Director, Group Regulatory Affairs Data Compliance
JENNIFER COCCHIARA
Dsm-firmenich
Hamilton,NJ
29
years of professional experience
Motivated regulatory professional seeking a challenging position in the fragrance industry, leveraging expertise in Regulatory Affairs and Product Safety with an emphasis on compliance, data management, and industry collaboration.
Work History
Director, Group Regulatory Affairs Data Compliance
8 Years 5 Months
Dsm-firmenich | 04.2018 - 09.2026
Associate Director, Global Fragrance Regulatory
1 Year 8 Months
Firmenich | 07.2016 - 03.2018
Sr. Manager, Product Safety & Regulatory Affairs
3 Years 5 Months
Firmenich | 01.2013 - 06.2016
Manager, Product Safety & Regulatory Affairs
2 Years 2 Months
Firmenich | 10.2010 - 12.2012
Lead multidisciplinary regulatory team (fragrance, flavors, ingredients) to support global compliance initiatives, strengthening operational consistency and regulatory readiness.
Champion continuous improvement by proposing solutions and implementing strategic process enhancements.
Drive automation of compliance systems for fragrance and flavor portfolios, increasing operational efficiency and reducing manual error.
Partner with cross-functional teams to design and implement scalable database governance rules, reinforcing data integrity and regulatory alignment.
Oversee regulatory projects end-to-end (e.g., IFRA Amendments), managing data workflows, stakeholder engagement, and timely delivery of compliance documentation.
Support regulatory data compliance activities during M&A integrations, ensuring accurate record transfer and alignment with legal standards.
Conduct comprehensive reviews of fragrance and cosmetic regulations, client guidelines, and internal policies to ensure ongoing compliance.
Coordinate cross-departmental communication by summarizing database changes and developing targeted training materials.
Mentor junior team members and facilitate department-wide knowledge sharing.
Director, Regulatory
2 Years 4 Months
Ungerer & Company | 06.2008 - 10.2010
Directly supervised and managed Regulatory department.
Key member of internal Task Forces for both Fragrance and Flavor Divisions; improved process for project management and increased efficiency in preparing regulatory documentation.
Provided internal training (Perfumery, Flavorists, and Account Executives) for IFRA changes.
Ensured global regulatory compliance of fragrance formulae.
Liaison to Ungerer & Company’s Only Representative for REACH inquiries.
Conducted raw material approval and collaborated with Purchasing and Production to phase out discontinued raw materials.
Contributed to the design and data population of the regulatory checking database.
Prepared Safety Data Sheets, IFRA certificates, EU fragrance allergen statements, formula disclosures, and other customer-specific forms.
Maintained awareness of existing and evolving legislation/regulations regarding fragrance and cosmetic ingredients by attending industry meetings and workshops.
Director, Fragrance Regulatory
1 Year 4 Months
Manheimer Fragrances, Division of Kerry Group | 01.2007 - 05.2008
Manager, Fragrance Regulatory
1 Year 7 Months
Manheimer Fragrances, Division of Kerry Group | 06.2005 - 01.2007
Managed Regulatory team and workflows to meet compliance standards.
Stayed abreast of evolving global legislation and regulatory changes affecting fragrance ingredients by participating in industry meetings and workshops.
Delivered briefings to Senior Management, Account Executives, and department heads on emerging regulatory issues and business implications.
Approved raw materials in alignment with regulatory and internal standards.
Coordinated data entry in Regulatory checking database for raw materials, IFRA Standards (including QRA implementation), and EU fragrance allergens.
Assisted with fragrance compliance reviews and customer documentation as needed.
Led the rollout of a new (M)SDS software to enhance accuracy and accessibility of safety documentation.
Supervisor, Fragrance Safety
1 Year 2 Months
Fragrance Resources, Inc. | 03.2004 - 05.2005
Reviewed fragrance formulae for IFRA, global, and customer compliance; partnered with Perfumery to reformulate products as needed.
Acted as liaison to customer companies, addressing regulatory inquiries and preparing required documentation.
Created and delivered presentations on updates to industry Standards, global regulations, and client-specific requirements.
Maintained data integrity by populating the Regulatory database with purchased raw materials, essential oils, and specialty bases.
Supported implementation of IFRA Amendments.
Collaborated with Perfumery and Quality Control to establish a process for analyzing EU fragrance allergens in purchased aroma chemicals.
