Sanitation Team Lead

Instinct Pet Food•Lincoln, NE

6d•Onsite

About The Position

This role reports directly to the Production Supervisor and is responsible for supporting the daily operations and sanitation activities within the Forming Department. The Hybrid Lead plays a key role in maintaining efficient production and sanitation processes to ensure operational effectiveness, compliance with food safety standards, and achievement of daily production goals. This position also supports efforts to consistently meet standard yield expectations and daily pounds-per-hour production targets. Additionally, the Hybrid Lead assists the Production Supervisor with training employees to perform their responsibilities safely, efficiently, and in compliance with company policies, GMPs, sanitation procedures, and food safety requirements.

Requirements

Proficiency with Microsoft Office including Microsoft Project, spreadsheets, Outlook.
Technical knowledge of processes, equipment, controls and products.
Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of team building.
Driving Continuous Improvement.
Comprehensive knowledge of Food and Drug laws, OSHA requirements.
Strong understanding of food safety including GMP’s, SSOP’s and HACCP.
Employee safety knowledge (Knowing what you can do to keep yourself and others free from work injuries).
Food safety and quality knowledge (Knowing what you can do to assure safe, high-quality food).
Sanitation knowledge (Knowing what you can do to assure a clean facility, equipment and tools).
Experience enforcing lockout/tagout (LOTO), PPE requirements, and safe chemical handling practices.

Nice To Haves

1-2 years in a production leadership position.
Demonstrated ability to manage daily production activities, ensuring output, quality, and efficiency targets are met.
Experience leading cross-functional teams, including production operators and sanitation personnel.
Proven ability to coach, train, and develop employees while managing performance and accountability.
Hands-on experience with sanitation processes in a manufacturing environment.
Experience operating, troubleshooting, or supporting forming and processing equipment.
Understanding of machine changeovers, setup, and preventive maintenance coordination.
Ability to identify and resolve mechanical or process-related issues in partnership with maintenance teams.

Responsibilities

Oversee and lead the sanitation crew to ensure equipment sanitation standards are being met.
Perform sanitation duties as assigned and work alongside crew to assure execution.
Direct work flow to maximize labor efficiency.
Conduct employee training on cleaning equipment and procedures, chemical handling procedures, GMP and SSOP procedures, and all safety and sanitation procedures.
Work with Quality Control team on Pre-Op inspections which include reviewing and interpreting the swabs, microbial and lightening testing results.
Work with Production team on their equipment needs and methods for improving efficiencies on both sides.
Update the Sanitation Manual and SSOP procedures as needed for changes in processes and equipment.
Generate performance reports on a daily and weekly basis and submit to the Sanitation Supervisor and Plant Manager, as needed and provide feedback and explanation, as needed.
Work on special product safety and quality assignments to assure on-going improvement of the sanitation program.
Learn and apply sanitary design methodology.
Responsible for communicating with supervisors and other shifts to maintain continuity in operations and gain an understanding of daily changes and issues that impact operations.
Train, coach, and mentor team members on operational procedures, safety, and sanitation standards.
Promote a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Monitor employee performance and provide feedback to support development.
Ensure team compliance with PPE requirements and workplace safety policies.
Provide feedback to supervisor on the effectiveness of current and future staffing needs.
Assist in onboarding new hires and cross-training employees across forming operations.
Act as the primary point of contact for team members during shift operations and escalate critical issues to management when necessary.
Expected to step in and lead the team effectively in the Supervisor’s absence.
Other duties as assigned.