Senior Sanitation Officer - Upington Agricultural Processing Plant

Placements24; Upington; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 660,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical and retirement benefits

Professional development opportunities

Relocation assistance

Annual leave entitlement

Job summary

Placements24 in Upington, Northern Cape seeks a Senior Sanitation Officer to lead sanitation for the processing plant, ensuring cleanliness, food safety, and regulatory compliance.

You will develop protocols, manage chemicals, train staff, and coordinate with production and QA to maintain operational excellence and safe products.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in sanitation management, preferably in food processing or agricultural industry.
• Proven experience in a supervisory or leadership role.
• In-depth knowledge of food safety regulations, including HACCP and GMP.
• Strong understanding of cleaning chemicals, sanitizers and equipment.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Meticulous attention to detail and organization.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and improve sanitation programs for the plant.
• Lead and supervise the sanitation team, providing training and performance management.
• Ensure all areas are cleaned and sanitized according to procedures and schedules.
• Manage inventory of cleaning chemicals, disinfectants, and equipment.
• Conduct audits to verify compliance with HACCP, GMP and regulations.
• Maintain records of sanitation activities, chemical usage, and maintenance.
• Troubleshoot sanitation-related issues and implement corrective actions.
• Collaborate with production, QA, and maintenance for safety and efficiency.
• Promote a strong sanitation culture at the Upington facility.

Skills

Leadership

Sanitation management

Food safety knowledge

HACCP/GMP understanding

Communication

Problem-solving

Organizational skills

Record keeping

Time management

Work under pressure

Education

Food Science

Environmental Health

Related field qualification

Tools

Industrial cleaning equipment

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a major player in the agricultural processing industry and is seeking a highly experienced Senior Sanitation Officer for their facility in Upington, Northern Cape. This critical role is responsible for ensuring the highest standards of cleanliness and sanitation in all areas of the processing plant, crucial for product integrity, food safety, and regulatory compliance. The Senior Sanitation Officer will lead sanitation efforts, develop and implement cleaning protocols, manage cleaning chemicals and equipment, and ensure the team adheres to strict operational procedures. This position demands a thorough understanding of food processing hygiene, strong leadership capabilities, and meticulous attention to detail. You will play a key role in maintaining operational excellence and safeguarding the company's reputation. This is an exceptional opportunity for a dedicated professional to take on significant responsibility within a vital industry. We are looking for a candidate committed to upholding rigorous hygiene standards in a demanding environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and continuously improve sanitation programs for the agricultural processing plant.
• Lead and supervise the sanitation team, providing training, guidance, and performance management.
• Ensure all production equipment, processing areas, and general facilities are cleaned and sanitized according to established procedures and schedules.
• Manage inventory of cleaning chemicals, disinfectants, and sanitation equipment, ensuring safe storage and effective usage.
• Conduct regular audits and inspections to verify compliance with food safety standards (e.g., HACCP, GMP) and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain detailed records of sanitation activities, chemical usage, training, and equipment maintenance.
• Troubleshoot and resolve sanitation-related issues, implementing corrective actions as needed.
• Ensure the safe handling and disposal of cleaning chemicals and waste materials.
• Collaborate with production, quality assurance, and maintenance teams to achieve overall operational efficiency and safety.
• Promote a strong sanitation culture throughout the Upington facility.

Requirements

• Significant experience in sanitation management, preferably within the food processing or agricultural industry.
• Proven experience in a supervisory or leadership role.
• In-depth knowledge of food safety regulations, including HACCP and GMP principles.
• Strong understanding of industrial cleaning chemicals, sanitizers, and cleaning equipment.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Meticulous attention to detail and strong organizational abilities.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage multiple priorities.
• Proficiency in record-keeping and report generation.
• Experience within Northern Cape or similar agricultural regions is highly beneficial.
• A relevant qualification in Food Science, Environmental Health, or a related field is advantageous.

Benefits

• Competitive senior officer salary.
• Comprehensive medical and retirement benefits.
• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
• Work in a key industry contributing to the local economy of Upington.
• Access to advanced sanitation technologies and training.
• A challenging and rewarding role with significant impact.
• Generous annual leave entitlement.
• Relocation assistance may be considered for exceptional candidates.
• Be part of a company committed to quality and safety.