Sanitation Lead Commissary

Sanitation Lead Commissary

Location: Schenectady, NY, US, 12306 Company: PriceChopper Pay starts at $23.75-$26.75

The Sanitation Lead is responsible for coordinating and supporting daily sanitation operations to ensure a safe, clean, and food-safe production environment within the commissary. This role serves as a working lead by guiding sanitation team members, supporting execution of sanitation procedures, and ensuring compliance with company standards, SSOPs, GMPs, and regulatory requirements. The Sanitation Lead works closely with Production, FSQA, and Maintenance to support operational readiness, sanitation effectiveness, audit readiness, and continuous improvement initiatives while promoting a culture of food safety, safety awareness, and teamwork.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead and perform routine cleaning and sanitation of equipment, utensils, processing lines, and facility areas in accordance with SSOPs, GMPs, and food safety standards.
• Coordinate sanitation activities and support sanitation team members to ensure completion of assigned tasks.
• Verify proper disassembly, cleaning, inspection, and reassembly of production equipment.
• Conduct and support pre-operational inspections to ensure equipment and production areas meet sanitation and food safety requirements.
• Support compliance with food safety, allergen control, SQF/FDA requirements, and company sanitation programs.
• Support internal, customer, and regulatory audits by maintaining audit-ready conditions and providing sanitation documentation as needed.
• Perform environmental swabbing and sample collection for EMB and microbiological testing programs.
• Perform ATP testing and support sanitation verification activities to confirm cleaning effectiveness.
• Ensure proper handling, dilution, labeling, storage, and usage of sanitation chemicals in accordance with SDS and safety requirements.
• Perform and verify wet chemistry testing related to sanitation chemical concentrations and sanitizer effectiveness.
• Monitor and verify proper chemical concentrations using approved testing methods.
• Monitor sanitation chemical and supply usage and communicate inventory needs to leadership.
• Promote and enforce safe work practices including PPE usage, chemical safety, and Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures.
• Identify sanitation, equipment, or operational concerns and communicate corrective actions to leadership.
• Assist in troubleshooting sanitation and operational issues to minimize downtime and maintain sanitation effectiveness.
• Complete, review, and maintain sanitation records, checklists, and documentation accurately.
• Support production changeovers, startup readiness, and end-of-shift sanitation activities.
• Maintain sanitation equipment, tools, and supply areas in clean and organized condition.
• Communicate effectively with Production, FSQA, Maintenance, and leadership teams to support operational goals.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on sanitation efficiency, food safety, and operational performance.

Leadership Expectations

• Promote a culture of food safety, sanitation excellence, and workplace safety.
• Support First Time Right (FTR) execution and operational readiness.
• Maintain audit-ready conditions and support regulatory compliance initiatives.
• Demonstrate professionalism, teamwork, and accountability in daily operations.
• Support continuous improvement efforts related to sanitation effectiveness and efficiency.
• Serve as a positive resource and role model for sanitation team members.

Minimum Qualifications

Strong knowledge of sanitation practices, food safety principles, GMPs, allergen control programs, and environmental monitoring procedures. Working knowledge of sanitation chemistry and wet chemistry applications, including chemical concentrations, titrations, pH testing, and sanitizer verification methods. Knowledge of ATP testing, environmental swabbing procedures, and sanitation verification programs. Knowledge of cleaning and sanitizing agents, chemical interactions, contact times, and proper application methods. Ability to interpret SDS documentation and follow chemical safety procedures. Ability to coordinate sanitation activities and guide team members in a fast-paced environment. Strong problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills. Strong attention to detail and commitment to food safety and sanitation excellence. Ability to work independently while supporting team objectives. Reliable attendance and strong work ethic.

Education and Experience

High school diploma or equivalent preferred. Prior sanitation experience in food manufacturing, food production, commissary, or related environments preferred. Experience working with sanitation chemicals, wet chemistry testing, ATP monitoring, environmental swabbing, cleaning systems, and sanitation equipment. Ability to read, understand, and follow SSOPs, SOPs, GMPs, and safety procedures. Experience supporting food safety audits and sanitation inspections preferred.

Physical Requirements

Bending Frequent 3-5 Hours Exposure to Cold Environment Frequent 3-5 Hours Exposure to Hot Environment Frequent 3-5 hours Grasping/Finger Movement & Dexterity- Left/Right Hands Constant 5-8 Hours Lifting Constant 5-8 Hours up to 50lbs Pivoting Frequent 3-5 Hours Pushing/Pulling Constant 5-8 Hours up to 50lbs Squatting/Kneeling Frequent 3-5 Hours Standing Constant 5-8 Hours Twisting Frequent 3-5 Hours Walking Constant 5-8 Hours

Equipment Used

Hoses, foaming units, brushes, and squeegees Chemical dispensing and dilution systems ATP and environmental swabbing/testing equipment Wet chemistry and sanitizer testing equipment Floor cleaning and sanitation equipment Hand tools including wrenches and screwdrivers PPE including gloves, aprons, safety glasses, and hearing protection

Our Company does not discriminate against individuals on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, affection or sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, liability for military service, status as a veteran, gender identity or expression, genetic information, pregnancy, and any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.