Sanitation Manager

Description

Shift: This position will primarily be overnights, but not exclusively.  Monday - Friday

At Stella & Chewy’s, it’s our mission to help pets and pet parents thrive through the love of raw. If that noble mission appeals to you, we’d love to talk to you about joining our pack. We are located in Oak Creek, WI, a suburb south of Milwaukee. Our teams make this company everything it is today, and you’ll feel this energy throughout every aspect of our workplace. We value working with people of different talents, experiences, and backgrounds. Here at Stella & Chewy’s, we show up as our best and authentic selves. Come join our pack! 

Job Summary

The Sanitation Manager is responsible for leading and managing all sanitation activities to ensure the facility is cleaned and maintained to the highest standards of food safety, quality, and regulatory compliance. This role oversees the sanitation team, manages cleaning schedules, ensures adherence to SOPs and safety practices, and drives continuous improvement in sanitation operations while staying within budget.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), food safety protocols, and employee safety procedures across all sanitation activities.
• Develop, implement, and maintain a Master Sanitation Schedule; adjust as needed to meet operational demands.
• Lead and coach the sanitation team, ensuring appropriate training and development on sanitation and safety procedures.
• Establish and enforce Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for sanitation and cleaning processes.
• Select and maintain sanitation equipment and cleaning tools; coordinate procurement and preventative maintenance as      needed.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Quality Assurance, Operations, Maintenance, and Procurement to align sanitation efforts with production and food safety goals.
• Validate and document cleaning procedures, including Pre-Operational Inspections and corrective actions.
• Monitor chemical usage, cleaning supplies, and pest control activities to ensure safety, effectiveness, and cost efficiency.
• Track, analyze, and act on key sanitation performance indicators (KPIs) to drive improvements and ensure compliance.
• Prepare and maintain records, reports, and documentation required by internal policies and regulatory bodies.
• Manage department budgets, control sanitation costs, and identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality.
• Conduct performance reviews and coach sanitation staff for development and accountability.

Requirements

• Associate degree required; Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• 5+ years of relevant experience in sanitation within the food or pet food manufacturing industry, or a combination of      education and experience.
• Strong understanding of food safety principles, sanitary design, and microbiological risks in food processing.
• Prior experience with regulatory compliance (FDA, USDA, FSMA) and third-party audits.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) strongly preferred.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Effective leadership and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and collaborate across teams.
• Proficiency in sanitation planning, budgeting, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Commitment to producing safe, legal, and high-quality pet food that meets Stella & Chewy’s standards and customer expectations.