Sanitation Supervisor

Emmi Desserts; Kenilworth (NJ); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food manufacturer in Kenilworth, New Jersey is seeking a Sanitation Supervisor to lead sanitation operations across a multi-building facility. This role ensures compliance with food safety regulations and oversees the sanitation program, chemical control, and safety systems. The ideal candidate will have at least 5 years of sanitation leadership experience in food manufacturing, preferably in a bakery environment. This position requires strong organizational and leadership skills, along with the ability to work flexible hours when needed.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of sanitation leadership experience in food manufacturing.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Must work flexible hours, including nights and weekends if needed.

Responsibilities

• Lead sanitation, hygiene, and safety activities across production.
• Oversee chemical control and sanitation systems.
• Conduct internal sanitation inspections and audits.

Skills

GMPs

Chemical safety

Food safety regulations

Team leadership

Documentation skills

Communication skills

Education

College degree or technical certification

Job description

The Sanitation Supervisor is responsible for leading and executing all sanitation, hygiene, and plant safety activities for a high-volume, multi-building food manufacturing facility. This role ensures all production areas are audit-ready, compliant, and prepared for safe food production across all shifts.

The position has full ownership of the site sanitation program, chemical control, and sanitation-related safety systems, and works closely with Operations, QA, Maintenance, and EH&S to drive consistency, efficiency, and continuous improvement.

Food Safety & Sanitation Leadership

• Own and enforce all sanitation, hygiene, and GMP programs across multiple production buildings.
• Ensure all production areas are fully cleaned, inspected, and released prior to startup.
• Maintain and continuously improve the Master Sanitation Schedule (MSS).
• Ensure sanitation programs meet or exceed FDA, USDA, local health department, and GFSI/customer audit requirements.
• Lead internal sanitation inspections, environmental monitoring support, and audit readiness activities.
• Review sanitation failures, root causes, and corrective actions.

Chemical Control & Sanitation Systems

• Own the site Chemical Control Program, including storage, labeling, usage, SDS, and training.
• Approve, implement, and validate sanitation chemicals and application methods.
• Develop and maintain SOPs for:
• Chemical usage
• Equipment sanitation
• Allergen and cross-contact prevention
• Manage chemical and sanitation supply inventory with a focus on cost control and effectiveness.

Plant Safety & Risk Management

• Serve as a key leader in plant safety initiatives related to sanitation operations.
• Ensure compliance with safety programs including:
• LOTO
• Chemical handling
• Confined space
• PPE
• Lead sanitation-related safety training and actively participate in the plant Safety Committee.
• Conduct safety audits and drive corrective actions.
• Lead, coach, and develop sanitation leads and team members across all shifts.
• Ensure adequate staffing, coverage, and training to support production needs.
• Conduct performance reviews, disciplinary actions, and succession planning.
• Build a culture of accountability, food safety ownership, and continuous improvement.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Operations, QA, Maintenance, and EH&S to:
• Improve cleanability of equipment
• Support new equipment installations and PSSRs
• Develop sanitation standards for new lines and processes
• Collaborate with other company facilities to align sanitation best practices and standards.

Performance Metrics & Reporting

• Track and report sanitation KPIs including:
• Audit results
• Environmental and ATP trends
• Sanitation misses
• Chemical usage and cost
• Safety incidents related to sanitation
• Present findings, risks, and improvement plan to site and corporate leadership.

Qualifications / Minimum Requirements

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum 5 years of sanitation leadership experience in food manufacturing (commercial bakery strongly preferred).
• Strong knowledge of:
• GMPs
• Chemical safety
• Food safety regulations
• Proven ability to lead teams in a fast-paced, 24/7 manufacturing environment.
• Strong organizational, documentation, and communication skills.

EDUCATION, SKILLS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

• College degree or technical certification preferred; equivalent experience accepted.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including over-nights, weekends, and holidays (when needed).
• Must be able to work in environments with flour dust and common food allergens.
• Physical requirements include lifting up to 50 lbs, climbing ladders, prolonged standing, and repetitive motion.