Sanitation Lead
The Sanitation Lead is responsible for leading and executing daily sanitation operations to ensure all production areas, equipment, and facilities meet food safety, quality, and regulatory standards. This role provides hands-on leadership to the sanitation team, verifies cleaning effectiveness, and ensures compliance with company policies, GMPs, HACCP, and FDA/USDA requirements.
Sanitation and Food Safety:
- Lead and perform daily sanitation of processing equipment, production lines, and facility areas
- Ensure cleaning and sanitizing procedures are completed according to SSOPs
- Verify cleanliness through inspections, ATP testing, and visual checks
- Ensure proper use, handling, and storage of sanitation chemicals
- Prevent cross-contamination and allergen risks
- Support food safety programs including HACCP, GMPs, and pest control
Team Leadership:
- Assign tasks and oversee daily work of sanitation team members
- Train employees on sanitation procedures, chemical safety, PPE, and lockout/tagout
- Enforce safety rules and food safety policies
- Provide coaching, feedback, and performance input to supervisors
- Act as point of contact during sanitation shifts
Documentation and Compliance:
- Complete sanitation logs, pre-op inspection records, and verification documents
- Report sanitation issues, equipment damage, or food safety risks promptly
- Assist during internal audits, customer audits, and regulatory inspections
- Maintain compliance with FDA, OSHA, and company requirements
Equipment and Facility Care:
- Perform basic disassembly and reassembly of equipment for cleaning
- Identify wear, damage, or maintenance needs and report promptly
- Ensure sanitation tools and supplies are properly maintained
Qualifications
Required:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- 2-3 years of sanitation experience in a food manufacturing environment
- Knowledge of food safety standards including GMPs, SSOPs, and HACCP
- Experience leading or training team members
- Ability to read and complete sanitation and safety documentation
- Willingness to work nights, weekends, and holidays as required
Preferred:
- Previous lead or supervisory experience
- Experience with allergen control programs
- Familiarity with ATP testing and chemical titration
- OSHA and food safety training certifications
Physical and Work Requirements:
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs
- Stand, bend, kneel, and work in wet or cold environments for extended periods
- Use of PPE including gloves, suits, and face shields
- Exposure to cleaning chemicals and loud environments
Core Competencies:
- Strong attention to detail
- Leadership and communication skills
- Commitment to food safety and quality
- Time management and reliability
- Problem-solving mindset