Sanitation Lead

About the job

The Sanitation Lead will take ownership of cleanliness and hygiene standards across a food manufacturing site, including production zones, equipment, and nearby work areas. The position is focused on maintaining compliance with food safety rules, legal requirements, and internal policies while supporting a safe, efficient, and contamination-free operation.

This role is central to protecting product quality, preventing contamination, and making sure the site consistently aligns with applicable health and safety expectations.

Key responsibilities

• Build, run, and monitor sanitation programs and cleaning timetables for production, packaging, storage, and shared spaces.
• Ensure sanitation SOPs are followed and that all cleaning activities align with GMP, HACCP, and other relevant food safety standards.
• Lead the sanitation team through supervision, scheduling, coaching, and performance review, while ensuring staff receive the training needed to maintain hygiene and safety standards.
• Encourage a workplace culture centered on accountability, teamwork, and ongoing improvement within the sanitation function.
• Maintain compliance with local and applicable federal regulations, including OSHA, FDA, USDA, and EPA requirements, and support audits, inspections, and certification activities.
• Keep accurate sanitation records, cleaning logs, and other documentation needed for internal control and regulatory review.
• Inspect sanitation performance regularly, including production lines, machinery, and employee areas, and carry out verification checks such as ATP testing and visual assessments.
• Work with quality teams to address sanitation-related issues and drive corrective actions where needed.
• Look for ways to improve sanitation methods, lower costs, reduce downtime, and increase efficiency through better tools, technologies, and workflows.
• Partner with production, maintenance, and quality teams to strengthen facility hygiene and overall operational performance.
• Track sanitation chemicals and consumables, ensuring inventory is sufficient and that all materials are stored, used, and disposed of safely and correctly.
• Promote safe work practices in the sanitation area, including the correct use of PPE and careful chemical handling.
• Make sure sanitation work does not create risks for product safety or disrupt the production process.

Candidate profile

• A background in chemical engineering, industrial engineering, food technology, food industry, or a closely related field is preferred.
• Industrial Engineer, Chemical Engineer, or Engineer IMA qualifications are relevant for this role.
• At least 3 years of experience in the food industry, ideally in a manufacturing setting or a continuous improvement role.
• Knowledge of sanitation methods and protocols is essential.
• Comfort using continuous improvement tools and techniques.
• Experience with auditing, preferably as an internal auditor for GFSI or an equivalent standard.
• Strong working knowledge of Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Advanced English communication skills, both spoken and written.
• Ability to work in fast-paced, complex, and high-pressure environments.
• Strong multitasking ability, sound judgment, and the confidence to make decisions in unusual or difficult situations.
• Excellent communication skills across multiple levels of an organization.
• Ability to influence others effectively and drive outcomes through collaboration.
• Good conflict management skills and resilience under pressure.
• Strong analytical thinking and a practical, collaborative approach to problem solving.
• Local language proficiency is required, and additional language skills are an advantage because of the nature of the role.

Diversity and inclusion

The employer states a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, with the goal of creating an environment where people can be themselves, develop their potential, and feel a sense of belonging.

The organization also highlights its values under the theme “Diverse People, Sustainable Growth.”