Sanitation Group Leader (3rd Shift)

3rd Shift 10p-6:30a

Job Title: Sanitation Group Lead
Department: Sanitation
Reports To: Sanitation Supervisor
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Position Summary:

The Sanitation Group Lead is responsible for leading a team of sanitation employees to ensure the cleanliness and sanitation of the food processing facility, specifically in a meatball manufacturing environment. This position plays a critical role in maintaining food safety, quality, and regulatory compliance through effective sanitation practices. The Group Lead works hands-on with the sanitation crew and coordinates day-to-day activities to ensure that all sanitation tasks are completed efficiently, correctly, and on time.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and direct the daily activities of the sanitation team during assigned shift.
• Ensure proper cleaning and sanitizing of equipment, tools, and facility according to established procedures, SSOPs, and regulatory requirements (USDA, FDA, etc.).
• Verify that cleaning tasks are completed to standard and documented appropriately.
• Assist in training new sanitation employees on safe and effective cleaning techniques and company policies.
• Collaborate with Quality Assurance and Production departments to address sanitation issues or concerns.
• Conduct pre-operational inspections to confirm cleanliness and sanitation readiness before production begins.
• Maintain proper usage, storage, and inventory of cleaning chemicals and PPE.
• Ensure team adherence to safety protocols, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) and chemical handling procedures.
• Monitor employee performance and provide feedback to the Sanitation Supervisor or Manager.
• Troubleshoot and escalate any issues related to equipment, staffing, or sanitation effectiveness to the Sanitation Supervisor.
• Support compliance with environmental regulations and internal waste disposal protocols.
• Serve as a working lead, assisting with hands-on sanitation duties as needed.
• Complete required sanitation documentation, checklists and records
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent required; post-secondary education or technical training in sanitation, food safety, or related field preferred.
• Minimum 2 years of sanitation experience in a food manufacturing or meat processing environment.
• Prior leadership experience preferred.
• Knowledge of GMPs, SSOPs, HACCP, and food safety regulations.
• Strong communication, organizational, and leadership skills.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating instructions, and procedures.
• Must be able to work in wet, cold, and humid conditions and lift up to 50 lbs.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Basic computer skills – Microsoft word, Outlook and excel.

Work Environment:

• This position is operated in a food manufacturing plant with exposure to wet and cold conditions, cleaning chemicals, and machinery.
• Requires the use of PPE including gloves, goggles, and aprons.