Sanitation Lead

Job Summary

We are hiring a Sanitation Lead to supervise and perform sanitation activities in our pecan shelling and packaging facility. This is a skilled role responsible for leading a crew, following detailed cleaning procedures, and ensuring the facility meets food safety standards. The Sanitation Lead will coordinate closely with Quality Assurance (QA) and must ensure QA swabs and sign-off are completed before production can restart.

What Youll Do (Responsibilities)

Lead & Supervise

• Lead a sanitation crew through daily and deep-clean tasks; assign work and verify completion
• Train team members on sanitation procedures, safety, PPE, and proper tool use
• Keep the crew on task and working safely; coach performance and correct issues in the moment
• Coordinate sanitation timing with Production, Maintenance, and QA to minimize downtime

Execute Sanitation Procedures

• Follow and enforce SSOPs, GMPs, and food safety procedures
• Perform and oversee cleaning and sanitizing of floors, drains, walls, work areas, and equipment (as trained)
• Prevent cross-contamination by using correct tools, zones, and reassembly practices
• Ensure equipment is properly cleaned, reassembled, and staged for inspection

QA Verification, Swabbing & Restart Readiness

• Prepare areas/equipment for QA verification (visual checks, readiness for swabs)
• Coordinate QA swabs and respond quickly to feedback
• If results or inspection indicate issues, lead re-cleaning and corrective actions until QA sign-off is achieved
• Ensure production does not restart until sanitation and QA release requirements are met

Documentation & Compliance

• Complete sanitation records accurately (checklists, chemical concentrations, corrective actions, sign-offs)
• Verify chemical mixing/dilution and safe handling; maintain labeling and SDS awareness
• Maintain sanitation tools, chemical storage, and supply inventory; request restock as needed
• Support internal and external audits by keeping sanitation organized, consistent, and documented

Problem Solving

• Identify recurring sanitation issues and suggest improvements (tools, methods, frequency, staffing)
• Report equipment problems, leaks, or damage and coordinate with Maintenance
• Adjust plans when cleaning needs change (days/nights/swing) and ensure critical areas are always covered

Qualifications (Required)

• 2+ years sanitation experience in a food manufacturing environment (or similar regulated facility)
• Experience leading a crew (lead, trainer, or supervisor) and holding others accountable
• Ability to follow written procedures and complete logs accurately
• Strong understanding of food safety basics: GMPs, SSOPs, cross-contamination prevention, chemical safety
• Able to work 12-hour shifts, 5-6 days/week on days, nights, or swing shift as needed

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with pre-op inspections, sanitation verification, and corrective actions
• Familiarity working with QA swabbing programs (ATP/allergen/micro swabs-any type)
• Bilingual English/Spanish helpful
• Forklift/pallet jack experience (if applicable)

Physical Requirements

• Able to stand/walk for long periods; work in wet environments and around cleaning chemicals (with PPE)
• Frequent bending, reaching, pushing/pulling carts, hoses, and sanitation tools
• Able to lift up to 50 lbs
• Comfortable working in a food plant environment (noise, dust/particulates, temperature changes)

Work Environment

• Food production facility with wet floors and sanitation chemicals
• PPE required: gloves, boots, apron/smock, hair/beard net, eye/ear protection (as required)

What Success Looks Like

• Cleaning is completed on schedule and to standard
• Areas consistently pass QA swabs/verification with minimal rework
• Documentation is accurate and audit-ready
• The crew works safely, communicates well, and responds quickly to issues