Sanitation Technical Specialist

Description

This role is responsible for technical ownership, governance, and continuous improvement of the sanitation program across all facilities to ensure compliance with company standards, regulatory requirements, and food safety expectations. This position serves as the subject matter expert (SME) for sanitation systems, sanitation validation, CIP processes, environmental controls, and sanitation-related risk mitigation.

Operating as a strategic individual contributor, this role develops and maintains sanitation standards, SSOPs, master cleaning schedules, verification processes, and audit readiness programs while driving technical execution and performance through cross-functional partnership with Operations, Quality, Maintenance, and external service providers. This position is accountable for sanitation effectiveness through data analysis, process validation, vendor performance management, compliance monitoring, and implementation of corrective and preventive actions to reduce food safety and operational risk while supporting overall plant performance.

Schedule

• Weekend 12-hr Day Shift: Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday
• 6:00 AM-6:30 PM

Benefits

• INSURANCE BENEFITS START DAY 1! Health, Dental, Vision, Medical Clinic Membership, Employee Assistance Program
• Other benefits include...
• Paid Time Off!
• Paid Sick Days!
• 9 Holidays! (Full pay for holiday shut-downs on scheduled work days, 2.5x pay for holidays worked)
• 401k with 6% company match!
• And don't forget FREE ICE CREAM!!!

Essential Job Duties (include but not limited to)

Sanitation Program Ownership

• Own and maintain all Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOPs), master sanitation schedules, and cleaning validation processes.

• Ensure all sanitation activities meet FDA, USDA, FSMA, and internal food safety standards.

• Partner with Quality to support Environmental Monitoring Program (EMP), trend sanitation indicators, and drive corrective actions.

• Continuously evaluate and improve sanitation processes for efficiency, effectiveness, and compliance. Partnering closely with Production Managers to ensure all zones are compliant.

Master Cleaning Schedule & Execution Oversight

• Develop and manage the master sanitation schedule across all areas of the facility. Sharing this information with Production Managers to ensure consistency and compliance.

• Manage and own the CIP (Clean-In-Place) systems and ensure compliance.

• Coordinate sanitation, timing and execution with production and maintenance to minimize downtime and ensure operational continuity.

• Monitor completion, quality, and effectiveness of cleaning activities through inspections and verification processes. Escalating concerns to production managers with risks and opportunities.

Audit & Compliance Leadership

• Serve as the primary sanitation lead for internal, customer, and third-party audits.

• Maintain all sanitation-related documentation, including logs, verification records, and corrective actions.

• Proactively identify risks and implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs) in partnership with operations.

Vendor & Contractor Management

• Manage third-party sanitation vendors and service providers, including scope definition, performance expectations, and accountability.

• Evaluate vendor performance against SLAs and ensure adherence to safety and food safety standards.

• Lead vendor selection, negotiations, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Cross-Functional Operational Partnership

• Partner closely with Production, Quality, and Maintenance teams to align sanitation activities with operational priorities.

• Support plant initiatives related to safety, efficiency, and product quality.

• Act as a subject matter expert for sanitation in plant decision-making and problem-solving.

• Train and support sanitation team members to ensure they maintain compliance with the master sanitation schedule.

• Develop sanitation training content and support leaders in delivering and sustaining training compliance.

Inspection & Continuous Improvement

• Conduct routine facility and equipment inspections to ensure cleanliness standards are consistently met.

• Identify gaps, drive root cause analysis, and implement sustainable improvements.

• Utilize data and trends to improve sanitation performance and reduce risk.

Requirements

• 5+ years of sanitation experience in a food manufacturing environment.

• Strong knowledge of FDA, USDA, and FSMA regulations, including GMPs, SSOPs, HACCP, and allergen control.

• HACCP certification.

• Experience preparing for and participating in third-party audits and regulatory inspections.

• Minimum 1 year of hands-on experience managing or supporting CIP (Clean-In-Place) systems, sanitation chemicals, and sanitation equipment.

• Demonstrated ability to influence teams toward high performance and continuous improvement.

• Strong problem-solving and root cause analysis skills related to sanitation and food safety issues.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and ability to use or learn digital tools for scheduling, documentation, and reporting.

• Demonstrated experience managing annual operating budgets, purchasing controls, and supplier relationships.

• Ability to collaborate cross-functionally with production, maintenance, quality, and other departments.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to write and maintain clear SOPs and training materials.

Preferred Qualifications

• PCQI certification.

• SQF/BRC audit exposure.

• Lean/Six Sigma experience.

• Frozen food manufacturing experience.

• Multi-site sanitation experience.

Physical Demands

• Extensive walking and prolonged standing; must be able to climb stairs and ladders.

• Major joint dexterity: ability to bend at the waist and knees, squat, kneel, reach and work overhead.

• Trunk strength: use of abdominal and lower back muscles to support body while working in non-ergonomic postures.

• Occasional moderate lifting and carrying (up to 40 lbs).

• Manual grip strength: ability to grasp, squeeze, and hold objects forcibly for extended periods.

• Fine manual dexterity: ability to use arms, wrists, and hands to grasp, manipulate, assemble and disassemble equipment.

Working Conditions

• Will be exposed to allergens including mold, as well as ingredient dust from food allergens including peanut and tree nuts.

• Works with a variety of janitorial and industrial cleaning chemicals.

• May be required to work inside and outside.

• Will work primarily in room temperature; temperatures inside the plant will vary between 80°+ and humid to -20° depending on location.

• Must maintain flexibility to support off-shift sanitation activities, audits, emergency response, and operational needs.