Senior Test Program Specialist
3 Years 1 Month
Research Institute for Fragrance Materials, Inc. | 01.2001 - 02.2004
Test Program Specialist
1 Year 9 Months
Research Institute for Fragrance Materials, Inc. | 04.1999 - 01.2001
Scientific Assistant
1 Year 9 Months
Research Institute for Fragrance Materials, Inc. | 06.1997 - 03.1999
Coordinated end-to-end management of RIFM-sponsored human health safety studies, including toxicology protocols and final report evaluations, at multiple contract research organizations.
Acted as RIFM liaison to global fragrance industry groups (i.e. IFRA Scientific Committee, IFRA Joint Advisory Group) preparing technical summaries and delivering presentations to industry leaders and RIFM Expert Panel.
Monitored industry-relevant journals and international regulatory bodies for new research findings and safety guidance on fragrance ingredients.
Prepared summaries of toxicological reports for entry in the RIFM-FEMA database.
Provided onboarding and ongoing support for member organizations using the RIFM-FEMA database, including user training and system guidance.
Authored scientific reports, peer-reviewed publications, and internal strategic documents; presented research at professional conferences (i.e. Society of Toxicology).
Education
Bachelor of Science - Biology
College of Mount Saint Vincent | Riverdale, NY
Skills
Fragrance Regulatory Compliance
Team Leadership
Collaborative Strategic Planning
Adaptability
System Implementation
Data Management and Analysis
Creativity and Innovation
Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
Continuous Process Improvement
Training and Development
Verbal and written communication
Project Coordination
Publications
Bhatia S.P., Wellington G.A., Cocchiara J., Lalko J., Letizia C.S. and Api A.M., (2007). Fragrance material review on allyl cinnamate. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 45 (Suppl. 1), S24–S28.
Bhatia S.P., Wellington G.A., Cocchiara J., Lalko J., Letizia C.S. and Api A.M., (2007). Fragrance material review on pentyl cinnamate. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 45 (Suppl. 1), S29–S31.
Bhatia S.P., Wellington G.A., Cocchiara J., Lalko J., Letizia C.S. and Api A.M., (2007). Fragrance material review on alpha-amylcinnamyl alcohol. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 45 (Suppl. 1), S32–S39.
Bhatia S.P., Wellington G.A., Cocchiara J., Lalko J., Letizia C.S. and Api A.M., (2007). Fragrance material review on benzyl cinnamate. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 45 (Suppl. 1), S40–S48.
Bhatia S.P., Wellington G.A., Cocchiara J., Lalko J., Letizia C.S. and Api A.M., (2007). Fragrance material review on butyl cinnamate. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 45 (Suppl. 1), S49–S52.
Bhatia S.P., Wellington G.A., Cocchiara J., Lalko J., Letizia C.S. and Api A.M., (2007). Fragrance material review on cinnamyl acetate. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 45 (Suppl. 1), S53–S57.
Bhatia S.P., Wellington G.A., Cocchiara J., Lalko J., Letizia C.S. and Api A.M., (2007). Fragrance material review on cinnamyl benzoate. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 45 (Suppl. 1), S58–S61.
Bhatia S.P., Wellington G.A., Cocchiara J., Lalko J., Letizia C.S. and Api A.M., (2007). Fragrance material review on cinnamyl butyrate. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 45 (Suppl. 1), S62–S65.
Bhatia S.P., Wellington G.A., Cocchiara J., Lalko J., Letizia C.S. and Api A.M., (2007). Fragrance material review on cinnamyl cinnamate. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 45 (Suppl. 1), S66–S69.
Bhatia S.P., Wellington G.A., Cocchiara J., Lalko J., Letizia C.S. and Api A.M., (2007). Fragrance material review on cinnamyl formate. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 45 (Suppl. 1), S70–S73.
Bhatia S.P., Wellington G.A., Cocchiara J., Lalko J., Letizia C.S. and Api A.M., (2007). Fragrance material review on cinnamyl isobutyrate. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 45 (Suppl. 1), S74–S77.
Bhatia S.P., Wellington G.A., Cocchiara J., Lalko J., Letizia C.S. and Api A.M., (2007). Fragrance material review on cinnamyl isovalerate. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 45 (Suppl. 1), S78–S81.
Bhatia S.P., Wellington G.A., Cocchiara J., Lalko J., Letizia C.S. and Api A.M., (2007). Fragrance material review on cinnamyl propionate. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 45 (Suppl. 1), S82–S85.
