Regulation Expert, Packaging

Department: Circ. & Value Chain Trans. : Advisory

Location: Germany - Frankfurt

Description

Anthesis is looking for a Regulatory Expert in Packaging to join our Circularity and Value Chain Transformation team (Note: We are welcoming applicants based in the UK and EMEA for this role.)

You will be a key player in our Products & Packaging portfolio, where we design data-driven, future-proof strategies that minimize environmental impact.

In this role, you’ll bridge the gap between complex legislation—like the PPWR—and actionable business requirements. We are looking for a technical expert who can ensure accuracy and mitigate risk while driving excellence across our global projects.

Key Responsibilities

Project & Technical Leadership

• Manage multiple concurrent projects, delivering high-quality, high-impact work that drives results for Anthesis clients.
• Provide technical leadership and guidance to both clients and colleagues on leading standards and trends, integrating this expertise into projects, proposals, and service evolution.
• Draft comprehensive reports and presentations that distill complex information into key messages to inform strategic decision-making.

Regulatory Expertise & Analysis

• Execute detailed regulatory deep-dives to help clients interpret and action critical requirements, future-proof their operations, and plan for new legislative initiatives.
• Conduct regulatory readiness assessments focusing on existing and upcoming packaging frameworks.
• Perform landscape reviews, including sustainable packaging regulations and competitor commitments.
• Utilize data analysis to identify gaps or inaccuracies, developing well-reasoned approaches and assumptions to bridge them.

Client Relationship & Business Development

• Lead and grow client relationships, acting as the primary point of contact and trusted advisor with a relentless focus on their sustainability success.
• Develop and deliver high-impact proposals in collaboration with client managers, while also generating leads with existing clients through a deep understanding of their business goals.

Innovation & Thought Leadership

• Proactively monitor and analyze emerging trends in sustainable packaging, supply chains, and innovative materials, translating these insights into actionable client recommendations.
• Collaborate with global experts to represent Anthesis at industry-leading conferences, fostering strategic connections and partnerships.
• Drive the creation of innovative thought leadership content, transforming complex concepts into accessible and engaging materials for diverse audiences.

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

Education & Experience Academic Background

• Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering, Materials Engineering, or a related field; a Graduate degree is highly preferred.
• Expertise & Tenure: 10+ years of professional experience, demonstrating a strong track record as a packaging expert.
• Sector Mix: A proven blend of experience across packaging engineering (focused on raw materials, FMCG, or supply chain) and the consulting sector.
• Industry Background: Previous in-house experience with brands, retailers, or SMEs is highly valued.

Core Regulatory Expertise (Essential Must-Haves)

• Subject Matter Expertise: Deep, authoritative knowledge of packaging regulations, specifically SUPD, PPWR, and EPR. This includes mastery of recyclability requirements, substance restrictions (e.g., PFAS), and related EU legislation.
• Regulatory Translation: Proven ability to interpret complex legal and regulatory texts, converting them into practical, actionable guidance for clients and internal teams.

Technical Mastery & Data Literacy (Nice to Have)

• Material Science & Compliance: Strong experience in packaging design and materials, including composition, recyclability, recycled content, and compliance documentation (e.g., Declaration of conformity/DoC).
• Risk Management: Advanced technical risk assessment skills, with a focus on identifying compliance gaps and developing robust mitigation strategies.
• Data Literacy: Proficiency in packaging data collection, validation, and meeting complex regulatory reporting requirements.
• Consulting & Strategic Delivery Commercial Support: Experience supporting client delivery and proposals, providing technical input into bids and leading high-level stakeholder discussions.
• Project Delivery: Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects, ensuring total regulatory accuracy while meeting commercial timelines and client expectations.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Exceptional capability to engage with diverse stakeholders, including suppliers, legal teams, and cross-functional business units.
• Leadership & Team Growth Capability Building: Proven ability to build internal expertise by mentoring teams and reducing single-point dependency through knowledge sharing.
• Communication Excellence: Superior command of English, with the agility to work independently in virtual, fast-paced matrix environments across multiple time zone