Sanitation Specialist - Stellenbosch

Placements24; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 77,000 - 94,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement annuity

Certifications & training

State-of-the-art facility

Employee assistance program

Generous annual leave

Food safety focus

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a dedicated Sanitation Specialist for our client in Stellenbosch, Western Cape. The role focuses on maintaining high hygiene standards in production facilities, developing and monitoring sanitation programs, audits, and staff training.

The ideal candidate has a strong microbiology background, knowledge of HACCP/GMP, and a track record of ensuring product safety. Occasional evenings or weekends may be required. Based in Stellenbosch or commutable to site.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years of sanitation experience in food/beverage/pharma industries.
• In-depth knowledge of sanitation principles, cleaning chemicals and equipment.
• Familiarity with HACCP, GMP and food safety management systems.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Strong leadership and training capabilities.
• Proficiency in record-keeping and data analysis.
• Willingness to work occasional evenings or weekends for cleaning cycles.
• Based in or able to commute to Stellenbosch, Western Cape.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain sanitation programs for all production areas.
• Conduct regular sanitation audits and inspections for compliance with HACCP, GMP and standards.
• Supervise and train sanitation crews on cleaning procedures, chemical usage, and safety.
• Monitor and verify effectiveness of cleaning/sanitizing agents.
• Investigate sanitation deviations and implement CAPAs.
• Maintain records of sanitation activities, logs, audits and training.
• Collaborate with production, QA and maintenance to optimize sanitation processes.
• Ensure proper handling, storage and disposal of chemicals and cleaning supplies.
• Stay updated on sanitation technology and regulatory requirements.
• Promote a culture of sanitation excellence across the facility.

Skills

Sanitation expertise

GMP/HACCP knowledge

Leadership

Record keeping

Education

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

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading player in the food and beverage industry, is seeking a dedicated Sanitation Specialist to join their team in **Stellenbosch, Western Cape**. This vital role ensures the highest levels of hygiene and sanitation are maintained in production facilities, preventing contamination and ensuring product safety. You will be responsible for developing, implementing, and monitoring sanitation programs, conducting audits, and training staff on best practices. We are looking for an individual with a strong scientific understanding of microbiology, sanitation principles, and regulatory compliance within a food-grade environment. If you are passionate about food safety and possess a keen eye for detail, this is an exceptional career opportunity.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain comprehensive sanitation programs for all production areas.
• Conduct regular sanitation audits and inspections to ensure compliance with internal standards and external regulations (e.g., HACCP, GMP).
• Supervise and train sanitation crews on proper cleaning procedures, chemical usage, and safety protocols.
• Monitor and verify the effectiveness of cleaning and sanitizing agents.
• Investigate sanitation-related deviations and implement corrective and preventative actions (CAPAs).
• Maintain accurate records of sanitation activities, including cleaning logs, audit reports, and training documentation.
• Collaborate with production, quality assurance, and maintenance teams to optimize sanitation processes.
• Ensure proper handling, storage, and disposal of chemicals and cleaning supplies.
• Stay updated on the latest advancements in sanitation technology and regulatory requirements.
• Promote a culture of sanitation excellence throughout the facility.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, or a related field is preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in sanitation within the food, beverage, or pharmaceutical industry.
• In-depth knowledge of sanitation principles, cleaning chemicals, and sanitation equipment.
• Familiarity with HACCP, GMP, and other food safety management systems.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong leadership and training capabilities.
• Proficiency in record-keeping and data analysis.
• Must be willing to work occasional evenings or weekends if required for cleaning cycles.
• Must be based in or able to commute to **Stellenbosch, Western Cape**.
• Strong commitment to food safety and quality.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary of R 85000.
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical aid and retirement annuity.
• Opportunities for professional certifications and ongoing training.
• Work in a state-of-the-art production facility.
• Employee assistance program.
• Generous annual leave allowance.
• Be part of a company that prioritizes food safety and quality.