Bhatia S.P., Wellington G.A., Cocchiara J., Lalko J., Letizia C.S. and Api A.M., (2007). Fragrance material review on cinnamyl tiglate. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 45 (Suppl. 1), S86–S89.
Bhatia S.P., Wellington G.A., Cocchiara J., Lalko J., Letizia C.S. and Api A.M., (2007). Fragrance material review on ethyl cinnamate. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 45 (Suppl. 1), S90–S94.
Bhatia S.P., Wellington G.A., Cocchiara J., Lalko J., Letizia C.S. and Api A.M., (2007). Fragrance material review on cis-3-hexenyl cinnamate. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 45 (Suppl. 1), S95–S97.
Bhatia S.P., Wellington G.A., Cocchiara J., Lalko J., Letizia C.S. and Api A.M., (2007). Fragrance material review on isoamyl cinnamate. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 45 (Suppl. 1), S98–S101.
Bhatia S.P., Wellington G.A., Cocchiara J., Lalko J., Letizia C.S. and Api A.M., (2007). Fragrance material review on isobutyl cinnamate. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 45 (Suppl. 1), S102–S105.
Bhatia S.P., Wellington G.A., Cocchiara J., Lalko J., Letizia C.S. and Api A.M., (2007). Fragrance material review on isopropyl cinnamate. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 45 (Suppl. 1), S106–S109.
Bhatia S.P., Wellington G.A., Cocchiara J., Lalko J., Letizia C.S. and Api A.M., (2007). Addendum to Fragrance material review on linalyl cinnamate. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 45 (Suppl. 1), S110–S112.
Bhatia S.P., Wellington G.A., Cocchiara J., Lalko J., Letizia C.S. and Api A.M., (2007). Fragrance material review on methyl cinnamate. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 45 (Suppl. 1), S113–S119.
Bhatia S.P., Wellington G.A., Cocchiara J., Lalko J., Letizia C.S. and Api A.M., (2007). Fragrance material review on α-methylcinnamic alcohol. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 45 (Suppl. 1), S120–S124.
Bhatia S.P., Wellington G.A., Cocchiara J., Lalko J., Letizia C.S. and Api A.M., (2007). Fragrance material review on phenethyl cinnamate. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 45 (Suppl. 1), S125–S129.
Cocchiara J., Letizia C.S., Lalko J., Lapczynski A. and Api A.M. (2005) Fragrance material review on cinnamaldehyde. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 43, 867-923.
Letizia C.S., Cocchiara J., Lalko J. and Api A.M. (2005) Fragrance material review on linalool. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 43, 943-964.
Letizia C.S., Cocchiara J., Lalko J. and Api A.M. (2003) Fragrance material review on linalyl acetate. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 41(7), 965-976.
Letizia C.S., Cocchiara J., Lalko J. and Api A.M. (2003) Fragrance material review on linalyl benzoate. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 41(7), 977-981.
Letizia C.S., Cocchiara J., Lalko J. and Api A.M. (2003) Fragrance material review on linalyl butyrate. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 41(7), 983-987.
Letizia C.S., Cocchiara J., Lalko J. and Api A.M. (2003) Fragrance material review on linalyl cinnamate. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 41(7), 989-993.
Letizia C.S., Cocchiara J., Lalko J. and Api A.M. (2003) Fragrance material review on linalyl formate. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 41(7), 995-999.
Letizia C.S., Cocchiara J., Lalko J. and Api A.M. (2003) Fragrance material review on linalyl hexanoate. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 41(7), 1001-1004.
Letizia C.S., Cocchiara J., Lalko J. and Api A.M. (2003) Fragrance material review on linalyl isobutyrate. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 41(7), 1005-1010.
Letizia C.S., Cocchiara J., Lalko J. and Api A.M. (2003) Fragrance material review on linalyl isovalerate. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 41(7), 1011-1015.
Letizia C.S., Cocchiara J., Lalko J. and Api A.M. (2003) Fragrance material review on linalyl phenylacetate. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 41(7), 1017-1021.
Letizia C.S., Cocchiara J., Lalko J. and Api A.M. (2003) Fragrance material review on linalyl propionate. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 41(7), 1023-1027.
Letizia C.S., Cocchiara J., Wellington G.A., Funk C. and Api A.M. (2000) Monographs on Fragrance Raw Materials. Food and Chemical Toxicology, Special Issue IX - Volume 38, Supplement 3.
