MANAGER OF SAFETY TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION

Compass Group•Charlotte, NC

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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
Working knowledge of UL, ETL, and Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) certification requirements
Working knowledge of ASTM, ANSI, and other applicable equipment testing and safety standards
Working knowledge of OSHA regulations, including requirements for energized equipment, electrical safety, and hazard controls
Understanding of electrical systems and equipment risk considerations
Understanding of equipment certification, labeling, and compliance verification processes
Understanding of 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

Responsibilities

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
Review and validate electrical equipment for compliance with UL, ETL, and/or other NRTL certifications and 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
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, and ASTM, ANSI, NFPA, and other applicable safety and testing standards
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