MANAGER OF SAFETY TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION

Job Summary

The Manager of Safety Technology & Innovation is responsible for leading the evaluation, risk assessment, and governance of emerging technologies, equipment, automation systems, and supplier solutions across the organization. This role ensures all innovations — particularly electrically powered and technology-enabled equipment — comply with applicable regulatory, certification, operational, and internal safety standards prior to approval, pilot, or deployment.

This position serves as a subject matter expert in electrical equipment safety, certification requirements, emerging technology risk management, and operational safety integration. The role partners closely with cross-functional teams including Innovation, Procurement, Culinary, Operations, Food Safety, QA, Supply Chain, and Risk Management to enable innovation while protecting operational integrity, regulatory compliance, and associate safety.

Key Responsibilities

Technology & Equipment Evaluation

• Lead safety evaluation and risk assessment of new technologies, foodservice equipment, and automated solutions prior to pilot or deployment opportunities
• Partner with food safety and QA teams to review and approve new equipment and vendors from a safety and compliance perspective
• Collaborate with innovation, procurement, and operational teams to ensure standards are maintained during deployment

Electrical Safety & Certification Compliance

• Review and validate electrical equipment for compliance with:
  • UL, ETL, and/or other NRTL certifications
  • Applicable national and local electrical safety requirements
• Ensure all equipment meets recognized safety certification requirements prior to pilot opportunities or use in operations
• Evaluate electrical design, installation, and operational considerations, including energization risks and safe use conditions
• Provide technical guidance on equipment safety, electrical hazards, and mitigation strategies

Standards & Regulatory Alignment

• Interpret and apply relevant safety standards, including:
  • UL, ETL, CE, and Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) certification requirements
• OSHA regulations related to electrical safety, machine guarding, energized equipment, and hazard controls
• ASTM, ANSI, NFPA, and other applicable safety and testing standards
• Risk assessment methodologies and equipment hazard analysis processes
  • Develop and maintain internal policies and procedures (e.g. Job Safety Analyses) aligned with these standards
• Monitor regulatory and industry trends related to equipment safety, testing standards, and certification requirements

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Safety Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Occupational Health and Safety, Environmental Health and Safety, or related technical field preferred; or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Experience evaluating electrical equipment, new technologies, or industrial/foodservice equipment preferred
• Experience working with certification bodies or safety compliance frameworks preferred
• Safety Experience in the Dining, Food Service industry preferred
• OSHA 10 hour or 30-hour training preferred
• Certified Safety Professional or Associate Safety Professional preferred

Skills & Competencies

• Working knowledge of:
  • UL, ETL, and Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) certification requirements
  • ASTM, ANSI, and other applicable equipment testing and safety standards
  • OSHA regulations, including requirements for energized equipment, electrical safety, and hazard controls
• Understanding of:
  • Electrical systems and equipment risk considerations
  • Equipment certification, labeling, and compliance verification processes
  • Safe installation, operation, and maintenance of electrically powered equipment
• Strong technical and analytical mindset with ability to evaluate complex equipment risks
• Ability to interpret and apply a variety of laws, rules, and regulations
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Exceptional organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities with attention to detail
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and ability to quickly learn Risk Management Information Systems
• Ability to work well with internal and external business partners