Sanitation Manager

Job Summary

The Sanitation Manager leads the development and execution of a robust sanitation program that ensures food safety, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence within a food manufacturing environment. This role champions a hygienic workplace through strategic leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and a deep understanding of industry best practices and regulatory standards.

Key Competencies & Responsibilities

• Leadership & Team Development: Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing sanitation team; deliver training that reinforces safety, compliance, and continuous improvement.
• Regulatory & Program Oversight: Ensure alignment with FDA, USDA, FSMA, HACCP, and GMP standards. Maintain thorough records and enforce compliance with SSOPs and internal protocols.
• Audit & Inspection Readiness: Conduct routine audits and inspections, driving corrective and preventive actions that meet or exceed industry standards.
• Sanitation Program Management: Oversee sanitation scheduling, chemical use, allergen control, and cleaning processes for all equipment and facilities; apply knowledge of environmental monitoring programs.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with Quality, Maintenance, and Operations teams to resolve issues, optimize sanitation practices, and support production readiness.
• Data-Driven Continuous Improvement: Analyze performance metrics, chemical usage, and cleaning efficiency to drive cost-effective, high-impact improvements.
• Safety & Chemical Handling Expertise: Promote a strong safety culture through proper chemical handling practices and workplace hazard prevention.
• Vendor & Compliance Relationships: Manage third-party sanitation providers and support external audits or inspections by regulatory agencies.
• Inspect work performed to ensure that it meets specifications and established standards.
• Inventory stock to ensure that supplies and equipment are available in adequate amounts.
• Inspect and evaluate the physical condition of facilities to determine the type of work required.
• Issue supplies and equipment to workers.
• Maintain required records of work hours, budgets, payrolls, and other information.
• Coordinate activities with other departments to ensure that services are provided in an efficient and timely manner.
• Investigate complaints about service and equipment, and take corrective action.
• Select and order or purchase new equipment, supplies, or furnishings.
• Prepare reports on activity, personnel, and information, such as occupancy, hours worked, facility usage, work performed, and departmental expenses.
• Confer with staff to resolve performance and personnel problems, and to discuss company policies.
• Evaluate employee performance and recommend personnel actions, such as promotions, transfers, and dismissals.
• Perform financial tasks, such as estimating costs and preparing and managing budgets.
• Recommend changes that could improve service and increase operational efficiency.
• Screen job applicants, and hire new employees.

Required Skills/Abilities

• Strong leadership, decision-making, and coaching abilities.
• Effective communicator with proven cross-functional influence.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and sanitation/compliance tracking systems.

Physical Requirements

• Frequent time on production floor, including cold and wet environments.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs and stand for extended periods.
• May require occasional off-shift availability to support sanitation during non-production hours.