Sanitation Lead

Sanitation Lead

The Sanitation Lead is responsible for coordinating and overseeing sanitation activities within the manufacturing facility to ensure compliance with food safety standards, regulatory requirements, and company policies. This role leads sanitation team members, ensures effective execution of cleaning procedures, and maintains production equipment and facility areas in a clean, sanitary, and audit-ready condition.

Primary tasks:

• Lead and coordinate daily, weekly, and periodic sanitation activities across production lines and facility areas
• Train, coach, and support sanitation team members on proper cleaning procedures, chemical handling, and safety practices
• Ensure compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOPs), and food safety requirements
• Inspect equipment and facility areas to verify cleanliness and pre-operational readiness prior to production startup
• Develop and manage sanitation schedules, including routine and deep cleaning, to support production efficiency and minimize downtime
• Ensure proper use, dilution, labeling, and storage of sanitation chemicals in accordance with safety and regulatory requirements
• Maintain accurate sanitation logs, records, and documentation for internal tracking and audit readiness
• Partner with Quality Assurance to support internal audits, customer audits, and regulatory inspections
• Identify, investigate, and resolve sanitation and food safety risks in a timely manner
• Enforce safety policies, including proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and adherence to lockout/tagout procedures
• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to sanitation processes, efficiency, and effectiveness
• Collaborate with Operations, Maintenance, and Quality teams to ensure alignment on sanitation standards and production needs
• Performs additional duties as assigned that are consistent with the scope, level of responsibility, and essential functions of this position in support of departmental and operational objectives.

Other skills:

• Strong leadership and team coordination skills
• Attention to detail with strong inspection and verification capabilities
• Problem-solving skills with the ability to address sanitation and food safety issues proactively
• Ability to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively in a production environment
• Effective communication skills across cross-functional teams
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, manufacturing environment

Education and experience:

• High school diploma or GED required
• 2–5 years of sanitation experience in a manufacturing or food production environment preferred
• 1+ year of leadership or supervisory experience preferred
• Strong knowledge of GMPs, HACCP, and food safety standards
• Experience with industrial sanitation equipment and chemicals (e.g., COP systems, foamers, pressure washers)
• Ability to read and interpret Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
• Basic computer skills for documentation and reporting

Additional requirements:

• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with exposure to wet, cold, and/or humid conditions
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and perform physical tasks throughout the shift
• Ability to lift and move materials (up to 50 lbs)
• Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends, holidays, and overtime as required