Sanitation Manager

Mars • Mattoon, IL

1d

About The Position

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. What we are looking for? 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. What will be your 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. What can you expect from Mars? The opportunity to learn, develop and take charge of your own career. An industry competitive salary and benefits package. To be respected and valued. The Five Principles at the center of every decision we make. The opportunity to work cross functionally, add value and impact a better world for generations to come. The base pay range for this position at commencement of employment is between the range listed below, however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including but not limited to job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position will include variable pay, medical and dental benefits, participation in 401k plan, and paid time off benefits. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an applicant receives an offer of employment. The pay range listed is applicable to IL:USD 71,207.00 - USD 97,910.00 Mars is a family-owned business with more than $35 billion in global sales. We produce some of the world’s best-loved brands: M&M’s®, SNICKERS®, TWIX®, MILKY WAY®, DOVE®, PEDIGREE®, ROYAL CANIN®, WHISKAS®, EXTRA®, ORBIT®, 5™, SKITTLES®, BEN’S ORIGINAL®, and COCOAVIA®. Alongside our consumer brands, we proudly take care of half of the world’s pets through our nutrition, health and services businesses such as Banfield Pet Hospitals™, BluePearl®, Linnaeus, AniCura, VCA™ and Pet Partners™. Headquartered in McLean, VA, Mars operates in more than 80 countries. The Mars Five Principles – Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency and Freedom – inspire our 140,000 Associates into taking action every day towards creating the world we want tomorrow.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

• Certification in food safety or sanitation (e.g., SQF, HACCP, PCQI).
• Experience with dry pet food manufacturing equipment and processes.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• Promote a culture of safety, ensuring all sanitation activities are performed in accordance with company safety policies and procedures.
• Work closely with Quality Assurance, Production, Maintenance, and other departments to resolve sanitation-related issues and support operational goals.
• Supervise, train, and develop the sanitation team, ensuring proper execution of cleaning procedures and adherence to safety protocols.

Benefits

• The opportunity to learn, develop and take charge of your own career.
• An industry competitive salary and benefits package.
• To be respected and valued.
• The Five Principles at the center of every decision we make.
• The opportunity to work cross functionally, add value and impact a better world for generations to come.
• medical and dental benefits
• participation in 401k plan
• paid time off benefits

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager