Food Manufacturing Sanitation Lead

MeridianMade; Allerton (IA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

MeridianMade in Allerton, IA, is seeking a Sanitation Shift Lead to supervise the sanitation team during the shift, ensure GMP and FDA compliance, and maintain documentation. The role involves leading technicians, performing sanitation tasks as needed, and upholding safety and cleanliness across the facility.

You will participate in safety activities, maintain inventory of GMP supplies, and contribute to audits and corrective actions.

Qualifications

• Experience in sanitation within an FDA-regulated facility.
• Strong leadership and supervisory skills.
• Knowledge of GMP, HACCP, and SQF standards.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Commitment to safety and quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Oversee sanitation team during shift.
• Supervise documentation accuracy and timeliness.
• Lead sanitation tasks when needed.
• Ensure compliance with FDA regulations and GMP.
• Complete daily and weekly cleanliness reports.

Skills

Leadership

Documentation

Safety compliance

Communication

Job description

MeridianMade is a domestic manufacturing and innovation platform helping quality-led functional nutrition brands go from formulation to finished goods.

Built on a decade-long investment in the platform now operating as MeridianMade — including three domestic facilities purpose-built to infant- and high-care manufacturing standards — our team brings 30+ years of functional protein manufacturing experience and deep expertise in regulated food innovation.

Our two core services: MeridianMade Manufacturing, our domestic contract manufacturing and packaging infrastructure, and MeridianMade Incubation, the science and go-to-market engine that takes brands from scientific concept to shelf-ready product. Together, they replace a fragmented vendor list with one accountable partner.

MANUFACTURING Three U.S. facilities, one integrated infrastructure covering high-care nutritionals and protein development: wet mixing and reaction, spray drying, dry blending, protein production, and packaging, including high-care stick packs. Our Reading, PA; Allerton, IA; and Portland, OR facilities are FDA-registered and built to infant formula-grade cGMP standards. Every engagement includes process optimization, supply chain, warehousing, logistics, and lab testing.

INCUBATION Capabilities span product development, formulation, medical affairs and clinical network, clinical strategy and evidence generation, claims development and substantiation, regulatory strategy, ingredient sourcing, manufacturing, go-to-market strategy, retailer and buyer relationships, and signal intelligence and quality management. One cross-functional team builds regulatory, science, and go-to-market planning in from day one.

BREADTH Our experience helps us serve brands across infant and toddler nutrition; functional proteins and ingredients (collagen, whey isolate, hydrolysates, caseinates); women’s health and adult nutrition (healthy aging, GLP-1 support, menopause); and medical nutrition.

Location: Allerton
Department: Sanitation
Reports To: Sanitation Manager

Job Summary:

The Sanitation Shift Lead is responsible for overseeing the sanitation team during their shift, ensuring all sanitation tasks are completed accurately and efficiently. This role includes supervising sanitation technicians, maintaining documentation, and stepping in to perform sanitation tasks as needed. The Sanitation Shift Lead ensures compliance with FDA regulations, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and company policies to maintain a clean and safe facility.

Key Responsibilities:

• Leadership and Supervision:

  • Hold sanitation technicians accountable for their tasks and performance.
  • Supervise the completion of all required documentation accurately and timely.
  • Act as a sanitation technician in the absence of team members.
  • Taking lead on receipt of EMP notifications during non-routine hours.

• Sanitation Duties:

  • Perform cleaning procedures as outlined in the Master Sanitation Schedule (MSS).
  • Provide the proper Sanitation practices to all areas in the facility as well as maintenance projects, outdoor company property, and any situation on an as needed basis.
  • Maintain cleanliness in office spaces, locker rooms, break rooms, training rooms, picnic areas, and all other areas as needed.
  • Fully support sanitation break activities to meet business needs

• Safety and Compliance:

  • Participate in the safety committee and promote a culture of safety.
  • Refill and maintain GMP supplies such as hand soaps, sanitizers, shoe covers, ear plugs, Tyvek coats, and coveralls.
  • Organize uniforms and dedicated employee boots.

• Documentation and Reporting:

  • Complete, maintain, and review daily and weekly area cleanliness reports.
  • Ensure adherence to all Quality, Safety, and GMP policies and procedures.
  • Report any nonconformities and participate in internal audits as needed.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand and move for long periods.
• Ability to lift up to 55 lbs
• Ability to Ascend and Descend Stairs often
• Able to work in a non-climate controlled environment

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous experience in a sanitation role within an FDA-regulated facility.
• Strong leadership and supervisory skills.
• Knowledge of GMP, HACCP, and SQF standards.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Commitment to safety and quality standards.
• Basic knowledge of microbiology, chemical safety, and chemical titration

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.