Plant Sanitarian

Grande Cheese Company; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Low-cost onsite health clinics

Free onsite fitness center

Free healthy snacks

Health and wellness reimbursement

Paid Paternal Leave

Job summary

Grande Cheese Company is launching a state-of-the-art Chilton facility and is hiring a Plant Sanitarian to lead sanitation programs ensuring the highest standards of cleanliness and regulatory compliance. You will design schedules, SOPs, and manage chemical and equipment usage while preparing for audits and external inspections.

Strong emphasis on training, cross-functional collaboration, and continuous improvement in health, safety, and sustainability practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of plant sanitation experience in relevant industries.
• Experience with HACCP, GMPs, SQF or BRC.
• Knowledge of sanitation chemicals and equipment.
• Familiarity with microbiological principles in sanitation.
• Regulatory standards interpretation and application.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and execution of sanitation programs ensuring highest cleanliness and regulatory compliance.
• Design and manage sanitation schedules, SOPs, chemical and equipment usage; oversee audits and inspections.
• Develop and deliver education programs for sanitation and production staff; drive continuous improvement.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Communication

Problem-solving

Detail-oriented

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Environmental Health or related field

Job description

With more than 80 years of crafting “The Finest Italian Cheeses Money Can Buy”, Grande is a leader in the industry! Whether partnering with independent pizzerias from coast-to-coast to ensure they’re delivering the very best pizza to their customers or assisting our food manufacturing partners in delivering specialty whey ingredient solutions, our commitment to quality can’t be matched. While Grande’s reputation of excellence in the market is important, we believe our commitment to our workplace and community culture is of equal merit – our Associates come first at Grande. To complement our industry-leading benefits, Grande puts an emphasis on your career growth opportunities, while always promoting a positive work/life balance and supporting the communities in which we live and work. If you want to learn more about our company – what we do and how we go about it – or learn more about our beautiful, state-of-the- art corporate headquarters, visitwww.grande.com .

• Low-cost onsite health clinics.
• Free onsite fitness center.
• Free healthy snacks throughout facility.
• Health and wellness reimbursement program.
• Paid Paternal Leave.

Why Chilton?

Located in the heart of Calumet County, Chilton blends small-town charm with big opportunity. With a cost of living 5% below the Wisconsin average and housing prices well under national levels, it’s an affordable and attractive place to live, work, and grow your career. Known for its safety, welcoming community, and strong local values, Chilton offers an ideal environment for those seeking to unwind, recharge, and embrace a relaxed and balanced lifestyle.

Chilton also features easy access to parks and outdoor recreation, a walkable downtown with local dining and entertainment, and annual festivals that celebrate the area’s local culture and community spirit. As the proud home of Grande’s newest start-up location, Chilton presents a unique opportunity to be part of something new and impactful, joining an organization dedicated to professional excellence, enriching the lives of our Associates (employees), and fulfilling “a purpose greater than ourselves”.

Job Summary

Grande is now hiring for our brand-new state-of-the-art facility located in Chilton; an exciting opportunity to be part of building something from the ground up!We are seeking a dedicated Plant Sanitarian to lead the development and execution of robust sanitation programs that uphold the highest standards of cleanliness, hygiene, and regulatory compliance. This role is essential to ensuring the safety and quality of our products by designing and managing sanitation schedules, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and chemical and equipment usage. The ideal candidate will be well-versed in FDA, USDA, OSHA, and EPA regulations, and will proactively adapt protocols to align with evolving industry standards. They will also oversee internal audits, prepare for external inspections, and maintain meticulous documentation of sanitation activities and performance metrics.

In addition to technical expertise, this role requires a strong commitment to training and continuous improvement. The Plant Sanitarian will develop and deliver educational programs for sanitation and production staff, fostering a culture of accountability and excellence. They will collaborate cross-functionally to identify root causes of sanitation issues and implement effective solutions that enhance operational efficiency. A focus on health and safety compliance, risk mitigation, and environmental sustainability (including responsible chemical management and water usage) will be key to success in this role. If you’re passionate about sanitation excellence and ready to make an impact and grow your career with a company that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement, join us at the starting line of this exciting new venture.

What you need to be considered for the role:

• 4 Year / Bachelors Degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Environmental Health, or a related field. Equivalent work experience may be considered.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in plant sanitation within the food, beverage, pharmaceutical, or related industries.
• Demonstrated experience with food safety management systems such as HACCP, GMPs, SQF, or BRC.
• In-depth knowledge of sanitation chemicals, equipment, and techniques.
• Familiarity with microbiological principles and their application in sanitation.
• Proficient in interpreting and applying regulatory standards and guidelines.
• Strong leadership and team management abilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.