Pilot Plant Sanitation Lead

Mars • Thompson's Station, TN

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Pilot Plant Sanitation Lead (B4) executes business-essential operational and hygiene tasks critical to the success of R&D innovation trials and daily pilot plant operations. By owning and driving the site’s Master Sanitation Schedule (MSS), waste handling, and pest control programs, this role ensures reliable, compliant, and efficient operations locally and in support of Mars global initiatives. Operating at the vital intersection of R&D innovation, Quality Management System (QMS), and site safety standards (HSE), you will ensure that all equipment, processing environments, and finished trial products strictly adhere to Mars food safety and quality benchmarks before leaving the facility.

Requirements

• Minimum Education: High School Diploma or Vocational School degree with significant relevant food production/sanitation experience
• Required Experience: 3 years in sanitation role
• Demonstrated technical understanding of food manufacturing machinery, processing equipment, and sanitary teardown/assembly.
• Have a High school diploma, GED or equivalent education
• Hands-on experience with food processing GMP standards, industrial equipment/facility sanitation, sanitation chemicals, and basic laboratory testing methods.
• Attention to detail with the capability to participate in and support HSE and QA internal/external audits.
• Comfortable utilizing digital tools (tablets, iPads, computers) and standard enterprise applications (email, electronic timekeeping, calendars, and digital shift logs).
• Ability to obtain and maintain an active Mars forklift operator certification.
• Ability to stand, bend, and move actively for 8+ hours during a 10-hour shift.
• Ability to regularly lift and handle equipment, parts, and materials weighing up to 50 lbs.
• Flexibility to navigate dynamic pilot plant trial schedules, including end-of-week sanitation rotations.

Nice To Haves

• At least 1 year of leadership experience preferred
• Preferred Education: Associate degree (AA/AS) or Bachelor’s degree (BS) in Science (Chemistry, Food Science, Physics, Analytical Chemistry) or Technology (Engineering Technology).

Responsibilities

• Manage the pilot plant's master sanitation schedule (MSS), waste, and pest control
• Clean and sanitize equipment/machinery and plant facility according to good manufacturing (GMP) and sanitation practices (SSOPs).
• Direct contractors and associates on weekly sanitation tasks
• Train site associates on the correct equipment and facility sanitation practices
• Develop and update sanitation standard operating procedures
• Execute corrective and preventative continuous improvement projects
• Support key stakeholders, such as Q&FS and HSE departments
• Provide quality control for pilot plant produced finished product and ensure all products leaving the site are food safe
• Responsible for always maintaining associate safety and food safety in the Pilot Plant
• Use creativity and innovation to solve mechanical or organizational problems
• Flexible to ever-evolving pilot plant demands
• Performs other tasks as assigned

Benefits

• company bonus
• Best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.
• An industry competitive salary and benefits package

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED