyone to speak up for safety.
• Performance-Driven – We set ambitious goals and consistently strive to exceed them.
• Respect – We care for our people, our environment, and our brand, treating everyone with dignity.
• Service Excellence – We deliver reliable, high-quality service in every interaction.
• Delighting Customers – We create extraordinary experiences that go beyond expectations.
• Imagination – We embrace innovation and adapt to meet the needs of tomorrow.

What This Means For You
Joining dnata Catering means being part of a people-first culture that values respect, quality, and innovation. Our teams work together to deliver outstanding culinary experiences, solve problems proactively, and continuously improve to serve our airline customers worldwide.

Diversity Matters
We believe that diversity and inclusion are fundamental to creating a strong workplace and community. At dnata, we're proud that our workforce is as diverse as the customers we serve. And we're committed to nurturing your talent with mentoring, volunteer and professional development opportunities. We welcome everyone. Our employee resource groups are one of the many ways we champion diversity and inclusion at dnata.