Food Safety & Sanitation Process Optimization Manager
Mission
Your mission is to ensure the highest standards of cleanliness and food safety by implementing effective sanitation practices, building a culture of compliance, and safeguarding the health and well-being of consumers.
Position Summary
This role extends well beyond hands-on sanitation execution. Our client is seeking a conscientious, enterprise-minded leader who will serve as a company-wide authority on microbiological risk, sanitation strategy, and hygienic design across multiple facilities.
You will help maintain a safe, hygienic food production environment through disciplined sanitation programs, continuous improvement, training and education, coaching, and strong teamwork-while ensuring regulatory compliance and exceeding customer expectations. The ideal candidate is passionate about food safety and product protection, and leads sanitation efforts with precision, innovation, and a commitment to excellence-ensuring every production cycle begins in a clean, compliant facility.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee, plan, and direct enterprise-wide sanitation programs and standards across multiple facilities
- Conduct monthly enterprise plant cleanliness and safety audits
- Support site teams with California State Water Resources Control Board requirements related to process water discharges
- Assist colleagues with the development, revision, and ongoing improvement of SSOP, COP, and CIP programs
- Oversee county and state hazardous chemical reporting requirements
- Lead and manage sanitation chemical training for sanitation teams and full-time colleagues
- Oversee and sustain the preventive maintenance program (including sanitation-related components and coordination)
- Support colleagues in the detection of food microbiological activity, including monitoring, investigation, and control measures
- Assist facilities with FDA, third-party, and customer audits, including preparation, participation, and corrective action follow-through
Qualifications
- Bilingual in English and Spanish
- Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology, Environmental Science, Engineering, or comparable competency/experience
- Sanitation certification
- Strong knowledge of food microbiology
- OSHA proficiency
- EHS Safety Certification
- Solid computer and software proficiency
- Hands-on comfort in a factory environment with basic mechanical aptitude ("soft" mechanical skills)
- Excellent communication skills with strong analytical thinking and problem-solving capability
- Demonstrated ability to motivate, coach, and collaborate effectively as a team player
Compensation
- Expected annual salary: $110,000-$150,000, depending on qualifications
- Exempt position; time commitments may increase during certain times of the year
- Some travel to other locations is expected, typically 10%-15%
Benefits
Our client offers a top-tier, comprehensive benefits package, including:
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Full monthly premiums paid for the colleague and all eligible family members
- Employer contributions to colleagues' Health Savings Accounts (HSA)
- 401(k) plan for year-round colleagues with a 4% company match
FAQs
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