Head of Sanitation & Hygiene

Placements24; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Life insurance

Pension fund

Performance-based bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, seeks a Head of Sanitation & Hygiene to lead our client’s sanitation strategy across all production stages. You will develop and implement comprehensive programs, oversee cleaning for equipment and facilities, and drive continuous improvement to meet food safety standards.

You will manage a team of sanitation specialists, ensure compliance with HACCP, GMP, ISO 22000, and regulatory requirements, and collaborate with Quality Assurance to safeguard

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field and 7+ years in sanitation leadership in food manufacturing.
• Strong knowledge of HACCP, GMP, and ISO 22000 standards.
• Proven ability to lead and develop a sanitation team.
• Excellent analytical and decision-making skills.
• Strong communication and compliance mindset.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and improve sanitation and hygiene programs in line with HACCP and GMP.
• Lead, train, and manage the sanitation team and ensure safe use of cleaning equipment.
• Oversee sanitation of production equipment, facilities, and surrounding areas.
• Perform audits, inspections, and drive continuous improvement.
• Manage procurement and inventory of cleaning chemicals and supplies.
• Collaborate with Quality Assurance to ensure product integrity and safety.
• Investigate sanitation-related deviations and customer issues.
• Stay updated on new sanitation technologies and regulations.
• Maintain detailed sanitation records, reports, and training documentation.
• Foster a culture of food safety and hygiene across the organization.

Skills

Leadership

HACCP knowledge

ISO 22000 familiarity

Food safety expertise

Education

Bachelor's in Food Science / Microbiology / Chemical Engineering

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading food processing and manufacturing company in **Stellenbosch, Western Cape**, is seeking an experienced and highly motivated Head of Sanitation & Hygiene. This senior role is critical to ensuring the highest standards of food safety and hygiene throughout the production process, from raw material intake to finished product. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing, implementing, and managing comprehensive sanitation programs, leading a team of sanitation specialists, and ensuring full compliance with all relevant food safety regulations and quality standards. This is a strategic position requiring strong leadership, deep technical expertise in food safety, and a proactive approach to maintaining a pristine and safe production environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and continuously improve the company's sanitation and hygiene programs in accordance with HACCP, GMP, and other relevant food safety standards.
• Lead, train, and manage the sanitation team, ensuring they are proficient in all cleaning procedures, safety protocols, and the proper use of equipment.
• Oversee all aspects of cleaning and sanitization for production equipment, facilities, and the surrounding environment.
• Conduct regular audits and inspections to verify the effectiveness of sanitation procedures and identify areas for improvement.
• Manage the procurement and inventory of cleaning chemicals, sanitation supplies, and equipment, ensuring cost-effectiveness and availability.
• Collaborate closely with the Quality Assurance department to ensure product integrity and safety.
• Investigate and resolve any sanitation-related deviations, non-conformances, or customer complaints.
• Stay abreast of new technologies, regulations, and best practices in food sanitation and hygiene.
• Develop and maintain detailed sanitation records, reports, and training documentation.
• Foster a strong culture of food safety and hygiene awareness throughout the organization.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in sanitation and hygiene management within the food manufacturing industry.
• In-depth knowledge of HACCP, GMP, ISO 22000, and other relevant food safety systems.
• Proven experience in leading and developing a team of sanitation professionals.
• Strong understanding of cleaning chemicals, sanitation equipment, and microbial control.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and leadership abilities.
• Proficiency in developing and implementing sanitation SOPs and training programs.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage multiple priorities.
• Detail-oriented with a strong commitment to accuracy and compliance.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive executive salary of ZAR per annum, along with a comprehensive executive benefits package including medical aid, life insurance, a generous pension fund, and performance-based bonuses. This critical role is based in **Stellenbosch, Western Cape**.