Lead Person - Overnight Sanitation

Post Holdings, Inc.; Norwalk (IA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Michael Foods, Inc. in Norwalk, Iowa, seeks a Lead Sanitarian to oversee sanitation duties and ensure timely, compliant cleaning practices. The role focuses on safety, food quality, and adherence to SQF standards.

You will train the cleaning crew, monitor chemical usage, supervise equipment startup, and maintain sanitation records while supporting process improvements. Strong English skills and PPE readiness are required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Strong mechanical abilities.
• Willingness to wear PPE.
• Ability to work indoors in a wet environment.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Computer skills with spreadsheets and word processing.
• Ability to read/interpret safety rules and procedures in English.
• Ability to write routine reports in English.
• Ability to speak before groups.
• Numerical proficiency in all units of measure.
• Ability to solve practical problems with limited standardization.

Responsibilities

• Coach, train and assist the cleaning crew.
• Monitor chemical usage and report needs.
• Supervise startup of production machinery and perform pre-operation inspections.
• Provide corrective action on environmental reports.
• Complete sanitation reports and absentee records.
• Participate in team meetings and support process improvement.
• Ensure SQF, GMP and regulatory compliance.
• Maintain a safe and healthy workplace for all.

Skills

Attention to detail

Mechanical abilities

PPE compliance

English literacy

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Spreadsheet software

Word processing

Job description

Business Unit Overview

Michael Foods, Inc. is a leader in the food processing and distribution industry with business in egg products, refrigerated grocery and potato products. We offer exciting job possibilities throughout our organization where you can enhance your career, sharpen your talents and make an impact. Join our company and be part of an innovative team that’s First in Food.

Location Description

Michael Foods, Inc. located in Norwalk, Iowa is a southern suburb in the Des Moines, Iowa metropolitan area. We are known for knowing our neighbors and enjoying a great quality of life! Our location produces high quality precooked egg patties as well as various French Toast products.

Responsibilities

POSITION SUMMARY:

The purpose of the Lead Sanitarian is to oversee and ensure the cleaning duties and responsibilities of the cleaning crew are achieved in a timely manner. This person is responsible for all aspects of the sanitation process. All employees, customers, and consumers benefit from their attention to detail and accuracy ensuring no bacteria is present to contaminate any products.

This position has the responsibility to comply with Safety work rules at all times as well as an obligation to reinforce safety as a Core Value. Ensures that all policies, procedures and activities, related to Food Safety & Quality, are followed and complied with uniformly, in an effort to reduce product and process variability.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Coach, train and assist in the cleaning responsibilities of the cleaning crew.
• Monitor chemical usage and report any needs to the chemical representative or sanitation supervisor.
• Supervise the startup of production machinery, including locking out equipment and perform pre-operation inspections.
• Provide corrective action on environmental reports.
• Complete sanitation reports.
• Be a team member and participate in team meetings.
• Assist management in defining and implementing processes and procedures.
• Provide coverage in the absence of the supervisor.
• Fill out absentee reports.
• Complete absentee reports, inputting work orders or maintenance and daily shift reports.
• Maintain sanitary conditions and ensure that product quality is maintained in order to maintain SQF certification. Report to management any conditions or practices that may adversely affect food safety, food quality or personnel safety.
• Assume personal responsibility to ensure a safe and healthy workplace for everyone. Adhere to all safety policies and procedures and incorporate safety and health in all jobs and tasks.
• Adhere to Quality work practices, follow all GMP’re, maintain sanitary conditions and ensure that product quality is maintained. Report to management any conditions or practices that may adversely affect food safety and quality.
• Ensure regulatory compliance at all times.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

SCHEDULE:

Work Schedule (2‑2‑3 Rotation): This department operates on a 2‑2‑3 schedule with 12‑hour shifts (5:30 PM - 6 AM). The pattern repeats every two weeks and alternates between working and off‑weekends.

• Week 1: Work Monday–Tuesday, off Wednesday–Thursday, work Friday–Saturday–Sunday
• Week 2: Off Monday–Tuesday, work Wednesday–Thursday, off Friday–Saturday–Sunday

This means employees work every other Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Qualifications

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED) or equivalent.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Strong mechanical abilities.
• Willingness to wear the proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for the job.
• Ability to work indoors in a wet environment.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Skilled in working with computers and experience with spreadsheet and word-processing software.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals in English.
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence in English.
• Ability to speak effectively before groups or employees of the organization.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, and diagram or schedule form.

PREFERRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS:

• Ability to obtain Powered Industrial Truck (PIT) certification.
• Prior knowledge of LOTO and Confined Space Entry processes

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