Hygiene and Sanitation Manager (Food Processing)

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Performance-based bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 in Durban is seeking a Hygiene and Sanitation Manager to oversee all food safety and hygiene across production facilities. The role requires strategic leadership, deep microbiology knowledge, and expertise in HACCP, GMP, ISO 22000, and regulatory standards to ensure compliance in a high-volume food processing environment.

You will lead the hygiene team, manage the MSS, drive sanitation programs, conduct internal audits, training, and supplier liaison, and maintain documentation

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in hygiene and sanitation management within the food processing industry.
• In-depth knowledge of food safety principles, HACCP, GMP, and relevant international/local standards.
• Proven experience in managing and leading a team.
• Strong understanding of cleaning chemicals, sanitation equipment, and pest control management.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and reporting skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Must be based in or willing to relocate to Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.
• Experience with audit management (internal and external) is essential.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and continuously improve comprehensive hygiene and sanitation programs for all production areas.
• Ensure strict adherence to food safety regulations and standards (HACCP, GMP, ISO 22000, local legislation).
• Manage and lead the hygiene team, including training, scheduling, performance management, and professional development.
• Oversee the master sanitation schedule (MSS) and ensure all cleaning and disinfection procedures are executed effectively and documented.
• Conduct regular internal audits and risk assessments to identify and mitigate potential hygiene and safety hazards.
• Manage the procurement and safe storage/use of cleaning chemicals, equipment, and pest control services.
• Investigate and resolve any hygiene-related non-conformances, customer complaints, or regulatory issues.
• Liaise with external regulatory bodies, auditors, and suppliers on hygiene and food safety matters.
• Maintain accurate records, reports, and documentation related to hygiene operations and compliance.
• Promote a strong food safety culture among all employees through training and engagement.

Skills

Team leadership

HACCP knowledge

Food safety

Auditing

Regulatory compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Food Science/Microbiology/Chemical Engineering or related field

Tools

Cleaning chemicals management

Sanitation equipment knowledge

Pest control management

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent food manufacturing company in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal , is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Hygiene and Sanitation Manager to oversee all aspects of food safety and hygiene within their production facilities. This pivotal role ensures compliance with national and international food safety standards, including HACCP, ISO 22000, and regulatory requirements. The ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker with a deep understanding of food microbiology, sanitation best practices, and risk management in a high-volume food processing environment. You will lead a dedicated hygiene team, implement robust sanitation programs, and drive a culture of food safety excellence throughout the organization. This is a critical leadership position in the thriving industrial landscape of Durban .

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and continuously improve comprehensive hygiene and sanitation programs for all production areas.
• Ensure strict adherence to food safety regulations and standards (HACCP, GMP, ISO 22000, local legislation).
• Manage and lead the hygiene team, including training, scheduling, performance management, and professional development.
• Oversee the master sanitation schedule (MSS) and ensure all cleaning and disinfection procedures are executed effectively and documented.
• Conduct regular internal audits and risk assessments to identify and mitigate potential hygiene and safety hazards.
• Manage the procurement and safe storage/use of cleaning chemicals, equipment, and pest control services.
• Investigate and resolve any hygiene-related non-conformances, customer complaints, or regulatory issues.
• Liaise with external regulatory bodies, auditors, and suppliers on hygiene and food safety matters.
• Maintain accurate records, reports, and documentation related to hygiene operations and compliance.
• Promote a strong food safety culture among all employees through training and engagement.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in hygiene and sanitation management within the food processing industry.
• In-depth knowledge of food safety principles, HACCP, GMP, and relevant international/local standards.
• Proven experience in managing and leading a team.
• Strong understanding of cleaning chemicals, sanitation equipment, and pest control management.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and reporting skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Must be based in or willing to relocate to Durban, KwaZulu-Natal .
• Experience with audit management (internal and external) is essential.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary package, with earnings up to R per annum, reflecting the critical nature of this role. You will be instrumental in shaping the food safety strategy of a leading manufacturer and have significant opportunities for career growth and professional development in the dynamic food industry of Durban . The company provides comprehensive medical aid, retirement fund contributions, and performance-based bonuses. Join a forward-thinking organization that prioritizes food safety and employee well-being in the heart of KwaZulu-Natal .