Sanitation Specialist

Department: Quality Assurance 

Reports to: Quality Assurance Manager 

Job Summary: 

The Sanitation Specialist is responsible for ensuring compliance with sanitation standards and protocols within the manufacturing environment to support product safety, quality assurance, and NSF (National Sanitation Foundation) guidelines. This role involves maintaining cleanliness, inspecting sanitation procedures, and collaborating with relevant departments to uphold a safe and sanitary production process. 

Supervisory Responsibilities: 

• None 

Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Ensures all cleaning and sanitation practices comply with FDA, NSF, and other regulatory requirements through regular inspections and verification tests. 
• Identifies potential contamination risks and implements corrective actions promptly. 
• Monitors and enforces cleaning protocols in production areas, storage spaces, and high-traffic zones. 
• Supervises cleaning of blenders, mixers, hoppers, conveyors, and other powder-handling equipment. 
• Ensures compliance with pest control measures and documentation. 
• Works closely with Quality Assurance, Production, and Maintenance teams to address sanitation challenges. 
• Documents cleaning activities and validation processes to ensure records meet NSF and organizational audit requirements. 
• Maintains cleaning schedules, Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOPs), verification logs, and corrective action reports. 
• Provides training and guidance to employees on proper sanitation techniques, hygiene, allergen control, and GMP compliance. 
• Adheres to all workplace safety protocols, including the handling and storage of chemicals. 
• Uses personal protective equipment (PPE) as required and promotes safe work practices. 
• Keeps up to date on NSF sanitation standards and implements industry best practices. 
• Implements and monitors allergen-specific cleaning protocols. 
• Supports audits and inspections by external agencies or internal stakeholders. 
• Performs other related duties as assigned. 

Required Skills/Abilities 

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. 
• Strong communication and training abilities. 
• Proficient in documentation and recordkeeping for regulatory compliance. 
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines. 
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including nights or weekends, as needed. 
• Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities to address contamination or sanitation deficiencies. 
• Excellent attention to detail. 
• Familiarity with sanitation tools, cleaning chemicals, and allergen control measures. 
• Knowledge of pest control practices. 

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, or a related field preferred 
• Experience in sanitation within food, supplement, or powder manufacturing. 
• Experience in a cGMP-regulated environment preferred. 
• Sanitation or food safety certifications (e.g., PCQI, Sanitation Operator) a plus. 
• Strong understanding of cGMP (current Good Manufacturing Practices) and FDA regulations for dietary supplements. 
• Knowledge of quality systems like HACCP or SQF is a plus. 
• Understanding of 21 CFR Part 111 and GMP regulations. 

Physical Requirements: 

• This position may require occasional lifting of equipment or materials up to 50 pounds. 
• Must be able to navigate various departments of the organization’s physical premises.