Sanitation Manager

SK FOOD GROUP•Cleveland, TN

About The Position

The Sanitation Manager leads sanitation strategy, execution, and continuous improvement at the assigned plant. The role is accountable for site-wide sanitation performance, including environmental monitoring, third-party services, and sanitation compliance. It ensures the sanitation program meets Ready-To-Eat, SQF, USDA, FDA, and CFIA standards while fostering a proactive sanitation and food safety culture. The position reports to the Sr. Plant Director and supervises third-shift SK Food Group sanitation associates while overseeing contractor sanitation execution where applicable. The Sanitation Manager leads and develops sanitation teams, partners with Operations, Quality, Engineering, and Maintenance, and oversees the sanitation program, master sanitation schedule, and KPIs. The role supports safe, high-quality food production, training, regulatory and customer audit readiness, vendor performance, sanitation budgets, incident response, root-cause investigations, corrective and preventive actions, and ongoing program improvement. Regular and predictable attendance is an essential function. The role requires experience in food manufacturing, specifically Ready-To-Eat environments, and in a USDA facility. Candidates need a bachelor’s degree or eight years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. HACCP and/or PCQI certification and sanitation certification(s) from a third-party provider are required. Chemical Hygiene/Safety experience is preferred. The work environment includes occasional exposure to moving mechanical parts and extreme cold (non-weather); noise is usually moderate. The position requires training in Good Manufacturing Practices and in identifying food safety issues, including temperature control, cross-contamination, sanitation, and line cleanliness.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree, or eight years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience in food manufacturing, specifically in Ready-To-Eat environments.
Experience in a USDA facility.
HACCP certification and/or PCQI certification.
Sanitation certification(s) completed with a third-party provider.
Knowledge of chemical use, including safety and disposal.
Knowledge of environmental monitoring and pathogen control.
Basic math skills, including calculating proportions, percentages, area, and volume.
Technical writing skills.
Ability to think logically, solve problems, and troubleshoot.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
Computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office Suite.
Strong time management, people management, communication, and organizational skills.
Ability to work as a team player, coach, and develop associates.
Understanding of how equipment works and its design.
Ability to complete required training in GMPs and identifying food safety issues, including temperature control, cross-contamination, sanitation, and line cleanliness.

Nice To Haves

Experience with Chemical Hygiene/Safety.

Responsibilities

Lead, manage, coach, and direct plant or third-party sanitation teams to promote engagement, high performance, and career development.
Partner with Operations, Quality, Engineering, and Maintenance leadership to support safe, high-quality food production that meets or exceeds customer and regulatory requirements.
Own the sanitation program, master sanitation schedule, and related KPIs.
Implement and oversee associate training aligned with company standards, safety requirements, and regulatory requirements.
Promote engagement, accountability, and a strong safety and food culture sitewide.
Oversee equipment assembly according to SOPs and plant procedures so the facility is prepared for visual Sanitation Pre-Operational inspection.
Ensure associates adhere to safety standards, OSHA requirements, and company policies and procedures.
Ensure effective onboarding and ongoing training in sanitation, GMPs, food safety, and chemical safety.
Manage adherence to the sanitation budget.
Oversee third-party sanitation contractors, chemical companies, and other applicable vendors; evaluate vendor performance and use their technical expertise to achieve plant sanitation goals.
Promote preventive, risk-based sanitation practices focused on eliminating contamination risks.
Help ensure site readiness for regulatory inspections and customer audits.
Lead root-cause investigations and CAPA for microbiological, chemical, and physical hazards.
Serve as the primary sanitation lead during food safety incidents and crisis response.
Drive continuous improvement of the sanitation program.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Maintain regular and predictable attendance.