Sanitation Manager, MI at Pero Family Farms Food Company LLC – Benton Harbor, Michigan

Title: Sanitation Manager

Reports To: Director of QA/QC

Location: Benton Harbor, MI

Type: Full-Time | Onsite | Exempt

COMPANY SUMMARY

Pero Family Farms is a market share leader with over a century of dedication, commitment and integrity. Operating since 1908, Pero is the farm trusted by retailers and consumers alike. We are a fully integrated farming operation, with departments that specialize in organic farming, logistics, global supply chain management, national sales operations, food processing operations, and strategic marketing functions. Our operation includes over 35,000 acres spanning across the East Coast of the United States from Florida to New York, with distribution and production facilities in several different states. We pride ourselves in maintaining a strong family heritage and tradition that has been dedicated to quality, innovation, and excellent customer service that has been feeding America’s families for over a century. Our family’s passion for farming remains unwavering, with a vision to continue the tradition for many generations to come, whilst maintaining the reverence and trust it has established with the American consumer. As we expand our offering to include an assortment of organic vegetable options; we have become one of the largest organic vegetable growers in the country and we are looking to grow our workforce family. Join us in continuing and strengthening our position as a market share leader dedicated and trusted by retailers and consumers alike.

JOB SUMMARY

The Sanitation Manager is responsible for all activities related to sanitation in our packaging environment. This manager plays a pivotal role in establishing and documenting a formal, fully compliant sanitation program. This position requires flexibility with schedule: Nights/Weekends/Holidays.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Schedule and manage our crews of sanitation workers to ensure plant operations meet mandatory sanitation requirements for machinery, equipment, and facility.
• Train sanitation and plant employees to achieve and maintain sanitation objectives.
• Build and maintain a Master Sanitation Schedule and related documentation.
• Meet cleaning frequencies established in the Master Sanitation Schedule.
• Make recommendations for improvements and lead improvement teams.
• Works with the Quality Manager to troubleshoot, inspect and correct all sanitation concerns with potential impact upon product quality.
• Make recommendations on hiring, firing, discipline, and promotions.
• Explain hazards and safety measures to employees and monitor compliance.
• Maintain chemical inventory quantities on an ongoing basis, and interact with the chemical supplier for advice on training or issues related to sanitation.
• Participate in the development and auditing of SSOP’s.
• Maintain the sanitation program with minimal supervision.
• Strictly enforce safety and GMP policies, and maintain superior plant cleanliness.
• Works with the Plant Engineering team as the sanitation authority to ensure all new equipment, processing lines, and/or re-designs meet regulatory requirements and best practices for sanitation.
• Performs other related duties as needed.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Work is performed primarily in a food manufacturing and packaging environment
• Regular exposure to wet, humid, and refrigerated areas, including temperatures of approximately 45°F or lower
• Exposure to food products, including produce fumes (e.g., onions, peppers)
• Regular exposure to sanitation chemicals such as chlorine and other approved cleaning agents
• Position requires strict adherence to GMP, food safety, sanitation, and safety policies
• Work schedule requires flexibility, including nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime as business needs require
• Frequent interaction with sanitation crews, Quality, Plant Engineering, chemical suppliers, and management
• Responsible for enforcing safety protocols and monitoring compliance across sanitation operations
• May work with or around machinery, equipment, and processing lines during cleaning and sanitation activities

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to stand, walk, and sit for extended periods of time
• Frequent use of hands for grasping, handling tools, writing, and operating equipment
• Ability to bend, stoop, reach, climb, and maneuver in tight or elevated spaces as needed
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull objects weighing approximately 5 to 50 pounds
• Ability to occasionally use cutting utensils such as knives or peelers
• Ability to work safely around chemicals and cleaning agents
• Ability to perform physical inspections of equipment, machinery, and facility areas
• Ability to work extended hours and overtime as required

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience in a related field.
• Bilingual in Spanish/English preferred
• Previous experience in food manufacturing sanitation, CIP systems, food safety, and food manufacturing regulatory requirements.
• Experience in leading team members and communicating effectively in order to achieve company goals.
• Ability to positively motivate the team and administer discipline if necessary.
• Mechanically inclined with the ability to troubleshoot problems mechanically and physically preferred.
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills.
• Ability to develop and maintain collaborative and effective working relationships with management and all levels of staff.
• Demonstrated superior communication skills, both oral and written.
• Strong organizational skills; detail orientation with ability to quickly and effectively handle multiple priorities.
• Ability to interact with management
• Ability to effectively communicate to train and lead staff
• Ability to work a flexible schedule: Nights/Weekends/Holidays
• Working knowledge of English and basic math
• Ability to train staff on safety requirements and enforce safety requirements

COMPANY BENEFITS/PERKS

• 401(k)
• Health, Dental, Vision Insurance and more
• Paid Time Off (PTO)

The company (Pero) reserves the right to alter, amend, expand or contract these duties and responsibilities as the companies needs evolve.