Sr Sanitation Manager/Sanitation Director - Multi-site, HACCP

About the role

We are seeking a seasoned sanitation leader to guide and elevate cleaning and food safety programs across multiple manufacturing facilities. This position combines strategic oversight with a strong hands-on presence, ensuring sanitation standards are consistently executed while developing high-performing frontline teams.

Responsibilities

• Direct sanitation programs across several manufacturing plants, ensuring alignment with company policies, regulatory expectations, and industry best practices

• Lead, coach, and develop plant level sanitation managers and hourly teams to build a culture of accountability and continuous improvement

• Spend regular time onsite at facilities, actively observing sanitation processes, identifying gaps, and implementing corrective actions

• Partner closely with Quality Assurance, Operations, Maintenance, and Food Safety teams to maintain compliance with FDA, USDA, and third-party audit requirements

• Establish and track sanitation key performance indicators including environmental monitoring results, audit findings, and cleaning effectiveness

• Drive improvements in cleaning procedures, chemical usage, and sanitation technologies to increase efficiency and reduce risk

• Manage sanitation budgets, staffing plans, and external vendor relationships where applicable

• Lead root cause investigations related to sanitation failures or food safety incidents, and ensure sustainable corrective actions are deployed

• Support facility startups, expansions, and equipment installations from a sanitation and hygienic design perspective

• Standardize sanitation procedures and documentation across all sites

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree is preferred, but High School Diploma/Associates plus applicable experience is qualifying

• Five or more years of progressive sanitation leadership experience within food or beverage manufacturing

• Demonstrated experience overseeing sanitation programs across multiple locations

• Strong working knowledge of GMPs, HACCP, SSOPs, and regulatory requirements

• Proven ability to lead both frontline teams and site-level leaders

• Hands-on leadership style with a willingness to engage directly on the production floor

• Experience with environmental monitoring programs and audit readiness (SQF, BRC, or similar)

• Strong problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills

• Ability to travel frequently to manufacturing sites

Preferred Experience

• Experience in high-risk or ready-to-eat food production environments

• Knowledge of sanitation chemistry, CIP systems, and hygienic equipment design

• Track record of improving audit performance and sanitation reliability

• Experience implementing new sanitation technologies or automation systems

What Success Looks Like

• Consistent audit readiness and strong third-party audit results across all sites

• Improved sanitation performance metrics and reduced contamination risk

• High engagement and capability within sanitation teams

• Standardized programs that drive efficiency and compliance