Why This Role?
This position is essential to maintaining the integrity of food safety and sanitation programs during off-shift operations. It offers the opportunity to lead a critical function, collaborate across departments, and directly impact product quality and customer trust in a regulated food manufacturing environment.
Sanitation Supervisor (Off-Shift)
Industry: Food Manufacturing
Position Summary
The Sanitation Supervisor plays a critical role in protecting food safety and product quality by leading all sanitation and quality activities during off-shift operations. This position is responsible for ensuring the facility consistently meets or exceeds food safety, quality, regulatory, and operational standards.
This role provides direct leadership to the sanitation team, verifies effective cleaning and sanitation of equipment and production areas, and partners closely with the Day Shift Quality Supervisor to support daily Quality Department operations. Together, these efforts drive plant-wide goals for product quality, customer satisfaction, and operational efficiency.
All responsibilities are performed in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, SQF requirements, and company policies, with a strong focus on safety, quality, service, and cost effectiveness.
Key Responsibilities
Sanitation & Food Safety Leadership
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Lead and oversee all sanitation activities during off-shift operations
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Ensure sanitation is completed according to SSOPs, Master Sanitation Schedule, and documented cleaning procedures
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Perform pre-operational inspections and sign-offs to verify equipment cleanliness and production readiness
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Monitor sanitation chemical usage, titration, dilution rates, and safety practices
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Coordinate equipment teardown and reassembly with maintenance and production teams
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Identify sanitation deficiencies and implement timely corrective actions
Quality Systems & Compliance
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Verify and maintain Food Safety Plans (HACCP), prerequisite programs, and Food Quality Plans in alignment with federal regulations and GFSI/SQF standards
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Assist with validation of food safety and quality programs
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Support implementation of the facility’s environmental monitoring program to meet customer and regulatory requirements
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Maintain accurate sanitation, quality, and compliance records
Team Leadership & Training
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Direct sanitation and quality staff during off-shift hours, ensuring appropriate staffing and daily work assignments
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Provide initial and ongoing training for quality inspectors and support training for the broader employee population as required
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Conduct first-level performance appraisals and administer corrective actions for quality inspectors as needed
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Cross-train quality inspectors to ensure coverage across shifts, vacations, and absences
Operations Support & Continuous Improvement
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Partner with production, maintenance, and warehouse teams to resolve quality and sanitation issues
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Maintain control and disposition of raw materials, in-process, and finished goods (Test / Approve / Hold / Reject)
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Assist with plant trials, critical process improvements, supplier corrective actions, root cause investigations, and customer complaint resolution
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Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on sanitation effectiveness, food safety, and operational efficiency
Additional Responsibilities
Qualifications
Education & Training
Required:
Preferred:
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Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Biology, Chemistry, Engineering, or related field
Experience & Technical Knowledge
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Working knowledge of sanitation procedures, chemicals, and equipment in a food manufacturing facility
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Strong understanding of GMPs, HACCP, allergen control, and food safety regulations
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Knowledge of CIP (Clean-In-Place) and COP (Clean-Out-of-Place) systems
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Understanding of microbiology in a manufacturing environment
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Familiarity with quality systems, complaint handling software, and regulatory requirements (FDA, SQF, GFSI)
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Knowledge of FDA and USDA regulations
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Experience with root cause analysis tools (5 Whys, Fishbone, Pareto)
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Understanding of kosher, halal, organic, and non-GMO documentation
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Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, databases, and reporting tools
Key Competencies & Personal Attributes
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Ability to work independently and make sound decisions in a fast-paced environment
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Proven ability to lead teams and collaborate cross-functionally
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Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills
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Willingness and ability to work overnight/off-shift hours
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Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines effectively
