Sanitation Manager

Position Summary

The Sanitation Manager is responsible for leading and managing all sanitation activities within the Cardinal Foods LLC processing facility. This position ensures that the plant, equipment, production areas, and surrounding facility are cleaned and sanitized in accordance with company standards, food safety requirements, regulatory requirements, and established Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOPs).

The Sanitation Manager provides leadership and direction to the sanitation team, coordinates sanitation activities with Production and Quality/Food Safety, and ensures the facility is properly prepared for safe and efficient production.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead, supervise, and manage the daily activities of the Sanitation Department.

• Provide direction, training, coaching, and accountability to sanitation employees.

• Ensure all production equipment, processing areas, floors, walls, drains, utensils, and facility areas are properly cleaned and sanitized.

• Develop, implement, and maintain effective sanitation programs and SSOPs.

• Ensure sanitation activities are completed according to established schedules and documented accurately.

• Conduct regular inspections of the facility and equipment to identify sanitation deficiencies and ensure corrective actions are completed.

• Work closely with the Quality/Food Safety Department to ensure sanitation practices meet food safety and regulatory requirements.

• Coordinate sanitation activities with Production to minimize downtime and ensure equipment is ready for production.

• Ensure proper use, storage, labeling, and handling of cleaning chemicals and sanitation supplies.

• Maintain appropriate inventory levels of sanitation chemicals, PPE, tools, and equipment.

• Ensure sanitation employees have the necessary PPE, equipment, and supplies to safely perform their duties.

• Maintain an organized and clean sanitation storage area, chemical room, equipment cage, and surrounding areas.

• Ensure sanitation equipment is properly maintained and available for use.

• Monitor chemical concentrations, water temperatures, and other sanitation parameters as required.

• Investigate sanitation issues and implement appropriate corrective and preventive actions.

• Assist with environmental monitoring and other food safety programs as assigned.

• Ensure sanitation records, inspection forms, chemical logs, and other required documentation are completed accurately and on time.

• Participate in internal and external audits and assist with responding to audit findings.

• Maintain compliance with company policies and applicable FDA, USDA, OSHA, HACCP, GMP, and food safety requirements.

• Promote safe work practices and ensure employees follow all safety procedures.

• Conduct or coordinate employee training related to sanitation procedures, chemical safety, PPE, food safety, and company policies.

• Monitor employee performance, attendance, and adherence to department expectations.

• Address performance issues promptly and work with Human Resources when necessary.

• Assist with hiring, onboarding, and training sanitation employees.

• Develop and maintain sanitation schedules based on production needs.

• Communicate sanitation concerns, equipment issues, and operational needs to Plant Management.

• Support continuous improvement efforts to improve sanitation effectiveness, employee safety, efficiency, and overall plant cleanliness.

• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by management.

Leadership Responsibilities

The Sanitation Manager is responsible for providing strong leadership and maintaining accountability within the Sanitation Department. The manager is expected to:

• Set clear expectations for sanitation employees.

• Maintain a visible presence on the plant floor.

• Provide hands-on guidance and support to the sanitation team.

• Ensure employees understand their responsibilities and performance expectations.

• Recognize strong performance and address deficiencies appropriately.

• Build a culture of teamwork, accountability, safety, and food safety.

• Maintain effective communication between Sanitation, Production, Maintenance, Quality/Food Safety, and Management.

Food Safety & Regulatory Responsibilities

The Sanitation Manager plays a critical role in maintaining the facility's food safety standards and is expected to:

• Ensure sanitation procedures are consistently followed.

• Maintain compliance with applicable regulatory and customer requirements.

• Support HACCP and preventive food safety programs.

• Ensure sanitation-related records are complete, accurate, and available for review.

• Immediately communicate potential food safety concerns to Quality/Food Safety and Plant Management.

• Ensure sanitation practices prevent contamination, cross-contamination, and foreign material risks.

• Support facility inspections, regulatory inspections, customer audits, and food safety audits.

Safety Responsibilities

• Ensure employees follow all plant safety policies and procedures.

• Ensure proper PPE is worn and maintained.

• Ensure employees are properly trained in chemical handling and other sanitation-related hazards.

• Maintain compliance with OSHA requirements and company safety standards.

• Report accidents, injuries, unsafe conditions, and near misses promptly.

• Promote a safety-first culture within the Sanitation Department.

Qualifications

Required:

• High school diploma or equivalent.

• Previous sanitation experience in a food manufacturing or processing environment.

• Previous supervisory or management experience.

• Strong understanding of industrial sanitation practices.

• Ability to lead and motivate a diverse workforce.

• Strong organizational and communication skills.

• Ability to work effectively with Production, Quality/Food Safety, Maintenance, and other departments.

• Ability to work in a fast-paced food manufacturing environment.

• Ability to work flexible hours, including nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime as required by production needs.

Preferred:

• Associate