Senior Director of Product Validation

Marmon Foodservice Technologies, Inc.

Come join a team where People make the difference!  As a part of Marmon Holdings, Inc., a highly decentralized organization, we rely heavily on people with the aptitude, attitude, and entrepreneurial spirit to drive our success, and we're committed to attracting and retaining top talent.

About The Job

Though you may not know us by name, you’ve most likely enjoyed meals and refreshments supported by our industry-leading brand portfolio. For decades, we’ve designed and manufactured foodservice equipment for some of the world’s biggest, most recognized consumer brands. We are driven to innovate with a clear purpose in mind: revolutionize the future of foodservice.

As Sr. Director of Product Validation, you will establish and collaboratively execute the strategic direction and tactical plans for transformation of MFTA’s product validation function to include Lab Testing, Product Reliability, and Regulatory & Compliance.   Your knowledge and expertise in testing process automation, AI integration, and lean principles will provide a delivery model to ensure the successful delivery of high performance, quality, reliable, and regulatory compliant products to our customers.  You’ll collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to ensure that all products meet the necessary validation and performance standards as set forth by MFT and our customers.  In this role, your leadership and expertise will contribute to the successful launch of safe, effective, and compliant products. 

What You’ll Do

• Define, lead and execute the product validation strategy focused on quality of results and optimization of resources.

• Define and execute automation strategies and delivery models to improve overall testing performance, quality, throughput, and results.

• Lead the Product Validation team to include Regulatory & Compliance, Reliability Engineering, and as a player / coach the lab organization.

• Oversee and manage all aspects of product validation, including protocol development, testing, data analysis, and reporting.

• Conduct risk assessments to identify potential validation risks and develop mitigation strategies; collaborate with cross-functional teams to address and resolve validation-related issues

• Collaborate with R&D, quality assurance, regulatory affairs, reliability, and manufacturing teams to integrate validation activities into product development processes

• Evaluate and qualify external vendors and suppliers for validation services or equipment; establish effective relationships with external partners to ensure timely and high-quality validation support.

• Provide leadership and guidance to the validation team, including setting performance goals, conducting performance evaluations, and providing ongoing coaching and mentoring.

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives in validation processes, methodologies, and systems

• Communicate validation strategies, progress, and outcomes to key stakeholders, including senior management, and customers as needed.

Who You Are

• Subject-Matter Expert: Strong competency and knowledge of product testing methods, delivery models, and execution plans utilizing test automation, AI analysis, and lean operational methods to validate regulatory, reliability, product performance, and customer requirements as part of a products development organization.

• Strategic Thinking and Continuous Improvement:  Strong problem-solving skills and knowledge to think strategically and execute tactically with a passion for continuous improvement in both process and team capabilities.

• Collaborative Partner: Uses interpersonal skills to communicate clearly and effectively with cross-functional teams.

• Player / Coach: As a player / coach you will have responsibility for leading / managing a group of test engineers and technicians in their professional grown in addition to critical functional leaders for Reliability and Regulatory Compliance in achievement of strategic and tactical goals and objectives.

Skills/Experience We’re Looking For

• Leadership, knowledge, and application of Lean, Automation, and AI practices, processes, and principles as part of a product development organization.

• Demonstrated knowledge of Lean 5S processes and KAIZEN application for continuous improvement.

• Strong knowledge of validation testing principles, methodologies, and best practices, including equipment validation, process validation, and analytical method validation

• Knowledge of relevant regulatory requirements and ind