ABSTRACTS
Cocchiara J. and Api A.M. (2004) Photomutagenicity of bergamottin and isopimpinellin. The Toxicologist, 78(S-1), 32.
Letizia C.S., Cocchiara J., Isola D.A. and Api A.M. (2004) Developmental toxicity of acetyl cedrene in rats. The Toxicologist, 78(S-1), 37.
Lapczynski A., Cocchiara J., Isola D.A. and Api A.M. (2004) Evaluation of the developmental toxicity of 1-(1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8-octahydro-2,3,3,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthalenyl)ethanone. The Toxicologist, 78(S-1), 37.
Api A.M., Cocchiara J. and Letizia C.S. (2004) Investigation of the sensitization potential of fragrance ingredient 3 and 4-(4-hydroxy-4-methylpentyl)-3-cyclohexene-1-carboxaldehyde (HMPCC). The Toxicologist, 78(S-1), 328.
Cocchiara J. and Api A.M. (2003) A dermal safety evaluation of p-t-butyl-α-methylhydrocinnamic aldehyde (BMHCA). The Toxicologist, 72(S-1), 301.
Api A.M. and Cocchiara J. (2003) A dermal safety evaluation of cinnamic alcohol. The Toxicologist, 72(S-1), 301-302.
Cocchiara J., Isola D.A. and Api A.M. (2002) Investigation of the sensitization potential of musk ketone using the guinea pig maximization test (GPMT). The Toxicologist, 66(1-S), 165.
Cocchiara J., Api A.M. and Jacobson-Kram D. (2001) In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation of the Genotoxic Potential of Three Aldehydes Used as Fragrance Ingredients. The Toxicologist, 60(1), 101-102.
Wellington G.A., Cocchiara J. and Isola D. (2000) Evaluation of the Oral Subacute Toxicity and Genotoxic Potential of Trichloromethyl Phenyl Carbinyl Acetate (TPCA). The Toxicologist, 54(1), 227.
Timeline
Director, Group Regulatory Affairs Data Compliance
<ul><li>Company Overview: Group Company of PUIG, Spain</li><li>Team Leadership & Process Excellence: Organised the transformation of the Finance & Accounts function, establishing performance-driven goals, and embedding a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. Drove operational efficiency through process redesigns, SOP implementation and optimal resource deployment, leading to measurable improvements in turnaround time and accuracy.</li><li>Strategic Partnering with CXOs: Acted as a key advisor to the CEO, CFO, and other CXOs on business planning, pricing strategies, and business model pivots to support scale-up and profitability. Contributed to investor communications with data-backed insights to enhance stakeholder confidence and secure strategic funding.</li><li>Cross-Functional & Global Stakeholder Management: Functioned as the strategic finance business partner to cross-functional heads and the PUIG global finance team, aligning local execution with global financial strategies and compliance requirements.</li><li>ERP Transformation & System Automation: Led end-to-end ERP reimplementation to address system gaps, enforce role-based controls, and automate core finance processes—resulting in enhanced data accuracy, faster reporting and improved internal controls.</li><li>Costing, Inventory & Profitability Optimization: Designed and implemented plant-level costing models to ensure accurate COGS determination. Improved inventory management across pricing, consumption tracking, and aging analysis—enabling better working capital control and cost efficiency.</li><li>Manufacturing Finance & Statutory Compliance: Supervised end-to-end accounting for manufacturing operations and ensured full statutory compliance.</li><li>Financial Reporting, MIS & Profitability Analytics: Delivered accurate and timely monthly MIS reports, including P&L, Balance Sheet and KPI dashboards with deep-dive variance analysis across stores, business verticals, and geographies. Supported board-level decision-making through insightful presentations on financial health and business performance.</li><li>Budgeting, Forecasting & Business Planning: Led the Annual Operating Plan (AOP) and rolling forecasts, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and market dynamics. Monitored key financial metrics to enable business decisions and proactive cost management.</li><li>Statutory, Internal & Tax Audit Management: Finalized standalone and consolidated financials under Ind AS and IFRS, ensured timely group reporting and compliance with international standards. Delivered clean and timely closures of statutory, tax, and internal audits in coordination with Big 4 auditors. Strengthened audit readiness through pre-audit diagnostics and rectification of recurring control gaps.</li><li>Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management: Ensured end-to-end compliance which includes ROC, RBI, FEMA, Income Tax, GST, Transfer Pricing, DTAA, and Customs. Reviewed cross-border contracts and transactions to ensure arm’s length pricing, accurate TDS application, and proper documentation under Transfer Pricing regulations.