Regional Head of Regulatory Affairs

Global Food Manufacturing Business

Saudi Nationals Only

Alexander Steele are continuing our partnership with a global food manufacturing business on a confidential senior regulatory leadership appointment.

This is a high-impact role for an experienced regulatory affairs leader who can shape regional strategy, strengthen compliance governance, influence externally, and act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership across multiple markets.

The role will be responsible for leading regulatory strategy, building structured compliance reporting frameworks, improving risk visibility, and ensuring regulatory requirements are translated into practical, business-ready recommendations. The position will also work closely with internal teams including R&D, commercial, quality, legal and packaging, while representing the business externally with authorities, trade associations and regulatory forums.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the regional regulatory affairs strategy across multiple markets.
• Build and embed robust compliance governance, reporting frameworks, KPIs and risk metrics.
• Act as a senior regulatory advisor to leadership and cross-functional teams.
• Provide regulatory guidance across innovation, product claims, market entry and commercial decision-making.
• Represent the business externally with authorities, trade associations and regulatory bodies.
• Support the standardisation of regulatory tools, processes and compliance reviews.
• Strengthen risk visibility and ensure regulatory considerations are embedded in business decisions.

Ideal Profile

• Saudi National.
• Degree qualified in Food Science, Food Technology, Nutrition or a related scientific discipline.
• Strong regulatory affairs experience within food, ambient food, confectionery or wider FMCG manufacturing.
• Strong knowledge of GCC food regulations, with Egypt regulatory exposure also highly desirable.
• Proven experience in compliance systems, governance and reporting.
• Strong external influencing experience with authorities, trade bodies or industry forums.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management and analytical capability.
• Able to work closely with senior leadership and influence across R&D, commercial, quality, legal and packaging teams.

Why This Role

This is a brilliant opportunity to step into a senior regional leadership role with a global food manufacturing business, where regulatory affairs is genuinely embedded into business decision-making. The role offers strong visibility, external influence, and the opportunity to shape compliance and regulatory strategy across key markets.

Important Note

This is a confidential search and is open to Saudi Nationals only.

Due to the nature of the search, only candidates who are directly relevant and suitable for the role will be contacted.