Program Manager, Sanitation

Great Lakes Cheese, Inc; Kentucky; On-site; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Great Lakes Cheese in Ohio seeks a Program Manager, Corporate Sanitation, to lead sanitation programs, ensure compliance with FDA/USDA, and manage audits to protect product safety.

You will develop SSOPs, train sanitation teams, drive CAPA, analyze data, and coordinate with third-party SMEs, with up to 50% travel.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science or related field with 4+ years of sanitation program management experience.
• Deep understanding of CIP/COP, GMP, and sanitation principles.
• Experience with FDA/USDA compliance and audits.
• Strong analytical and leadership skills.
• Willingness to travel up to 50%.
• FDA Accredited Preventative control cert training.
• Sanitation certifications preferred (HACCP, SQF).

Responsibilities

• Lead sanitation network training, audits, and technical support.
• Onboard and develop sanitation team members.
• Oversee SSOP development and updates.
• Prepare site for 3rd party audits and address findings.
• Analyze audit data and report KPIs.
• Ensure FDA, USDA, FSMA, OSHA compliance.
• Drive CAPA and incident escalation.
• Collaborate with 3rd party SMEs and consultants.
• Support swab surveys and sanitation assessments.
• Travel up to 50% for site coverage.

Skills

Sanitation management

Regulatory compliance

Audit & CAPA

Leadership

Data analysis

Travel up to 50%

GMP/FSMA knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Food Science

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

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Location: Hiram, OH, US, 44234-1806 Plymouth, WI, US, 53073

Company: Great Lakes Cheese

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.
• Asses 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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 35ºF to 100ºF; 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.