Sanitation Manager

Sanitation ManagerThe Sanitation Compliance Manager is a plant management role responsible for the strategic direction, execution, and continuous improvement of all sanitation and hygienic design programs within the Tulare manufacturing facility. This role ensures compliance with PMO (Grade "A"), CDFA, FDA, USDA, OSHA, GMPs, and HACCP requirements while driving a proactive sanitation and food safety culture.The incumbent holds end-to-end accountability for sanitation performance to include: environmental monitoring, CIP systems, third-party services, and sanitation compliance site-wide. The role partners closely with Operations, Quality, Engineering, and Maintenance leadership to ensure the production of safe, and high-quality food products that meet/exceed customer and regulatory requirements. Additional responsibilities as assigned due to business needs.ScopeLeads plant-wide sanitation strategy for a 24/7 dairy operationDirect ownership of sanitation team (Sanitation supervisor and QA Sanitation operations team of six)Influences cross-functional teams including Operations, Maintenance, Engineering and QualityAccountable for environmental pathogen control and sanitation-driven KPIsManages sanitation budget, chemical optimization, and vendor performanceKey contributor to ensure site readiness for regulatory inspections and customer auditsKey Responsibilities:Strategic Sanitation LeadershipCollaborate with site Sr. QA Manager, local leaders, and corporate partners to define/execute the facility's sanitation strategy in alignment with plant and organization food safety objectives.Establish, sustain, and continuously improve sanitation SOPs, SSOPs, and hygienic design standards.Drive a preventive, risk-based sanitation culture focused on eliminating contamination risksCollaborate with operational teams on sanitation SOP's, environmental monitoring, MSS, and food safety program support.Lead sanitation performance through KPIs, data analytics, and continuous improvement initiativesFood Safety & Risk ManagementBecome site SME on environmental monitoring program (EMP) including trending, risk zoning, and pathogen control (e.g., Listeria and Salmonella)Lead root cause investigations and CAPA for microbiological, chemical and physical hazards to ensure food safety compliance.Ensure integration of sanitation programs with HACCP and food safety Preventive ControlsAct as primary sanitation lead during food safety incidents and crisis responseCIP Systems & Hygienic DesignProvide technical leadership for CIP validation, verification, and optimizationEnsure effective cleaning of complex dairy systems (tanks, HTST systems, evaporators, spray dryers, pipelines)Collaborate with corporate Sanitation and other cross-functional teams on equipment design, installation, and sanitary improvementsOptimize chemical usage, water consumption, and cycle times while maintaining efficiencyTeam Leadership & DevelopmentDevelop and integrate a Food Safety Sanitation and Quality culture through collaboration with site leadership.Coach team members while developing a multi-skilled team capable of supporting plant needsDrive engagement, accountability, and a strong safety culture sitewide.Ensure effective onboarding and ongoing training in sanitation, GMPs, and chemical safetyVendor & Resource ManagementProvide oversight of third-party vendors, including chemical suppliers, pest control, and sanitation service providers.Thorough review of service reports and timely execution of corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) for all identified findings.Evaluate vendor performance and leverage their technical expertise to achieve plant sanitation goals.Manage sanitation budget while identifying cost-savings initiatives and driving Sanitation/Food Safety performance.Compliance & Audit LeadershipLead plant readiness and response for regulatory inspections (FDA, USDA, CDFA) and customer auditsEnsure sanitation documentation, validation records, and various training logs are within compliance standardsConduct internal audits and drive corrective actions to closureAct as backup to Quality leadership as neededRequired Education & Experience:Bachelor's degree preferred in Food Science, Engineering, Chemistry or related field with 5+ years of people leadership experience in a 24/7 food/dairy manufacturing processing or equivalent food plant experience.High School Diploma with 10 plus years of people leadership experience in a 24/7 food/dairy manufacturing processing or equivalent food plant experience ORStrong experience in dairy processing (fluid milk, butter, milk powder, UF and other dairy products)Required Technical Expertise:Sanitation Standard Operating ProceduresCIP systems and validationEnvironmental monitoring and pathogen controlDairy microbiology (SPC, coliforms, pathogens)Sanitation chemistry (alkaline, acid, sanitizers)Preferred Technical Expertise:PMO (Grade "A" dairy requirements)Sanitary and hygienic design principlesRequired Leadership Competencies:Strategic thinking with strong execution capabilityProven ability to lead teams in a 24/7 manufacturing environmentStrong decision-making and problem-solving skills under pressureExcellent communication and stakeholder management skillsData-driven mindset with focus on continuous improvementWork Environment24/7 dairy manufacturing facility requiring on-call supportExposure to wet, cold, and variable processing environmentsFlexibility required for off-hours, weekends, and emergency responseSalary Range: $93,360 - $140,040. In most cases, candidates offered employment can expect to be hired at a pay rate near the middle of our salary ranges.About Land O'Lakes, Inc.Join us and be part of a Fortune 250, farmer- and member-owned cooperative that is reimagining the business of food. We have been named a Top Workplace by Indeed and LinkedIn, and to the TIME 100 Most Influential Companies list.Benefits for most full-time roles include medical, dental, vision, PTO, life & disability insurance, education assistance, a 401k and a variety of well-being resources. Most part-time employees are eligible for prorated PTO, holiday pay, employee development programs, prorated education assistance, and a 401(k).Land O'Lakes, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) M/F/Vets/Disabled. The company maintains a drug-free workforce, including post-employment substance abuse testing pursuant to a Drug and Alcohol Policy.Neither Land O'Lakes, nor its search firms, will ever contact you and ask for confidential information over the phone or in email. If you receive a call or email like this, please do not provide the information being requested.Land O'Lakes does not use Automated Decision-Making Technology, as defined by California law, to substantially replace human decision-making or make significant decisions about applications for employment or contracting opportunities.