SANITATION LEAD PET FOOD

The Sanitation Lead is responsible for coordinating and performing all cleaning and sanitation activities with the pet food production facility to ensure a hygienic environment is maintained to support food safety and quality objectives. This role leads the sanitation team in executing daily, weekly, and periodic cleaning schedules, ensures proper use of chemicals and PPE, verifies pre-operational inspection readiness, and supports compliance with company, regulatory, and customer standards.

REPORTS TO:

• Site Food Safety & Quality Assurance Manager

ESSENTIAL TASKS:

• Lead daily sanitation activities across production, packaging, and support areas.
• Assign and monitor sanitation team tasks to ensure timely completion of cleaning schedules.
• Assist in dismantling, cleaning, and sanitizing equipment according to SSOP’s.
• Operate and train others how to operate sanitation equipment such as foamers, floor scrubbers, etc.
• Ensure all cleaning and sanitation activities comply with regulatory requirements.
• Maintain chemical log and inventory to ensure correct amounts and concentrations are used.
• Conduct deep cleans and periodic sanitation activities per the site Master Sanitation Schedule.
• Support pre-operational inspections and address any non-conformances identified.
• Identify and report potential contamination risks, pest activity, or equipment damage immediately.
• Verify adherence to color-coded cleaning tools and zone segregation practices.
• Support Environmental Monitoring Program activities, including surface swabbing and corrective actions.
• Ensure proper storage and labeling of sanitation chemicals in compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Ensure production lines are and equipment are properly released following sanitation and pre-operational activities.
• Provide daily direction, coaching, and performance for sanitation team members.
• Training new sanitation employees on their job responsibilities.
• Participate in investigations related to sanitation deficiencies or pre-operational inspection failures and assist in implementing corrective actions.
• SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS:WORK ENVIRONMENT:
• Other duties as assigned by management.
• High school diploma or equivalent required, technical or vocational training preferred.
• 1+ years of experience in food, feed, or pet food manufacturing; prior sanitation leadership experience preferred.
• Working knowledge of sanitation chemicals, cleaning methods, and hygienic design principles.
• Understanding of food safety regulations and current Good Manufacturing Practices.
• Strong attention to detail, documentation, and organizational skills highly preferred.
• Ability to work well as a member of a cross-functional team.
• Must be able to work in a schedule-driven shift environment.
• While performing the duties of this position, the employee may be required to stand and walk for prolonged periods of time, climb stairs, travel on manlifts, climb ladders and walk plant floors that could exceed one mile of travel per day.
• The employee must have a full range of body movements including use of hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, computer equipment and peripherals; and bending, reaching, and crouching.
• Must have command of all five senses, sight, hearing, touch, smell and taste. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. These vision requirements in each area must be sufficient to shift in focus from computer screens to close forms.
• May be frequently exposed to dust, strong odors, and varying outdoor temperatures.
• Must have the ability to lift 20 to 50 pounds, as required.
• Must be able to understand and follow work instructions in English.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $24.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person