Program Manager, Sanitation

Great Lakes Cheese; Hiram (GA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Great Lakes Cheese seeks a Program Manager, Corporate Sanitation to lead sanitation, compliance, training, and risk management across the organization. You will drive continuous improvement to ensure a hygienic production environment protecting product integrity and consumer safety.

You will manage audits, analyze data trends, address gaps, and provide technical support as needed. Must travel up to 50% and be legally authorized to work in the US without sponsorship.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field and 4+ years in sanitation program management or similar.
• Experience leading sanitation programs, compliance, and risk management in food manufacturing.
• Strong understanding of CIP/COP systems and hygienic design.
• Knowledge of FDA/USDA GMPs and FSMA requirements.
• Auditing experience and CAPA implementation.
• Strong analytical skills and data-driven decision making.

Responsibilities

• Lead sanitation network training, auditing, and provide technical support.
• Oversee development and onboarding of sanitation team members.
• Review and enhance sanitation policies, SSOPs, and programs.
• Design and support sanitation program launches and policy implementation.
• Lead site audits, incident escalation, and CAPA execution.
• Collaborate with 3rd party SMEs and consultants on network projects.

Skills

Sanitation program management

Audit and CAPA execution

Regulatory compliance (FDA/USDA)

Data analysis and trend interpretation

Effective communication & leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, Industrial Management or related field

FDA Accredited Preventative Controls certification

Sanitation or food safety certifications (HACCP, SQF) preferred

Job description

Job Overview

As the Program Manager, Corporate Sanitation , you will be responsible for leading all aspects of sanitation, compliance, training, customer management, and risk management within the organization. This role leads continuous improvement in sanitation practices, supports operational excellence, and ensures a hygienic production environment that protects product integrity and consumer safety. You will also be responsible for managing audits, analyzing data trends, addressing gaps, and providing technical support as needed.

Job Responsibilities

Sanitation Network Support and Development:

• Lead sanitation network training, execution, auditing, and provide technical support.
• Support new sanitation team member onboarding and training.
• Assess the development of sanitation leaders to ensure consistent knowledge of sanitation processes and expectations.
• Support the growth of proficiency/efficacy of sanitation teams.
• Review resources against defined sanitation labor hours and required skill proficiency.

Policy and Procedure:

• Review Sanitation policies and procedures for accuracy. Ensure site specific polices/ procedures/ programs comply.
• Lead development of SSOP and recommend updates as company equipment and industry expectations change.
• Guide site Sanitation teams in their preparation for 3rd party audits and resolve any remediations that may follow.

Process Management:

• Design and support the launch of sanitation programs and policy implementation.
• Provide site incident escalation and immediate crisis support.
• Lead RCA/ CAPA execution.
• Provide support for sanitation related holds.
• Partner with 3rd party SME and consultants, as needed, to support network projects and guide program improvements.
• Support site swab survey's and sanitation assessments.

Compliance:

• Execute and lead MSS (Master Sanitation Schedule) and SSOP (Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures) audits.
• Analyze audit data and report KPI metrics to monitor sanitation performance.
• Resolve major audit gaps, escalating when necessary, and support Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA) implementation.
• Ensure compliance with FDA, USDA, FSMA, OSHA, and local regulatory requirements.
• Interpret regulatory changes and implement necessary updates across facilities.
• Other responsibilities as assigned by leadership.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, Industrial Management, or a related field and 4 years of relevant experience.
• Proven experience in sanitation program management, compliance, and risk management within a similar industry.
• Deep understanding of sanitation principles, CIP/COP systems, and hygienic design.
• Strong understanding of sanitation regulations and standards (e.g., FDA, USDA, GMP).
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data trends and identify areas for improvement.
• Effective communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and meet deadlines.
• Proven experience and success with audit processes and CAPA implementation.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and attention to detail.
• Understanding of food manufacturing processes/equipment.
• FDA Accredited Preventative control certified individual training.
• Commercial foods sanitation accredited training in Hygienic Design and Sanitation Essentials certification.
• Strong leadership and coaching skills with the ability to influence management and plant workforce.
• Ability to travel up to 50%.
• Must be legally authorized to work for a company in the U.S. without sponsorship.

Preferred Education and Experience

• 4-8 years of relevant experience.
• Microsoft Platform Experience.
• Certification in sanitation or food safety (e.g., HACCP, SQF) is preferred.

Working Conditions

• Work is mainly performed in an office setting, with some time spent in a manufacturing environment
• Occasional exposure to industrial operations including: temperature extremes from approximately 35°F to 100°F; noise levels in excess of 85 dB; moisture and moving machinery.

EEOC & Disclaimer

Great Lakes Cheese is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities.