Sanitation Lead

Adept Life Sciences is a strategic supplement manufacturer trusted by fast-growing brands that demand innovation, speed to market, and uncompromising quality. From formulation and sourcing to manufacturing and scale, we help brands launch faster and grow with confidence.

JOB TITLE: Sanitation Lead

REPORTS TO: Quality Director

LOCATION: Chandler and Gilbert (both facilities)

TYPE: Full-time Non-Exempt

RATE: $20-$22/hr

SCHEDULE: Full-time on-site; Monday through Friday, 6:00 AM to 3:00 PM, time split between both locations

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Sanitation Lead is a hands-on working lead responsible for the sanitation program at both Adept Life Sciences facilities (Chandler and Gilbert). This role makes sure manufacturing and packaging equipment, production rooms, and support areas at each site are cleaned and sanitized to the same standard, and keeps cleaning records accurate and audit-ready in compliance with 21 CFR Part 111 (dietary supplement cGMP). The Sanitation Lead travels between the two locations, schedules cleaning around production, trains the team, verifies cleaning effectiveness, and works closely with Quality, Production, and Maintenance to prevent cross-contamination and allergen cross-contact in capsule, tablet, powder, and other nutraceutical products.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES

Team Leadership & Multi-Site Coordination

Direct the daily work at both locations, assigning tasks and adjusting coverage between sites based on production schedules, changeovers, and staffing.

Split time between the Chandler and Gilbert facilities, maintaining a regular presence at each site and serving as the first point of contact for sanitation questions and issues.

Coordinate daily with Production, Quality, and Maintenance at each site so equipment and rooms are cleaned, inspected, and released on time for the next batch.

Standardize sanitation practices, tools, chemicals, and documentation so both locations follow the same procedures.

Sanitation Operations

Perform and oversee cleaning and sanitizing of production equipment and change parts (blenders, encapsulators, tablet presses, coating pans, conveyors, powder fillers, and packaging lines) according to approved SOPs, including disassembly and reassembly when indicated.

Ensure dry-cleaning and wet-cleaning procedures are completed correctly between batches, product changeovers, and allergen changeovers.

Oversee cleaning of production rooms, hallways, gowning areas, hand-wash stations, drums, pails, utensils, and pallets, and fill in on hands-on cleaning as needed.

Plan, schedule, and lead master sanitation events and deep cleans at both facilities.

cGMP Compliance, Verification & Documentation

Maintain and execute the Master Cleaning Schedule for each facility in compliance with 21 CFR Part 111 and company SOPs.

Verify cleaning effectiveness through visual inspection and, where required, ATP or allergen swabs, and make sure equipment and rooms are ready for Quality inspection and line clearance.

Review cleaning logbooks, equipment and room status tags, and chemical preparation records for accuracy and completeness, following good documentation practices (ALCOA+).

Enforce allergen control and cross-contamination prevention procedures, including segregation and color-coding of cleaning tools by area.

Report equipment damage, pest activity, and sanitation deviations to Quality immediately, and assist with investigations and corrective actions.

Help write and update sanitation SOPs and work instructions, and support internal, customer, and regulatory audits at both sites.

Cleaning Chemicals, Supplies & Inventory

Oversee preparation of cleaning and sanitizing solutions at the correct concentrations, verification with test strips, sanitizer rotation, and contact times.

Ensure cleaning chemicals are labeled, stored, and disposed of according to SDS requirements and company procedures.

Training & Development

Train new and existing team members on SOPs, cleaning methods, chemical handling, GMP, and safety, and document completed training.

Coach team members on work quality and performance, and give input to management on performance, training needs, and hiring.

Cross-train technicians so either location can be covered during absences or peak workload.

Safety & General

Follow and enforce all safety procedures, including proper use of PPE, lockout/tagout when cleaning equipment, and safe chemical handling.

Support 5S and workplace organization so both facilities stay organized, presentable, and inspection-ready at all times.

Operate a computer, scale, forklift, and manual pallet jack as needed.

Attend meetings and trainings as necessary, and perform other duties as assigned or needed.

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

EDUCATION

High school diploma or GED required.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE (PREFERRED)

Sanitation experience in nutraceutical, dietary supplement, food, or pharmaceutical manufacturing preferred.

Prior experience as a lead, trainer, or senior sanitation technician preferred.

Experience with ATP or allergen swabbing, master sanitation schedules, and audits (FDA, NSF, or customer) preferred.

Forklift certification preferred.

Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Two years or more of sanitation or cleaning experience in a cGMP-regulated or food-safety-regulated manufacturing facility.

Working knowledge of cGMP, cleaning and sanitizing methods, chemical safety, and good documentation practices.

Ability to lead, train, and motivate a team, and to communicate clearly with technicians, supervisors, and Quality.

Reliable transportation and the ability to travel between the Chandler and Gilbert facilities during the workday.

Strong organization and planning skills, with the ability to manage priorities across two sites.

Ability to read, follow, and help write SOPs, and to complete and review records accurately.

Basic computer skills (email, spreadsheets, and inventory or ordering systems).

Strong attention to detail and a commitment to cleanliness, safety, and quality.

Regular and dependable attendance, and the ability to perform all essential duties with or without reasonable accommodation.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Regularly involves standing, walking, and moving throughout both facilities for extended periods.

Frequently involves repetitive motions, bending, stooping, kneeling, reaching, and use of hands to handle cleaning tools, equipment parts, and chemicals.

Regularly involves talking, listening, and seeing.

Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.

Involves operating machinery, driving between locations, and fast-paced, multi-tasking activities.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Primarily a manufacturing and production floor environment at two facilities, with some office time for records and scheduling.

Exposure to food and nutraceutical ingredients, including food allergens, in free-floating powder form.

Exposure to cleaning chemicals, sanitizers, and soaps, and to wet or slippery surfaces.

Exposure to moving mechanical parts, vibration, and risk of electrical shock; noise level is usually moderate and often constant.

Required to wear protective gear, i.e. hairnets, beard covers, gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection, masks, and cGMP attire, in production areas.

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