Test Lab Manager

Our Story:

Dover Food Retail (DFR) is a leading manufacturer of Display Cases, Specialty Products, Refrigeration Systems, Power Systems and Comprehensive Services; and leading our industry by Innovating What’s Next in glass doors and intelligent merchandising technologies that keep food safe under brands such as Hillphoenix and Anthony.

DFR is part of the Climate & Sustainability Technologies segment of the Dover Corporation® (NYSE: DOV). Dover is a diversified global manufacturer with annual revenues in excess of $7 billion.

DFR is built on creativity and customer-centric innovation delivered by people invigorated by a strong sense of responsibility to help our customers win in their marketplaces. The relationships we build with our customers are as important to our success as the products we manufacture. This collaborative environment delivers FRESH THINKING, reassuring our customers that they choose the best when they choose to work with the people of Dover Food Retail.

Job Title:        Test Lab Manager

Location:        Keosauqua or Centerville, Iowa

What we are looking for:

DFR is seeking an experienced Lab Manager who will be responsible to manage the strategic and day-to-day operational activities of a working engineering test lab. This key position will have responsibilities for facilities located in both Keosauqua, Iowa, and Centerville, Iowa.  We would consider having this position based out of either location.  This position reports to the Director of Engineering.

The Lab Manager will be responsible for managing and developing a team of technicians and engineers, creating and executing test plans, overseeing the testing process, guaranteeing compliance with industry standards and regulations, and ensuring that all testing procedures are conducted safely and accurately. The Test Lab Manager will work closely with Engineering project teams to ensure that new and existing products meet quality standards and specifications.  The Lab Manager will have the opportunity to collaborate with their counterparts across all DFR sites to drive standardization and optimization of all testing activity to ensure more consistent and reliable processes, procedures, and results. Thorough documentation and storage of all test reports and accompanying data are of utmost importance.

This role will be responsible for organizing the lab layout, tools, equipment, infrastructure, and inventory as required for optimum performance.  This person will own prototype and product delivery projects and some duties include, performing lab asset management with storing specialized development hardware, maintaining instrument calibrations, servicing laboratory equipment, and managing equipment and asset database. The Lab Manager will collaborate with engineers on new product development designs, new equipment installation, and operation to understand the life product cycle. The ideal candidate has experience with planning schedules, budgeting, analyzing and effectively communicating lab related issues, and making recommendations for next steps in lab tools and infrastructure.

What you will be responsible for in this role:

• Managing the daily operations of the engineering test lab, including scheduling tests, ensuring proper use of equipment, and managing lab personnel
• Ensuring product performance and regulatory compliance: UL, NSF, DOE, CSA, etc.
• Maintaining existing lab certifications and scoping options for additional certifications.
• Coordinating with Engineering, Product Management, and Sales to establish project requirements and testing plans for each project within the lab to ensure project goals are validated.
• Maintaining and managing the lab management system to prioritize and schedule projects’ time in the test lab according to lab capability, lab capacity, and business needs.
• Managing the test lab budget and ensure that all expenses are properly tracked and documented, including both operational expenses and capital expenditures (capex).
• Ensuring that all test equipment is properly maintained and calibrated, including appropriate documentation and record keeping.
• Working cross-functionally with Quality, Engineering, Finance, etc. to ensure projects are receiving resources necessary to meet business needs.
• Improving lab capabilities and capacity through investigation of new test technologies, equipment, fixtures, etc. which can help provide better understanding and insight into product performance. 
• Providing technical support for field issues and assign resources to aid in field support as required.
• Identifying and implementing process improvements to increase efficiency and effectiveness of the test lab
• Creating and maintaining an organizational culture that encourages innovation, collaboration, excitement/commitment, a sense of urgency toward goals, and continuous improvement.
• Interfacing with customers, internally and externally, on technical details and project goals.
• Implementing policies, procedures, and best practices mandated for the laboratories to ensure compliance to ISO 17025 as well as other defined accreditation requirements for the designated laboratories.
• Monitor industry best practices and integrate solutions that benefit DFR product development and testing teams.

What are the basic qualifications?

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering, Physics, or related field with 5+ years of engineering experience leading projects, OR 5+ years in managerial role with 10+ years of experience in refrigeration, HVAC, or related industry.
• 2+ years of experience interfacing with regulatory agencies such as UL, CSA, NSF, DOE, etc.

What are the preferred qualifications?

• MBA or Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering or related engineering discipline
• PMP training or certification strongly desired
• 10+ years of engineering experience in refrigeration, air conditioning, dehumidifier, sealed-system, airflow thermal management, or similar industry
• 5+ years of experience leading technical teams
• 5+ years of experience interfacing with regulatory agencies such as UL, CSA, NSF, DOE, etc.
• Experience scoping and managing capital expenditure projects.
• Experience developing multi-year growth and development plans.

To be a great fit for the role:

• Familiarity with tools and techniques necessary to meet industry standards for good refrigeration testing and analysis
• Demonstrated history of sustained results with the ability to motivate team members, provide conflict resolution, and make key decisions when confronted with obstacles
• Experience developing and executing test plans for new product development and product improvements
• Supermarket refrigeration system overall understanding and component knowledge
• General understanding of industry and regulatory requirements with ability to reference and interpret standards (i.e., DOE, ASHRAE, NSF, UL, etc.). 
• Experience with internationally recognized quality standards, such as ISO 9001 or ISO 17025
• ANSYS FEA/CFD experience
• Demonstrated ability to set up and implement policies and procedures for a department
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to influence at all levels of the organization
• Ability to multi-task balancing multiple competing priorities and projects at the same time
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with ability to analyze and interpret complex data.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers.
• Strong computer skills utilizing LabVIEW, Microsoft Office Suite, Microsoft Project, etc.

How We Define Our Values and Why You Should Join Our Team:

The backbone behind our collection of outstanding businesses is a team of dedicated employees who protect and enhance our valued reputation for quality and delivering what we promise. It’s our values that define Dover to all of our key audiences: our shareholders, customers, prospective employees and especially to ourselves.

These values must be expressed in our work and embody our actions, as they form the basis by which we do our jobs, make decisions and measure our performance. It’s our unwavering commitment to maintaining our values that defines who we are as a Company.

• Collaborative Entrepreneurial Spirit
• Winning Through Customers
• Respects and Values People
• Expectations for Results
• High Ethical Standards, Openness, and Trust

What’s in it for you?

• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• 401k Retirement Plan
• Flexible Spending
• Paid Holidays

#LI-CW2

The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.  Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the Company.

Dover Food Retail is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, age, genetic information, or any other factors prohibited by law.