Senior Sanitation Manager

Date:  Sep 1, 2025
Location: 

Lewiston, NC, US, 27849

Req ID:  77278
Job Function:  Other Professional Careers

Perdue Foods has a goal of becoming the most trusted name in premium proteins by creating products for consumers and for retail and foodservice customers around the globe while changing the way animals are raised for food. It is part of Perdue Farms, a fourth-generation, family-owned food and agricultural business deeply rooted in tradition yet with a forward-thinking mindset. We believe that success starts with our people, and our culture is built on a foundation of teamwork, integrity, and respect, where every voice matters and everyone is encouraged to contribute to our shared goals. We are dedicated to creating a supportive, inclusive environment where associates feel valued and inspired to make an impact, both within the company and in the communities we serve. From promoting growth and development to prioritizing work-life balance, we’re committed to helping our team members thrive. That's Perdue.

Summary

We are actively recruiting for an experienced Sanitation Manager for our Lewiston, NC facility. This position will directly report to the Director of Operations with a dotted line to the company’s Director of Sanitation. The successful candidate will be responsible for leading the implementation of Perdue Farms Sanitation Standards, while meeting or exceeding Regulatory / GFSI requirements, and Sanitation Key Performance Indicators at the complex. This position is the technical liaison between the plant, corporate sanitation, and third-party sanitation providers (where applicable). S/he will work in conjunction with the site supporting departments (Safety, FSQA, Operations, Maintenance, and Engineering) and provide leadership and direction to identify, prevent and remediate food safety risks, while leading a team of hourly and salaried associates ensuring safe, effective, and efficient execution of the cleaning and sanitation processes. This position will act as the primary interface with internal, external, customer and regulatory (USDA and/or FDA where applicable) inspectors regarding sanitation related non-conformance reports and corrective action plans, as well as to facilitate positive relations and pro-active management.

Principal and Essential Duties & Responsibilities

  1. Oversee and lead the implementation, management and compliance with Perdue Farms Sanitation Programs, Standards and Sanitation Key Performance Indicators, including but not limited to:                       
    • Sanitation Safety - Create a safe working environment for personnel working in sanitation.
    • Master Sanitation Schedule (MSS) 
    • Periodic Cleaning for Infrastructure and Equipment (PIC & PEC)
    • Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOP)
    • Monitoring Verification and Validation of the Cleaning Process (ATP, Indicators, Pathogens, Allergens)
    • Adjacent Line Cleaning
    • Drain Cleaning
    • Unplanned Water Events
    • Construction and Major Maintenance
    • Hygienic Design for Equipment and Infrastructure – Assessments
    • KPI timely reporting
    • Environmental Monitoring Program – associated with sanitation failures.
    • Review the effectiveness of the Sanitation Program by completing gap analysis on an annual basis to provide continuous improvement for the sanitation program at the factory level.
    • Development and Management of the Sanitation Manning (Supervisor, Leads, Sanitation Technicians) and department’s operating budget.  
  2. Coordinates shift activities through planning and communication with site management, sanitation supervisors/leads, and sanitation technicians to ensure all sanitation objectives are accomplished in a timely, cost-effective, and safe manner.
  3. Partners with supporting departments to deliver Environmental Hygiene by following and ensuring strict enforcement of Perdue Farms Standards, USDA, FSIS, FDA, GFSI, OSHA and customer requirements.
  4. Leads or participates in the planning and implementation of process improvements, monitors improvement metrics and solves for reoccurring failures (USDA, FSQA, etc.) by applying Hygienic Desing Principles and Standards to develop CAPA’s to mitigate FS risks.
  5. Provides Daily, Weekly, Monthly, Yearly direction and goals setting for Sanitation Supervisors. Mentors, coaches and trains/cross-trains employees to encourage career development. Provides consistent feedback concerning strengths and areas in need of improvement, while demonstrating compliance with Perdue Farms Values and Leadership Behaviors. Manage and evaluate the Sanitation staff by conducting performance evaluations, and administration of performance improvement plans and disciplinary actions on a fair and consistent basis.
  6. Creates Food Safety & Sanitation capabilities for hourly and salary employees via varies methods such as:        E-modules training development, Hands-On training, Case Studies, Cleaning Methods (7 Steps), Pathogen Remediation & FM remediation, etc.  
  7. Manages Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to ensure compliance with the Pest Control Standard and Hygienic Design Standards by utilizing Perdue Farms Hygienic Design Principles Checklist.
  8. Manages the execution of Hygienic Design Assessments. Works in collaboration with regional and site groups to ensure hygienic design assessment, finished product testing, commissioning, qualifications, validations, and verifications for projects are successfully completed according to Perdue Farms Hygienic Design Standards and Principles.  
  9. Initiate and execute cleaning verification and validation programs to prove effectiveness of Sanitation program.
  10. Proactively reviews and conducts trends analysis of the Environmental Monitoring Program as it relates to Sanitation (ATP, Indicator Organism, Pathogens, Spoilage), MSS, and the Sanitation Verification Program (Pre-Operational Inspection) to prevent cross-contamination risks.
  11. Partner with business leaders on implementation of process improvement (Six Sigma / Lean Manufacturing), including leading change initiatives, planning, and facilitation.

 

Minimum Education

Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Engineering, Microbiology, or related area.

Experience Requirements

10+ years proven experience managing sanitation programs in USDA / FDA / GFSI regulated food processing facilities.

Experience Preferred

  • PCQI preferred – not required.
  • 6 Sigma certification preferred – not required

Environmental Factors and Physical Requirements

  • In stationary positions or moving for 12 hours on a wet, moist, dry, and greasy floor which includes metal or plastic grating surfaces with up to four (4) hours in a single interval.
  • Ability to climb stairs, upon equipment, catwalks, and work from various ladders.
  • Exposure to and work in temperatures of <0 to >110 degrees Fahrenheit with ambient humidity, noise exposure of >110 db., and light intensity range of <50 to >400-foot candles.
  • Bending, twisting, lifting, reaching, sitting, and grasping varies in repetitions, distance, degrees, angle, weight, height longest interval of time, objects grasped, and body positions depends upon the maintenance task being performed. 
  • Must be able to lift and control weights up to one hundred pounds.
  • Must be able to bend down and to maintain a kneeling position.
  • Must be able to work outside in all types of weather conditions.
  • Exposure to chlorinated water <50ppm, ammonia vapors >5ppm, dry ice, caustic detergents, lubricating oils, hydraulic oils, salt, and other chemicals found in a poultry processing operation.
  • Must wear and/or use protective and safety equipment required for the job.

Perdue Farms Inc. is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.


Nearest Major Market: Raleigh
Nearest Secondary Market: Rocky Mount