Sanitation Manager, MI

Pero Family Farms Company; Benton Harbor (MI); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

Health, Dental, Vision Insurance

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Job summary

Pero Family Farms Company is seeking a Sanitation Manager for its Benton Harbor facility. This role oversees all sanitation activities, ensuring compliance with food safety protocols and policies. The ideal candidate will manage sanitation crews, train staff, and develop sanitation schedules.

Qualifications include a Bachelor's degree and experience in food manufacturing sanitation. Competitive benefits include health insurance and a robust 401(k) plan, along with a flexible work schedule including nights and weekends.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience required.
• Previous experience in food manufacturing sanitation is essential.
• Ability to train and lead sanitation staff effectively.

Responsibilities

• Manage sanitation crews to meet compliance and operational standards.
• Develop and maintain sanitation schedules and documentation.
• Enforce GMP and safety policies in the plant.

Skills

Food safety compliance

Team leadership

Bilingual (Spanish/English)

Problem-solving abilities

Mechanical inclination

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

Job description

Description

Title: Sanitation Manager

Reports To: Director of QA/QC

Location: Benton Harbor, MI

Type: Full-Time | Onsite | Exempt

Job Summary

The Sanitation Manager is responsible for all activities related to sanitation in our packaging environment. This manager plays a pivotal role in establishing and documenting a formal, fully compliant sanitation program. This position requires flexibility with schedule: Nights/Weekends/Holidays.

Primary Responsibilities

• Schedule and manage our crews of sanitation workers to ensure plant operations meet mandatory sanitation requirements for machinery, equipment, and facility.
• Train sanitation and plant employees to achieve and maintain sanitation objectives.
• Build and maintain a Master Sanitation Schedule and related documentation.
• Meet cleaning frequencies established in the Master Sanitation Schedule.
• Make recommendations for improvements and lead improvement teams.
• Works with the Quality Manager to troubleshoot, inspect and correct all sanitation concerns with potential impact upon product quality.
• Make recommendations on hiring, firing, discipline, and promotions.
• Explain hazards and safety measures to employees and monitor compliance.
• Maintain chemical inventory quantities on an ongoing basis, and interact with the chemical supplier for advice on training or issues related to sanitation.
• Participate in the development and auditing of SSOP’s.
• Maintain the sanitation program with minimal supervision.
• Strictly enforce safety and GMP policies, and maintain superior plant cleanliness.
• Works with the Plant Engineering team as the sanitation authority to ensure all new equipment, processing lines, and/or re-designs meet regulatory requirements and best practices for sanitation.
• Performs other related duties as needed.

Working Conditions

• Work is performed primarily in a food manufacturing and packaging environment
• Regular exposure to wet, humid, and refrigerated areas, including temperatures of approximately 45°F or lower
• Exposure to food products, including produce fumes (e.g., onions, peppers)
• Regular exposure to sanitation chemicals such as chlorine and other approved cleaning agents
• Position requires strict adherence to GMP, food safety, sanitation, and safety policies
• Work schedule requires flexibility, including nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime as business needs require
• Frequent interaction with sanitation crews, Quality, Plant Engineering, chemical suppliers, and management
• Responsible for enforcing safety protocols and monitoring compliance across sanitation operations
• May work with or around machinery, equipment, and processing lines during cleaning and sanitation activities

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, and sit for extended periods of time
• Frequent use of hands for grasping, handling tools, writing, and operating equipment
• Ability to bend, stoop, reach, climb, and maneuver in tight or elevated spaces as needed
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull objects weighing approximately 5 to 50 pounds
• Ability to occasionally use cutting utensils such as knives or peelers
• Ability to work safely around chemicals and cleaning agents
• Ability to perform physical inspections of equipment, machinery, and facility areas
• Ability to work extended hours and overtime as required

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience in a related field.
• Bilingual in Spanish/English preferred
• Previous experience in food manufacturing sanitation, CIP systems, food safety, and food manufacturing regulatory requirements.
• Experience in leading team members and communicating effectively in order to achieve company goals.
• Ability to positively motivate the team and administer discipline if necessary.
• Mechanically inclined with the ability to troubleshoot problems mechanically and physically preferred.
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills.
• Ability to develop and maintain collaborative and effective working relationships with management and all levels of staff.
• Demonstrated superior communication skills, both oral and written.
• Strong organizational skills; detail orientation with ability to quickly and effectively handle multiple priorities.
• Ability to interact with management
• Ability to effectively communicate to train and lead staff
• Ability to work a flexible schedule: Nights/Weekends/Holidays
• Working knowledge of English and basic math
• Ability to train staff on safety requirements and enforce safety requirements

Company Benefits/Perks

• 401(k)
• Health, Dental, Vision Insurance and more
• Paid Time Off (PTO)

The company reserves the right to alter, amend, expand or contract these duties and responsibilities as the company's needs evolve.