Executive Director – Food Process Equipment and Sanitary Design

Job Title: Executive Director – Food Process Equipment & Sanitary Design

Job Summary:

The Executive Director – Food Process Equipment & Sanitary Design leads the strategic direction, design innovation, and compliance assurance of all food processing equipment and sanitary systems across multiple manufacturing sites. This senior leadership role is responsible for driving hygienic equipment design standards, ensuring regulatory compliance, and collaborating with fabrication, engineering, and production teams to optimize process equipment for safety, efficiency, and scalability.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Design Innovation

• Develop and execute the vision and strategy for food process equipment design and sanitary system standards aligned with business objectives.

• Lead innovation initiatives in hygienic equipment design to improve food safety, operational efficiency, and product quality.

• Establish and maintain corporate standards for sanitary design, including compliance with 3-A, EHEDG, FDA, USDA, and FSMA guidelines.

Sanitary Design & Compliance Oversight

• Oversee design review, validation, and approval processes for all food processing equipment to ensure compliance with regulatory and industry standards.

• Collaborate with quality, regulatory, and operations teams to maintain equipment validation and audit readiness.

• Drive continuous improvement in sanitary design practices and materials selection to enhance cleanability and reduce contamination risk.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Project Leadership

• Partner with engineering, fabrication, production, quality assurance, and R&D teams to deliver hygienic process equipment solutions.

• Lead multi-site projects involving equipment upgrades, new installations, and process improvements focused on sanitary design.

• Manage external relationships with vendors, industry organizations, and regulatory bodies.

Team Development & Culture Building

• Build and lead a high-performing team of engineers, designers, and compliance specialists focused on food process equipment and sanitary design.

• Promote a culture of innovation, quality, and regulatory excellence.

• Facilitate training and knowledge sharing on sanitary design principles and best practices.

Key Focus Areas:

• Food process equipment design and sanitary engineering standards

• Regulatory compliance and food safety assurance

• Innovation in hygienic design and materials

• Multi-site project leadership and cross-functional collaboration

• Team leadership and talent development

Qualifications & Skills:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Chemical Engineering, or related field required

• Master’s degree or MBA preferred

Certifications:

• Relevant certifications such as HACCP, PCQI, or sanitary design accreditation preferred

Experience:

• 15+ years in food process equipment design, sanitary engineering, or related fields within food & beverage or pharmaceutical industries

• Proven experience leading sanitary design initiatives and compliance programs

• Strong background in regulatory requirements, hygienic design standards, and equipment validation

Skills:

• Executive leadership, strategic planning, and project management

• Deep technical expertise in sanitary design and food safety compliance

• Excellent communication, collaboration, and stakeholder management skills

• Ability to drive innovation and continuous improvement

If you want this role focused more on digital design tools, global standards harmo