Sanitation Lead/QA - 3rd shift

Sanitation Lead / QA Pre-Operational Inspector

The Sanitation Lead / QA Pre-Operational Inspector is responsible for overseeing and coordinating third-party sanitation activities to ensure the facility, equipment, and production areas meet company, customer, and regulatory sanitation standards. This position also performs Quality Assurance (QA) pre-operational inspections to verify sanitation effectiveness prior to production startup. The role serves as a liaison between the sanitation contractor and facility management while ensuring compliance with food safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Sanitation Leadership

• Supervise and coordinate daily activities of the third-party sanitation team.
• Communicate sanitation expectations, priorities, and performance standards to sanitation personnel and contractor management.
• Verify completion of sanitation tasks according to Master Sanitation Schedules (MSS) and Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOPs).
• Conduct routine inspections of equipment, production areas, and facility infrastructure to ensure cleanliness and compliance.
• Monitor sanitation chemical usage, concentrations, and application procedures.
• Ensure sanitation activities are completed safely and in accordance with company policies and regulatory requirements.
• Document sanitation deficiencies and coordinate corrective actions with the sanitation provider.
• Participate in sanitation training and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Track and report sanitation performance metrics and trends.

QA Pre-Operational Responsibilities

• Conduct pre-operational inspections of equipment, processing lines, and production areas before startup.
• Verify all food contact and non-food contact surfaces are clean, sanitized, and free from contamination risks.
• Perform ATP testing, allergen verification, environmental monitoring, and other validation activities as required.
• Document inspection findings and maintain accurate records.
• Support with pre-shipment paperwork review as needed.
• Support with supplier approval documentation as needed.
• Identify and communicate deficiencies requiring corrective action before production can begin.
• Release production areas for startup once sanitation and food safety standards are met.
• Work closely with Production, Maintenance, and Sanitation teams to resolve pre-operational concerns.
• Ensure compliance with HACCP, GMP, SQF/BRC, USDA, FDA, and customer requirements as applicable.
• Other duties as assigned by management.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; Associate degree in Food Science, Quality Assurance, or related field preferred.
• Minimum 2 years of food manufacturing, sanitation, or quality assurance experience preferred.
• Previous leadership or supervisory experience preferred.
• Knowledge of food safety regulations, GMPs, HACCP principles, and sanitation practices.
• Experience conducting sanitation inspections and pre-operational assessments.
• Ability to read, interpret, and complete regulatory and quality documentation.
• Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and quality management systems preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, climb, and lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work in wet, cold, hot, and humid environments.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Flexible availability, including nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Hours: 6:00 pm to 4:00 am