Senior Regulatory Affairs & Advocacy Manager Europe (m/f/d)

AB Enzymes, as a subsidiary of Associated British Foods, is a leading company in the innovation and production of enzymes worldwide. Operating in the biotechnology industry we are an important partner for customers in the application of food, animal feed and industrial enzymes. With our expertise in the global enzymes business, we help our customers to make their industrial processes more sustainable, environmentally friendly and efficient. Product excellence and innovation are among our key strengths while our passion for science and customer-focused solutions is what drives us.

Our global headquarters are in Darmstadt, Germany with offices and lab spaces. Our manufacturing site is located in Finland (north of Helsinki) where our enzymes are being produced and researched. We are striving to leverage our strong growth prospects, state‑of‑the‑art R&D, flat structure, and a thriving and employee‑focused culture to bring on board talents who are motivated to contribute to our collective success, develop themselves, and want to make a real difference.

The Role

As Senior Regulatory Affairs & Advocacy Manager Europe, you will lead and shape AB Enzymes’ regulatory and advocacy strategy across Europe—ensuring our food enzyme portfolio can succeed in a fast‑moving, highly regulated environment. You will work at the intersection of science, policy, and business, partnering closely with R&D, Sustainability, Manufacturing, and the Business Units to turn regulatory requirements into clear, pragmatic pathways for growth. In this role, you will also help build strong ways of working and future‑ready capabilities across Regulatory Affairs.

Your Responsibilities

• Own and execute the European regulatory strategy , ensuring high‑quality and timely food enzyme submissions and approvals
• Represent AB Enzymes in key industry associations and contribute actively to the company’s European advocacy agenda
• Track and interpret emerging regulatory and policy developments , providing clear, forward‑looking regulatory intelligence and advice on business impact including mitigation options
• Build and maintain trusted relationships with regulatory authorities , industry associations, consultancies, customers, and other stakeholders to support submissions, alignment, and advocacy goals
• Engage in regulatory digital transformation initiatives —improving efficiency, data quality, and cross‑functional collaboration through modern tools and processes

About You

• 8–10+ years in regulatory affairs and/or advocacy in a comparable environment (ideally food / feed enzymes, biotech, fermentation products), within a European context
• Advanced degree or post‑secondary education in Life Sciences (e.g., biology, microbiology, molecular biology, or related fields)
• Strong knowledge of European and international food regulations , including robust expertise in food enzyme /biotech legislation and regulatory pathways
• Proven ability to develop regulatory strategies and to review/shape safety and quality dossiers
• Comfortable working at the interface of science , policy, and business, translating regulatory requirements into practical, value‑adding solutions
• Skilled at anticipating regulatory trends and delivering high‑quality regulatory intelligence with clear recommendations on business impact
• Influence & stakeholder leadership
• Established experience engaging with authorities , industry associations, and trade bodies, ideally representing a biotech company in advocacy forums
• Strong stakeholder management and networking skills across cultures , countries, and organizational levels
• Leadership capability with experience managing and/or mentoring others in an international environment
• Digitally minded with a strong interest in regulatory digitalisation, data management and visualisation (e.g PowerBI) and modern regulatory tools and collaborative platforms
• Hands‑on and proactive , willing to challenge the status quo and explore, drive and implement new approaches
• Able to manage multiple priorities and tight timelines in a dynamic, international setting
• Clear, credible communication skills in English (written and spoken); German is an advantage.
• Based in Europe and willing to travel internationally (approx. 10%) while working remotely

Why Us

• An opportunity in an exciting and growing industry with business development prospects which are based on a future proof & sustainable technology
• Aninternational working environment with the chance to further develop yourself personally and professionally
• A challenging and multifaceted employment opportunity with long‑term perspective in a fast‑growing leading company in the enzyme industry
• A progressive, team‑oriented management which supports you through open communication and accessibility
• A modern, creative and innovative company that achieves success through its people
• You will find a collaborative and open‑minded culture , flat hierarchies and a ‘people first’ attitude
• Future career opportunities through our ABF network
• The possibility to mobile working

We value diversity and therefore welcome all applications – regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion/belief, disability, age as well as sexual orientation and identity.