RTE Sanitation Supervisor

At Butterball, we exist to help people pass love on. As the most recognized name in turkey, the brand represents more than 60 years of cherished memories, providing quality, great-tasting products that make meals something to celebrate every day. We believe in fostering a culture where every team member is valued, has the opportunity to grow professionally, and contributes to our success.

About the role

Responsible for guiding the execution of sanitation throughout the facility. Serves as a subject matter expert and works cross-functionally to help implement and facilitate sanitation practices. Ensures compliance with food safety and safety standards through defined verification methods (e.g., visual inspections, quality inspections, testing). Develops, validates, and helps implement sanitation practices, including cleaning practices, selection and use of chemicals, and the delivery of training materials.

Responsibilities

• Supervises the day-to-day activities of a team of entry-level individual contributors, providing guidance, coaching, and support.
• Participates in HR activities such as hiring, terminations, performance management, goal setting, team member development, and scheduling.
• Enforces systems, policies, and procedures, and is responsible for team member training.
• Implements and promotes chemical/sanitation safety programs and safe work practices through active participation in safety meetings.
• Ensures the sanitation team clearly understands all safety rules and regulations, has received appropriate training, and performs work in accordance with all applicable regulations and standards.
• Monitors and adjusts cleaning systems and procedures to ensure optimal cleanliness of all areas.
• Partners with management and other functions to troubleshoot sanitation problems and recommends changes to improve policies, procedures, and effectiveness.
• Conducts routine assessments (e.g., auditing, KPI reporting) of cleaning and sanitation program effectiveness for continuous improvement.
• Ensures necessary sanitation oversight and resources are available to fully support operations.
• Evaluates data and trends related to cleaning verification and validation activities, triggering appropriate corrective and preventive actions.
• Conducts regular meetings with plant management to discuss sanitation findings and alerts senior management on major issues.
• Emphasizes sanitation opportunities in production areas by communicating and training production team members on sanitation issues.
• Collaborates with facility departments to define sanitation activities and resources needed to ensure completion of the Master Sanitation Schedule (MSS).
• Audits MSS and completes Root Cause Corrective Action (RCCA) on issues identified.
• Partners to develop and oversee the department’s operating budget, ensuring expenses are within budgeted guidelines.
• Serves as a liaison and maintains a close partnership with cross-functional teams at the plant to achieve overall company goals.

Requirements

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
• 4+ years of relevant experience or the knowledge, skills, and abilities to succeed in the role.
• 1+ years of leadership experience or the knowledge, skills, and abilities to succeed in the role.

Skills

• Good understanding of sanitation processes, procedures, and best practices.
• Working knowledge of and experience adhering to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations.
• Experience overseeing wet and dry sanitation and sustainable sanitation programs in a food manufacturing environment.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to coach, support, and motivate a team while instilling a culture of accountability.
• Skilled at problem-solving, including root cause analysis, risk assessments, and developing corrective actions.
• Proven ability to communicate effectively, appropriately, and respectfully at all levels of the organization.
• Skilled at delegation and prioritizing deliverables in a fast-paced and deadline-oriented environment.
• Solid organization, time-management, and critical-thinking skills with the ability to work effectively under pressure.
• Good computer application skills, including the use of mainframe, network, and PC business application software.
• Ability to interpret and educate on standard practices and policies.
• Flexibility to work weekends, overtime, and holidays as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• Bilingual in English/Spanish.
• Knowledge of GMP, HACCP, and Environmental sanitation programs.
• Progressive sanitation supervision experience in an FDA or USDA-regulated food manufacturing facility.
• HACCP and Internal Auditor certificates.

Physical Demands

• Regularly required to stand, walk, sit, talk, hear, reach, bend, stoop, kneel, and use hands and fingers to operate equipment, computer, telephone, and keyboard.
• Occasionally required to climb and lift up to 25 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

Working Conditions

• Work will be performed in a variety of conditions, including climate-controlled office environments and a manufacturing plant with varying conditions (e.g., cold, wet, warm areas, chemicals).
• Required to wear and work in personal protective equipment while in the manufacturing environment.
• Noise level in the office environment is usually moderate; noise level in the manufacturing environment may exceed 85 DBA and require hearing protection.
• Occasional travel may be required.