Head of Regulatory Affairs

Head of Regulatory Affairs

Location: Hamburg / Norderstedt, Germany
Working Model: Hybrid (3 days onsite per week, with increased onsite presence expected during onboarding)
Compensation: Approximately €160,000 Total Target Cash (TTC)
Relocation Support: Comprehensive international relocation package available

About the Role

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a seasoned Head of Regulatory Affairs to take ownership of the global Regulatory Affairs function within a dynamic international organization. This leadership position will play a pivotal role in developing regulatory strategy, guiding regulatory decision-making, and ensuring compliance considerations are embedded across the wider business.

The successful candidate will lead a team of regulatory specialists while acting as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders. This role requires an individual who can combine deep regulatory expertise with strong commercial awareness, influencing business outcomes while navigating an evolving regulatory landscape.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide leadership, coaching, and development to a high-performing Regulatory Affairs team.
• Develop and implement regulatory strategies that support both business objectives and compliance requirements.
• Maintain compliance with applicable regional and global regulatory frameworks.
• Interpret complex regulatory obligations and convert them into clear, practical actions for the business.
• Collaborate closely with functions including Procurement, Product Development, Technical Development, Quality, Operations, and Commercial teams.
• Lead regulatory workstreams associated with business growth initiatives and organizational transformation activities.
• Assess and communicate regulatory risks, opportunities, and emerging regulatory developments.
• Support customer requirements relating to product compliance, material declarations, and regulatory documentation.
• Champion regulatory best practices and drive a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.
  
  

Required Qualifications

• Degree in Chemistry or another relevant scientific discipline.
• Demonstrated experience leading and developing technical or regulatory teams.
• Strong Regulatory Affairs background gained within an industrial or manufacturing environment.
• Exceptional communication skills with proven stakeholder management experience.
• Ability to navigate complex regulatory challenges while driving change and business improvement initiatives.
• Commercially minded with an understanding of how regulatory decisions impact broader business objectives.
• Fluency in both German and English.
• Comfortable operating in a fast-paced and evolving business environment.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
• Familiarity with the International Material Data System (IMDS).
• Knowledge of Full Material Declarations and associated customer compliance requirements.
• Exposure to regulatory information management systems and digital compliance tools.
• Experience partnering with Procurement, Product Development, Supply Chain, and Quality functions.

Previous industry experience within one or more of the following sectors would be highly beneficial:

• Adhesives
• Specialty Chemicals
• Automotive
• Electronics
• Semiconductors
• Plastics Manufacturing
  
  

Leadership Profile

The ideal individual will be:

• A strategic Regulatory Affairs leader with the ability to influence beyond their immediate function.
• Collaborative and solutions-focused, with a pragmatic approach to problem solving.
• Capable of balancing detailed compliance requirements with broader business priorities.
• Skilled at building credibility and relationships across multiple stakeholder groups.
• Experienced in guiding teams and organizations through periods of growth, transformation, and change.
  
  

What We Offer

• A highly visible leadership position with direct influence on business strategy and regulatory direction.
• The opportunity to shape the future of the Regulatory Affairs function and its long-term capabilities.
• Exposure to complex global regulatory challenges and international stakeholders.
• A collaborative and cross-functional working environment.
• Competitive compensation package and benefits.
• Company pension scheme.
• Comprehensive relocation support for candidates moving internationally.

This opportunity is particularly suited to individuals currently operating as a Head of Regulatory Affairs, Director of Regulatory Affairs, Head of Product Compliance, Regulatory Compliance Director, or similar senior leadership role within a complex manufacturing or industrial environment.