Duties and Responsibilities:

This position manages the site’s sanitation team (crew of 20+.)  As a leading expert, this position will supervise the site’s sanitation support function. Plant Sanitation will focus on effective use of chemicals, Manual, COP, and CIP cleaning processes, sanitary design, implementing sanitation assurance initiatives, and regulatory compliance programs for sanitation. The Sanitation Program Manager develops, implements and continuously improves Sanitation Programs, policies and key performance indicators (KPI’s) for the facility. The Sanitation Manager ensures cooperation and collaboration with all departments and ensuring a positive and productive culture.

Key Metrics: Sanitation cycle-time reductions, extended cleaning request validations, sanitation chemical cost reductions, sanitation assurance/effectiveness programs, implementation of Corporate Sanitation Policies and Procedures, application of sanitary design standards, and delivering effective site sanitation training programs to drive the Corporate Sanitation initiatives.

Job Responsibilities:

1. Supervision: Accountable for holistic plant sanitation program direction and results for plant, warehouse and plant grounds. Is responsible for compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations. Adhere to and administer company policies and procedures. Plans and directs the sanitation team in the day-to-day routine sanitation and pest control tasks. Meets strategic business needs by being involved in cross-functional teams. Determines resources and provides technical guidance and leadership.
2. Technical Support: Advise management on effectiveness of routine plant sanitation and cleaning programs. Guide plant during special plant sanitation issues including Microbiological and Environmental control. Ensure plant follow-up of Environmental Monitoring Programs to detect and eliminate sources of contamination. Provide sanitary design recommendations for new and existing equipment.
3. Start-Ups: Provide sanitary design review, sanitation plan and verification procedures for new equipment start-ups, new product introductions, movement of equipment from one facility to another, or new product introductions to prevent problems resulting from inadequate sanitation procedures.
4. Cost Effectiveness: Develop and maintain cost effective programs and practices. Work closely with internal and outside sanitation vendors to improve sanitation performance and costs.
5. Problem Solving: Proactively utilize process metrics and experience to prevent problems that could affect product quality and safety. Investigate sanitation issues, which are resulting in product contamination, reduced shelf-life, or customer rejection of products. Aid in the identification of root cause and corrective actions.
6. Service Providers: Work closely with sanitation chemical providers and others to maximize technical expertise, optimize supplier products, information, equipment, research new cleaning technologies, and techniques, and coordinate trials. Acts as liaison between Preferred Chemical Vendors and Plant Management to maximize services provided.
7. Equipment: Provide recommendations for equipment and machinery-based change (new equipment, retrofits or design modification of existing equipment - sanitary design reviews). Work closely with Engineering and equipment vendors to assure that new equipment meets sanitary design and regulatory design requirements prior to installation.
8. Policies & Procedures: Provide expertise in the development of policies and procedures relating to sanitation. This includes conformance to quality and food safety standards and working with plant management and others to ensure that these standards are met. Help establish manning requirements, in order to meet expectations as needs. 
9. Education and Training: Provide a “Continuous Improvement” educational environment, in which new or improved cleaning and pest control methods, procedures, equipment, technologies, and other new developments in the field of sanitation and pest control are discussed. Conduct internal sanitation and pest control audits.  
10. Culture: Help foster a positive a culture that enables everyone to succeed and grow in a positive manner.

• Ensure compliance with Russell Stover Chocolates Quality, Sanitation, and Food Safety Systems.
• Promote employee safety through training, coaching, and observation.
• Support and promote RSC programs such as LPW.
• Participate in internal quality and GMP audits of the plant.
• Partner with the Quality Manager to ensure success of any third-party facility inspections.
• Address and communicate any issues or potential issues to Management in a timely manner. 
• May be assigned other jobs by Corporate Quality/Sanitation as required.

Experience/ Education/Skills Required:

• High School Diploma (minimum). Bachelor’s Degree in Food Technology, Food Science, and Microbiology, Chemistry or other related field preferred.
• >5 years of supervisory experience in quality, sanitation, or food safety in the food industry; preferably confectionery, is required. 
• Working knowledge of Food Safety standards (AIB, GFSI (BRC, SQF, FSSC 22000, etc.)) and experience in internal auditing. FDA regulations, FSMA, GMPs, HACCP, Food Allergens, Pest Control, and the Principles of Food Safety.
• Working knowledge of cleaning chemicals and sanitizers.
• Relevant experience that reflects a strong level of:
  • Effective supervisory skills;
  • Appropriate attention to detail and balance of multiple tasks; and
  • Solid business judgment and decision making. 
  • Knowledge in using a full range of statistical and analytical tools and fundamentals.
  • Assertiveness, balanced with exceptional interpersonal skills to achieve results without direct authority.  
  • Excellent knowledge of sanitary design, sanitation, and pest management in food processing.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal).
  • Excellent understanding of microbiological organisms and their impact on process design, sanitary design and sanitation.

Principal Accountabilities:

Physical Requirements:

• Must have ability to routinely and frequently stand, stoop, bend, climb, and lift to meet cleaning requirements.
• Must have good hand-eye coordination and possess motor skills enabling mobility and quick reflexes.
• Must have visual/hearing ability sufficient to recognize or detect warning devices/signs.
• Must have ability to routinely lift 50#s.
• Able to function in a Noisy environment.

Description