Job Description:

The Sanitation Manager is responsible for overseeing and managing all aspects of sanitation within the pet food manufacturing facility. This role ensures the facility meets all regulatory, company, and industry standards for cleanliness, food safety, and hygiene, supporting the production of safe, high-quality pet food products.

Key Responsibilities

·Sanitation Program Management: Develop, implement, and maintain comprehensive sanitation programs and schedules for all production areas, equipment, and support spaces. Maintain accurate records of cleaning schedules, chemical usage, and corrective actions. Maintenance KPIs/reports for daily records, audits and management review. Oversee inventory and proper usage of cleaning chemicals, tools, and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Identify and lead opportunities to improve sanitation processes, reduce downtime, and enhance overall facility hygiene.

· Compliance: Ensure compliance with FDA, USDA, and other relevant regulatory agencies, as well as company food safety standards and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs). Lead sanitation-related preparations for internal and external audits, regulatory, and third-party inspections.

· Safety: Promote a culture of safety, ensuring all sanitation activities are performed in accordance with company safety policies and procedures.

· Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with Quality Assurance, Production, Maintenance, and other departments to resolve sanitation-related issues and support operational goals.

· Team Leadership: Supervise, train, and develop the sanitation team, ensuring proper execution of cleaning procedures and adherence to safety protocols.

Requirements

Education

· Bachelors’ Degree in Food Safety, Microbiology, Engineering, Sciences or relevant technical discipline and/or experience

Qualifications

· 3+ years of sanitation management experience in a food manufacturing environment, preferably dry pet food or related industry.

· Knowledge of microbiology, risk management approach for Environmental Monitoring Programs and approaches to reduce/ eliminate potential cross contamination from environmental contamination to finished product

· Strong knowledge of quality and food safety regulations (FDA, USDA, FSMA), HACCP, and GMPs. To include pest control

· Ability to develop and manage site programs such as MSS and SSOP’s. Ability to conduct validation and routine verification of sanitation programs and processes

· Experience leading and developing teams.

· Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.

· Ability to work flexible hours, including nights and weekends as needed.

· Proficiency with Microsoft Office and sanitation management software.

Physical Requirements

· Ability to stand, walk, and move throughout the facility for extended periods.

· Capability to lift up to 50 lbs and work in varying temperature conditions.

· Ability to work in environment that is manufacturing facility setting with exposure to cleaning chemicals, machinery, and noise.

Preferred Skills

· Certification in food safety or sanitation (e.g., SQF, HACCP, PCQI).

· Experience with dry pet food manufacturing equipment and processes.