Sanitation Lead

Job Description

Job Description

Northwest Frozen is seeking a dependable, safety-focused Sanitation Lead to oversee overnight cleaning and sanitation operations at our Kent warehouse and Des Moines production facility. This role leads a small sanitation crew, ensures equipment and facilities are properly cleaned and sanitized between production runs, and helps maintain the food safety standards our products depend on.This is a hands-on leadership role. The Sanitation Lead will perform cleaning tasks alongside the team, assign and check work, maintain the Master Sanitation Schedule, verify pre-operational readiness, and communicate directly with Production and QA to keep the plant running safely and on schedule.About UsNorthwest Frozen manufactures and ships high-quality frozen and fresh sushi, along with fresh ready meals, soups, dumplings, and other prepared foods. We're proud to be the largest sushi and kimbap manufacturer in North America. We take food safety, quality, and consistency seriously in everything we do.What You'll DoLead and coordinate the overnight sanitation crew, assigning tasks and verifying work is completed thoroughly and on timeClean, sanitize, and disassemble/reassemble production equipment, processing lines, tools, and utensils according to established proceduresMaintain and follow the Master Sanitation Schedule (MSS) for daily, weekly, and periodic cleaning tasksConduct and document pre-operational inspections (pre-op) to verify equipment and work areas are clean and ready before production start-upSafely select, mix, and apply cleaning chemicals and sanitizers according to labels, SDS, and company proceduresTrain sanitation team members on proper cleaning procedures, chemical safety, and food safety practicesInspect and maintain sanitation equipment (foamers, hoses, CIP systems, floor scrubbers, etc.) and report maintenance needsSupport allergen changeovers and verify allergen cleaning procedures are followed correctlyComplete and maintain accurate sanitation logs, checklists, and chemical usage recordsCommunicate sanitation status, delays, or issues to Production, QA, and Maintenance teams at shift handoffEnsure compliance with GMPs, food safety standards, OSHA/chemical safety requirements, and company policiesMaintain clean, organized, and properly labeled chemical storage and sanitation supply areasAssist with internal, customer, and third-party food safety audits as neededPerform hands-on cleaning duties alongside the team, especially during high-volume or short-staffed periodsQualifications1-2 years of experience in a sanitation, cleaning, or food production role, with prior lead or supervisory experience preferredWorking knowledge of GMPs, food safety principles, and sanitation best practices; HACCP or sanitation certification a plusExperience safely handling and mixing industrial cleaning chemicals and sanitizersAbility to read and follow chemical labels, SDS sheets, and written sanitation proceduresFamiliarity with different classes of cleaning and sanitizing chemicals used in food production (e.g., alkaline/caustic cleaners, acid cleaners, degreasers, quat and chlorine-based sanitizers) and when each is appropriateUnderstanding of proper dilution rates, contact times, and rinse requirements for different chemicals and surfacesAbility to lift up to 50 lbs and perform frequent standing, walking, bending, climbing, and repetitive cleaning tasksComfortable working in wet, cold, refrigerated, and freezer environments for extended periodsReliable attendance and flexibility to work overnight hours, weekends, and occasional overtime as business needs requireBasic ability to complete written logs, checklists, and electronic recordsIdeal Candidate2+ years of experience in food manufacturing sanitation, with direct experience leading or training a small teamExperience with Master Sanitation Schedules, pre-op inspections, and allergen changeover proceduresSolid working knowledge of cleaner and sanitizer chemistry and how to match the right product to the surface, soil type, or equipmentStrong attention to detail and a genuine safety-first, food-safety-first mindsetComfortable giving clear direction and holding a team accountable to a nightly cleaning scheduleBilingual English/Spanish is a plusScheduleTwo Sanitation Lead positions are available:Position 1: Monday - Thursday, 6:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m.Position 2: Friday - Sunday, 4:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m.Overnight sanitation shift, cleaning between production runs so lines are ready for the next shiftApplicants should be available to work the full schedule for their assigned positionWhat We Offer YouPay: $25-$30 per hour, depending on experience, including overnight shift differential*Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, Dental, and Life InsuranceStable, steady work with a growing food manufacturerA leadership role with real ownership over sanitation quality and outcomesTeam-focused environment where safety, reliability, and accuracy matter