</li><li>Commercial Negotiation & Contract Governance: Led commercial negotiations and structured deals with vendors and franchisees. Reviewed key business contracts to ensure financial viability, risk protection, and compliance with regulatory standards.</li><li>Treasury & External Commercial Borrowing (ECB): Managed fund planning and liquidity management including ECB drawdowns, bank negotiations, and interest optimization. Improved working capital cycles through proactive cash flow forecasting and receivables control.</li><li>Internal Controls & Governance Framework: Led organization-wide reviews of internal control systems, identified process gaps, and redesigned or implemented over 40 SOPs and IFCs. Established a governance structure for financial discipline, risk mitigation, and policy compliance across departments.</li></ul> at Kama Ayurveda Pvt. Ltd. & PUIG India Pvt. Ltd.<ul><li>Company Overview: Group Company of PUIG, Spain</li><li>Team Leadership & Process Excellence: Organised the transformation of the Finance & Accounts function, establishing performance-driven goals, and embedding a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. Drove operational efficiency through process redesigns, SOP implementation and optimal resource deployment, leading to measurable improvements in turnaround time and accuracy.</li><li>Strategic Partnering with CXOs: Acted as a key advisor to the CEO, CFO, and other CXOs on business planning, pricing strategies, and business model pivots to support scale-up and profitability. Contributed to investor communications with data-backed insights to enhance stakeholder confidence and secure strategic funding.</li><li>Cross-Functional & Global Stakeholder Management: Functioned as the strategic finance business partner to cross-functional heads and the PUIG global finance team, aligning local execution with global financial strategies and compliance requirements.</li><li>ERP Transformation & System Automation: Led end-to-end ERP reimplementation to address system gaps, enforce role-based controls, and automate core finance processes—resulting in enhanced data accuracy, faster reporting and improved internal controls.</li><li>Costing, Inventory & Profitability Optimization: Designed and implemented plant-level costing models to ensure accurate COGS determination. Improved inventory management across pricing, consumption tracking, and aging analysis—enabling better working capital control and cost efficiency.</li><li>Manufacturing Finance & Statutory Compliance: Supervised end-to-end accounting for manufacturing operations and ensured full statutory compliance.</li><li>Financial Reporting, MIS & Profitability Analytics: Delivered accurate and timely monthly MIS reports, including P&L, Balance Sheet and KPI dashboards with deep-dive variance analysis across stores, business verticals, and geographies. Supported board-level decision-making through insightful presentations on financial health and business performance.</li><li>Budgeting, Forecasting & Business Planning: Led the Annual Operating Plan (AOP) and rolling forecasts, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and market dynamics. Monitored key financial metrics to enable business decisions and proactive cost management.</li><li>Statutory, Internal & Tax Audit Management: Finalized standalone and consolidated financials under Ind AS and IFRS, ensured timely group reporting and compliance with international standards. Delivered clean and timely closures of statutory, tax, and internal audits in coordination with Big 4 auditors. Strengthened audit readiness through pre-audit diagnostics and rectification of recurring control gaps.</li><li>Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management: Ensured end-to-end compliance which includes ROC, RBI, FEMA, Income Tax, GST, Transfer Pricing, DTAA, and Customs. Reviewed cross-border contracts and transactions to ensure arm’s length pricing, accurate TDS application, and proper documentation under Transfer Pricing regulations.</li><li>Commercial Negotiation & Contract Governance: Led commercial negotiations and structured deals with vendors and franchisees. Reviewed key business contracts to ensure financial viability, risk protection, and compliance with regulatory standards.</li><li>Treasury & External Commercial Borrowing (ECB): Managed fund planning and liquidity management including ECB drawdowns, bank negotiations, and interest optimization. Improved working capital cycles through proactive cash flow forecasting and receivables control.</li><li>Internal Controls & Governance Framework: Led organization-wide reviews of internal control systems, identified process gaps, and redesigned or implemented over 40 SOPs and IFCs. Established a governance structure for financial discipline, risk mitigation, and policy compliance across departments.</li></ul> at Kama Ayurveda Pvt. Ltd. & PUIG India Pvt. Ltd.
Senior Director, Regulatory Compliance and Legal Affairs at PURCHASING POWERSenior Director, Regulatory Compliance and Legal Affairs at PURCHASING POWER