Job Summary
We are hiring a Sanitation Lead to supervise and perform sanitation activities in our pecan shelling and packaging facility. This is a skilled role responsible for leading a crew, following detailed cleaning procedures, and ensuring the facility meets food safety standards. The Sanitation Lead will coordinate closely with Quality Assurance (QA) and must ensure QA swabs and sign-off are completed before production can restart.
What Youll Do (Responsibilities)
Lead & Supervise
- Lead a sanitation crew through daily and deep-clean tasks; assign work and verify completion
- Train team members on sanitation procedures, safety, PPE, and proper tool use
- Keep the crew on task and working safely; coach performance and correct issues in the moment
- Coordinate sanitation timing with Production, Maintenance, and QA to minimize downtime
Execute Sanitation Procedures
- Follow and enforce SSOPs, GMPs, and food safety procedures
- Perform and oversee cleaning and sanitizing of floors, drains, walls, work areas, and equipment (as trained)
- Prevent cross-contamination by using correct tools, zones, and reassembly practices
- Ensure equipment is properly cleaned, reassembled, and staged for inspection
QA Verification, Swabbing & Restart Readiness
- Prepare areas/equipment for QA verification (visual checks, readiness for swabs)
- Coordinate QA swabs and respond quickly to feedback
- If results or inspection indicate issues, lead re-cleaning and corrective actions until QA sign-off is achieved
- Ensure production does not restart until sanitation and QA release requirements are met
Documentation & Compliance
- Complete sanitation records accurately (checklists, chemical concentrations, corrective actions, sign-offs)
- Verify chemical mixing/dilution and safe handling; maintain labeling and SDS awareness
- Maintain sanitation tools, chemical storage, and supply inventory; request restock as needed
- Support internal and external audits by keeping sanitation organized, consistent, and documented
Problem Solving
- Identify recurring sanitation issues and suggest improvements (tools, methods, frequency, staffing)
- Report equipment problems, leaks, or damage and coordinate with Maintenance
- Adjust plans when cleaning needs change (days/nights/swing) and ensure critical areas are always covered
Qualifications (Required)
- 2+ years sanitation experience in a food manufacturing environment (or similar regulated facility)
- Experience leading a crew (lead, trainer, or supervisor) and holding others accountable
- Ability to follow written procedures and complete logs accurately
- Strong understanding of food safety basics: GMPs, SSOPs, cross-contamination prevention, chemical safety
- Able to work 12-hour shifts, 5–6 days/week on days, nights, or swing shift as needed
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with pre-op inspections, sanitation verification, and corrective actions
- Familiarity working with QA swabbing programs (ATP/allergen/micro swabs—any type)
- Bilingual English/Spanish helpful
- Forklift/pallet jack experience (if applicable)
Physical Requirements
- Able to stand/walk for long periods; work in wet environments and around cleaning chemicals (with PPE)
- Frequent bending, reaching, pushing/pulling carts, hoses, and sanitation tools
- Able to lift up to 50 lbs
- Comfortable working in a food plant environment (noise, dust/particulates, temperature changes)
Work Environment
- Food production facility with wet floors and sanitation chemicals
- PPE required: gloves, boots, apron/smock, hair/beard net, eye/ear protection (as required)
What Success Looks Like
- Cleaning is completed on schedule and to standard
- Areas consistently pass QA swabs/verification with minimal rework
- Documentation is accurate and audit-ready
- The crew works safely, communicates well, and responds quickly to issues