Technical Sanitation Specialist

Job Summary:
The technical sanitation specialist will be responsible for providing technical support to all of HP Hood's facilities. This includes but is not limited to troubleshooting quality issues, optimizing CIP systems, standardizing CIPs and manual cleaning practices and providing additional training and support as deemed necessary. This position will work closely with the Sr. Manager, Strategic Sanitation Programs to establish long term strategic business plans, monitor corporate sanitation policies and help foster an environment of proactive sanitation across multiple departments and divisions.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
• Provide technical leadership and guidance to Operations Quality, R&D, and manufacturing facilities in the areas of sanitation, pathogen/environmental control, integrated pest control, new equipment design, installation or construction and other food safety or quality initiatives related to sanitation processes.
• Assist in the development and implementation of strategic sanitation programs, policies, plans and processes to ensure that sanitary performance meets Hood standards as well as supports Food Safety requirements towards regulatory compliance. Assist in quality issue troubleshooting and root cause analysis.
• Incorporate principles of dry as well as wet cleaning best practices, allergen management, and “allergen clean” vs. microbial clean as needed.
• Utilize corporate Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOP’s) as guidance, prepare plant specific SSOP’s for equipment and processes. Ensure all SSOP forms and records are current and completed. Incorporate visual learning and step-by-step processes which are easily followed and comprehended by staff.
• Communicate significant issues or developments identified during plant visits and provide recommended process improvements to management.
• Prepare and present technical and program information to team members and management.
• Directs technical and administrative workers engaged in sanitation activities.
• Maintain a working knowledge of government and industry codes and standards.
• Provide education and technical support to assure effective deployment and implementation of corporate sanitation and food safety policies and procedures.
• Work cross functionally and collaboratively with all Plant Operations, Corporate QA, Food Safety, and Chemical Supply Vendors to implement and continuously improve on sanitation programs and policies.
• Develop a culture of proactive quality.

Education and Experience:
• 5+ years of Quality Assurance experience in both corporate and plant locations.
• Four-year degree preferred. Preferably a BS or BA in Food Science, Dairy Science, Biology or Chemistry

Skills and Competencies:
• Strong technical dairy knowledge
• Strong verbal & written skills
• Strong presentation delivery skills (written & delivery)
• Strong interpersonal skills with a customer orientation (internal & external)
• Strong computer skills (MS Office, BPCS, Formula System)
• Experience with regulatory, third party, and customer audits
• Experience in successfully addressing environmental sanitation challenges in all areas of plant
• Thorough knowledge and experience with diverse sanitizing applications
• Certification and/or License – Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI) certification or attainment of PCQI within 6 months of hiring
• A general knowledge of food and environmental microbiological testing as well as preventative measures including sanitary design and automated sanitation and efficiency is required.

The reasonably anticipated pay range for this position is $75,000 - $93,000. Exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience and location.