Sanitation Manager, MI

Primary Responsibilities

• Schedule and manage sanitation workers to ensure plant operations meet mandatory sanitation requirements.
• Train sanitation and plant employees to achieve and maintain sanitation objectives.
• Build and maintain a Master Sanitation Schedule and related documentation.
• Maintain chemical inventory quantities and interact with the chemical supplier for training or issues related to sanitation.
• Participate in the development and auditing of SSOP’s.
• Work with the Quality Manager to troubleshoot, inspect, and correct sanitation concerns affecting product quality.
• Make recommendations on hiring, firing, discipline, and promotions.
• Explain hazards and safety measures to employees and monitor compliance.
• Maintain the sanitation program with minimal supervision.
• Enforce safety and GMP policies, and maintain superior plant cleanliness.
• Collaborate with Plant Engineering to ensure new equipment meets regulatory requirements and sanitation standards.

Working Conditions

• Work in a food manufacturing and packaging environment.
• Regular exposure to wet, humid, and refrigerated areas, including temperatures of approximately 45°F or lower.
• Exposure to food products, including produce fumes (e.g., onions, peppers).
• Regular exposure to sanitation chemicals such as chlorine and other approved cleaning agents.
• Position requires strict adherence to GMP, food safety, sanitation, and safety policies.
• Flexible work schedule including nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed.
• Frequent interaction with sanitation crews, Quality, Plant Engineering, chemical suppliers, and management.
• Responsible for enforcing safety protocols and monitoring compliance across sanitation operations.
• May work with or around machinery, equipment, and processing lines during cleaning and sanitation activities.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, and sit for extended periods of time.
• Frequent use of hands for grasping, handling tools, writing, and operating equipment.
• Ability to bend, stoop, reach, climb, and maneuver in tight or elevated spaces as needed.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull objects weighing approximately 5 to 50 pounds.
• Ability to occasionally use cutting utensils such as knives or peelers.
• Ability to work safely around chemicals and cleaning agents.
• Ability to perform physical inspections of equipment, machinery, and facility areas.
• Ability to work extended hours and overtime as required.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience in a related field.
• Bilingual in Spanish/English preferred.
• Previous experience in food manufacturing sanitation, CIP systems, food safety, and food manufacturing regulatory requirements.
• Experience in leading team members and communicating effectively in order to achieve company goals.
• Ability to positively motivate the team and administer discipline if necessary.
• Mechanically inclined with the ability to troubleshoot problems mechanically and physically preferred.
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated superior communication skills, both oral and written.
• Strong organizational skills; detail orientation with ability to quickly and effectively handle multiple priorities.
• Ability to interact with management.
• Ability to effectively communicate to train and lead staff.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule: Nights/Weekends/Holidays.
• Working knowledge of English and basic math.
• Ability to train staff on safety requirements and enforce safety requirements.

Company Benefits/Perks

• 401(k)
• Health, Dental, Vision Insurance and more
• Paid Time Off (PTO)