Sanitation Lead

People are at the heart of our success. Our culture encourages collaboration, transparency, and accountability in order to generate value and achieve sustainable results. Being part of the team means committing to an environment where everyone’s impact truly matters. At Agropur, accountability means owning challenges and taking concrete action to achieve results.

About the role

This Sanitation Lead position performs all tasks required to maintain the cleanliness and sanitation of the production facility. The role involves monitoring the cleaning process throughout the shift, coordinating with the Sanitation Supervisor on any issues, and overseeing sanitation activities. You will start up and shut down the plant’s molding and string machines in preparation for sanitation and production, utilizing Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOPs), the Master Sanitation Schedule, and Housekeeping lists.

Responsibilities

• Adhere to all Agropur policies, work rules, safety rules, housekeeping, and GMPs.
• Ensure proper chemicals and protective equipment are used per standards at all times.
• Clean all equipment per Agropur and regulatory standards.
• Ensure all items are cleaned regularly per the Master Sanitation Schedule.
• Ensure the Cookers, Brine system, tubs, carts, and plant floors are cleaned daily following the proper SOPs.
• Properly document all cleaning activities as applicable to ensure traceability.
• Ensure all tools and cleaning equipment are put in proper place after each shift.
• Assist the production operator during product changeover and with clean-up of molders, parts, and forms.
• Maintain Brine Room: clean brine filters, hang salt bags, make up new brine, clean brine flume, chillers, storage tanks, and UF.
• Properly dispose of animal feed and garbage.
• Understand and comply with all Quality policies, and immediately report any potential food safety issues to management.
• Report any safety, sanitation, and/or equipment issues to the Supervisor.
• Ensure equipment/machinery is operating properly to maintain the quality of cheese to established standards and customer specifications; making adjustments and communicating with Laboratory and Packaging departments as needed.
• Assemble hydra molder during start-up and product changes; shut down/disassemble machine at shift’s end.
• Properly set up forms on molders, identifying all forms used according to customer specifications.
• Assemble string extruders during start-up and product changes; shut down/disassemble machine at shift’s end.
• Properly set up machines, identifying all parts used according to customer specifications.
• Ensure all CIP washes are completed as scheduled.
• Verify chemical concentrations are within specification and adjust as needed.
• Assist Production Supervisor in training and development of new employees, including instructing on proper procedures, safe working practices, and producing a quality product.
• Monitor cleaning process throughout the shift and coordinate with the Sanitation Supervisor on any issues.
• Ensure production lines and platforms are properly cleaned and sanitized in a timely manner.
• Assist in updating and developing cleaning procedures and SSOPs.
• Take immediate corrective action in the absence of area Supervisor; notify on-site Supervisor of actions taken.
• Responsible for meeting the goals and objectives established with Supervisor.
• Complete all required clerical functions and paperwork for your designated area, including the Master Sanitation Schedule and CIP records.
• Communicate problems and potential problems to supervisor.
• Assist with or complete incident reports.
• Lead emergency response and evacuations as needed.
• Understand and adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices and Standard Operating Procedures.
• Stop any observed unsafe acts and obey facility safety rules and procedures.
• Correct or report any observed safety hazards.
• Support safety policies and programs.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Minimum one (1) year of experience required.
• Leadership experience preferred.
• Previous safety and sanitation experience in a food manufacturing environment preferred.
• Chemical training preferred.
• Forklift or Powered Pallet Jack certification (in-house training provided).
• PCQI (Preventive Controls Qualified Individual) certification required.

Skills

• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with managers and colleagues.
• Demonstrate attention to detail and accuracy in work.
• Ability to follow written, verbal, and diagrammatic instructions; complete simple checklists and required documentation.
• Ability to solve problems by adapting knowledge and experience.
• Follow one- or two-step verbal instructions; read and follow written instructions; perform routine and repetitive tasks.
• Administer decisions soundly and consistently with policies and in compliance with appropriate laws and regulations.
• Basic math plus fractions, decimals, and percentages.
• Basic computer operational skills; able to input and retrieve computerized information.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively at all levels in a collaborative team environment.
• Exhibit a professional manner in dealing with others and work to maintain constructive working relationships.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Short and Long-term Disability Insurance.
• 401(k) with up to 7% company contributions.
• 3 weeks PTO on day 1.
• Paid holidays and 2 floating holidays.
• Paid parental leave.
• Advancement opportunities.
• Healthy work/life balance.
• 2 pay increases within the first year.

Pay

$28.90/hour

Double time on Sundays.

Schedule

Day shift: 6am-6pm, 2-2-3 schedule.

About the location

Our Little Chute, WI, plant is home to about 140 employees. This facility is a top manufacturer of IQF sticks supplied to the appetizer industry. Next to the plant is our well-known Simon’s Specialty Cheese store, which has about 20 employees. Simon’s is a Wisconsin-themed store, offering everything from meats and cheese to clothing and craft spirits.

Agropur’s US operations produce 1 billion pounds of quality, award-winning cheese each year. We create more than 20 different varieties and provide whey protein and dry ingredients, which are by-products of the cheesemaking process. As one of the world’s largest dairy producers, Agropur partners with some of the most recognizable food, beverage, and nutrition brands to help feed the world.