l&m |executive search & consulting is one of Austria's leading executive search and consulting boutiques, specializing in Legal, Tax, Compliance & HR. We are currently supporting an internationally operating industrial group in the Vienna South business region in the search for an experienced and accomplished professional to take on a key leadership role in its international regulatory organisation as
Head of Industrial Regulatory Affairs & Product Compliance (m/f/d)
In this responsible position, you will lead the Group's Industrial Regulatory Affairs and Product Stewardship function and act as the Group's central authority on product compliance across the whole group.
Working in an international industrial environment with diverse products, materials and markets, you will translate an increasingly complex and evolving regulatory landscape into clear, risk-based guidance that protects the business while enabling compliant, safe and sustainable products to reach the market.
- Lead the Group-wide Industrial Regulatory Affairs and Product Stewardship function and act as the central point of contact for product, material and substance-related regulatory matters across the Group.
- Monitor, assess and interpret relevant European and international regulatory developments, particularly in the areas of product compliance, materials, chemicals legislation and sustainability, and translate them into clear, pragmatic and risk-based guidance for the business.
- Establish and continuously develop Group-wide standards, processes and governance structures to ensure regulatory compliance across products, materials, markets and subsidiaries.
- Identify, assess and manage regulatory risks, emerging requirements and substances or topics of concern, maintaining a forward-looking regulatory risk register and roadmap.
- Advise R&D, Quality, Procurement, Operations, HSE, Sales and Legal on regulatory requirements and their practical implications for products, materials, manufacturing processes, sourcing and business activities.
- Provide regulatory guidance throughout the entire product lifecycle, from product development, material selection and sourcing to manufacturing, market introduction, ongoing compliance and product modifications.
- Ensure robust documentation and evidence of compliance and oversee relevant assessments, testing, declarations and other regulatory documentation.
- Lead the assessment and implementation of new regulatory requirements, including the coordination of cross-functional activities and the development of appropriate transition and implementation strategies.
- Act as a key regulatory interface for customers, suppliers and other external stakeholders, ensuring consistent, well-founded and timely responses to product compliance and regulatory enquiries.
- Represent the Group vis-à-vis competent authorities, industry associations and other relevant external bodies and contribute to the development of industry positions on key regulatory matters.
- Lead and further develop the Regulatory Affairs team, establish clear responsibilities and decision-making processes, and build a scalable centre of expertise for the Group.
- Report on regulatory developments, compliance status and material risks to Group management and provide recommendations on strategic and operational regulatory matters.
- Master's degree in Chemistry, Technology, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science or a related scientific discipline; a legal or regulatory qualification is an advantage.
- Between 8–20 years of professional experience in Industrial Regulatory Affairs, Product Stewardship, Product Compliance, Product Safety or a closely related field, ideally gained within an international industrial, manufacturing or consumer goods environment.
- Experience in leading and developing a team of Regulatory Affairs or Product Compliance professionals, ideally working closely with commercial and sales organisations.
- Strong knowledge of European and international regulatory frameworks, with a sound understanding of product compliance, chemicals legislation, materials-related requirements and sustainability regulations.
- Solid experience with compliance management systems, regulatory documentation, risk assessments, testing requirements and supply-chain compliance.
- Proven track record in monitoring regulatory developments, assessing their business impact and translating complex requirements into practical, risk-based recommendations.
- Experience working across multiple countries, business units or sites within an international group, ideally including responsibility for cross-functional regulatory projects.
- Strong stakeholder management skills and the ability to influence and advise senior management as well as technical, commercial and operational functions.
- An authoritative yet pragmatic approach, combining sound regulatory judgement with commercial awareness and a clear understanding of business priorities.
- Excellent communication skills and the confidence to represent the company in discussions with authorities, customers, suppliers, industry associations and other external stakeholders.
- Fluent English is essential; excellent German and/or additional European languages are an advantage. Willingness to travel to the international subsidiaries is expected.
Our client offers a versatile and responsible international management role with a broad range of responsibilities and a strong international focus. You will take on a key position within an internationally operating industrial organisation and work at the interface of Industrial Regulatory Affairs, Product Compliance, Sustainability and the business, providing strategic and operational guidance on a wide range of regulatory and product-related matters.
The position offers considerable scope for personal initiative and the opportunity to contribute your expertise to the further development of processes, structures and standards across the organisation. You will work closely with a variety of internal and external stakeholders and have the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues and business functions across different countries, markets and operational areas.
You can expect a dynamic and professional working environment, flat decision-making structures and a high degree of autonomy. The role combines strategic responsibility with hands-on involvement and offers the opportunity to make a visible contribution to the organisation's continued development and international growth. In addition, our client offers a modern working environment, attractive development opportunities and a collaborative corporate culture in which professional expertise, entrepreneurial thinking and personal initiative are valued.
The annual gross salary for this position starts at EUR 100,000. Depending on your qualifications and professional experience, there is, of course, a willingness to offer a higher salary.
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