Sanitation Supervisor - Essentia

LGI foundation; Lytton (IA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Essentia is seeking a Sanitation Supervisor to lead the sanitation program across all shifts, driving continuous improvement in plant cleanliness and SSOP compliance.

You will supervise the sanitation team, develop and maintain the master sanitation schedule, train staff, and coordinate with operations and quality to meet SQF and GMP standards.

The role requires strong leadership, knowledge of cleaning chemicals, and the ability to work safely in a fast-paced food-manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma or GED required; post high school education in chemistry, food sciences or related field preferred.
• Experience: Food manufacturing sanitation management/leadership experience strongly preferred; supervisory experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Supervise sanitation team across all shifts, directing work, prioritizing tasks and staff development.
• Adhere to company policies including chemical, safety and cleaning rules and SSOPs.
• Develop and maintain a master sanitation schedule and coordinate with plant operations to complete work.

Skills

Team leadership

Sanitation management

SSOP knowledge

Quality policy adherence

Education

High school diploma or GED

Chemistry / Food sciences education

Job description

Through committed service and sustainable proteins solutions, Essentia is dedicated to building a better business for our customers. We do this by holding true to our values: Teamwork, Respect, Agility, Creativity and Knowledge. The Sanitation Supervisor will manage the sanitation program for the facility and execute the program in partnership with operations and quality staff. This position will be responsible for continuous improvement of plant sanitation, including routine and periodic cleaning, and for maintaining the areas in accordance with approved quality and sanitation procedures and to Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOP’s).

Job Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma or GED required. Post high school education in chemistry, food sciences or a related field is highly preferred.
• Experience: Food manufacturing sanitation management/leadership experience strongly preferred. Supervisory experience (either direct or indirect) preferred.

Job Duties

• Supervise sanitation team members across all shifts, including directing work, setting priorities and ensuring team development.
• Adhere to company policy and procedures, including but not limited to 100% adherence to all company chemical, safety and cleaning policies and procedures.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive master (periodic) sanitation schedule and work with plant operations staff to schedule and complete work.
• Routinely review to ensure plant maintains optimal sanitation levels and revise as appropriate.
• Adhere to and model safe work practices at all times.
• Review and maintain plant sanitation procedures and SSOPs.
• Review, track and report compliance to master sanitation schedule and SSOPs.
• Interpret, track and provide targeted actions as needed for environmental monitoring findings.
• Act as plant liaison with sanitation chemical supplier, including coordinating routine chemical inventory, annual cleaning validations, and non-routine activities.
• Provide sanitation-related training and development of plant staff and operators.
• Verify pre-operational inspections at random to ensure compliance.
• Identify and execute areas for continuous improvement within sanitation programs and/or execution.
• Comply with all company food safety and quality policies.
• Model the Company Values.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements

• Able to work in a team environment and assist in other work-related areas as requested.
• Knowledge of food industry-standard cleaning chemicals, storage, use, measurement of concentrations.
• Knowledge of SSOP (Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures).
• Knowledge of the proper steps involved in cleaning and sanitation.
• Proven interaction and leadership with chemical suppliers.
• Knowledge of tools and equipment used for effective cleaning and sanitation.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Proficient with computers and knowledge of MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint to construct basic spreadsheets, charts, reports, and training materials.
• Must be flexible with the schedule and daily demands of the department.
• Ability to identify problems and troubleshoot until they are resolved.
• Accept supervisory responsibility in accordance with the company policies and applicable laws.
• Must be familiar with SQF and GMP audits along with general Food Safety programs.
• Maintain a positive and respectful attitude.
• Demonstration of professionalism to all team members, clients, vendors and customers.
• Ability to organize and lead daily crew meetings and other meetings as necessary.