Sanitation Lead

Join a team that nourishes life from farm to table! Upstate Niagara Cooperative, proudly owned by 200+ local family farms, is one of America’s largest and most stable dairy cooperatives. Guided by farmer- and employee-led values, we process and market high-quality milk, yogurt, dips, sour cream, cottage cheese, and more under our trusted brands: Upstate Farms®, Bison®, Milk for Life®, and Intense Milk®. Here, you’ll support sustainable farming, strong communities, and the mission to deliver fresh, local dairy to families every day.

The Sanitation Lead is responsible for providing leadership and oversight of the Sanitation Team, which includes janitorial personnel and Pumps/Valves Sanitation Mechanics, across assigned shifts. This role ensures the effective execution of sanitation programs, preventive maintenance coordination, and compliance with food safety, quality, and regulatory requirements throughout production, warehouse, and exterior facility areas. 

This position is responsible for supporting a safe, clean, and audit-ready environment while ensuring sanitation activities are completed in accordance with established standards and operational needs. The Sanitation Supervisor also functions as a working supervisor and may directly assist with sanitation tasks as needed to support business requirements. 

Key Responsibilities 

Leadership & Personnel Management 

•  Assist the Maintenance Manager by providing day-to-day leadership and direction to Sanitation Team members, including janitorial staff and Pumps/Valves Sanitation Mechanics 
  • Support onboarding, training, and ongoing development of team members to ensure successful job performance 
  • Monitor performance, and conduct issues and address appropriately in alignment with company policies 
  • Assist in workforce planning and scheduling to ensure adequate coverage across all shifts 
  • Conduct routine follow-up and verification of completed sanitation and maintenance-related tasks to ensure alignment with company standards, safety requirements, and operational expectations 
  • Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement 

Pumps/Valves Sanitation & Preventive Maintenance Coordination 

•  Assist in the scheduling and coordination of preventive maintenance activities for pumps and valves in alignment with established maintenance systems (e.g., TabWare) 
  • Partner with Production and Quality teams to coordinate equipment downtime for removal, sanitation, repair, rebuilding, and reinstallation activities 
  • Ensure sanitation and maintenance activities are performed in accordance with applicable procedures, regulatory standards, and internal expectations 
  • Support documentation accuracy and completion for all related maintenance and sanitation activities 
  • Monitor completion and effectiveness of preventive maintenance and sanitation programs 

Facility & Janitorial Sanitation 

• Oversee sanitation operations across production areas, warehouse facilities, and exterior/good neighbor areas 
  • Ensure sanitation schedules are executed consistently across all shifts in accordance with established procedures 
  • Monitor cleanliness, sanitation effectiveness, and compliance with food safety expectations 
  • Identify and address sanitation deficiencies and support corrective actions as needed 
  • Support continuous improvement initiatives related to sanitation practices and operational efficiency 

Audit, Food Safety & Regulatory Compliance 

• Support readiness and execution of internal, customer, and regulatory audits involving sanitation and equipment inspection activities 
  • Work collaboratively with regulatory auditors during facility and equipment evaluations 
  • Ensure compliance with applicable standards including OSHA, FDA, HACCP, GMP, and company policies 
  • Support accurate and timely completion of sanitation and compliance documentation 
  • Maintain audit-ready conditions within assigned areas of responsibility 

Communication & Cross-Functional Coordination 

•  Assist in coordinating daily sanitation and maintenance-related activities with Production, Quality, and Maintenance departments 
  • Communicate operational issues, sanitation concerns, and equipment status updates to appropriate stakeholders 
  • Support alignment of sanitation activities with production schedules to minimize operational disruption 

Safety & Housekeeping 

• Promote and enforce adherence to all safety policies, procedures, and PPE requirements 
  • Support maintenance of a clean, safe, and organized work environment 
  • Report safety hazards, equipment issues, and sanitation concerns in a timely manner 
  • Support safe handling and use of sanitation chemicals and equipment 

Qualifications 

Education 

• High school diploma or equivalent required 

Experience 

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in sanitation, maintenance, manufacturing, or food production required 
  • Previous leadership experience, including lead, senior technician, or other progressively responsible roles, may be considered in lieu of formal supervisory experience 
  • Experience in food manufacturing or regulated production environments preferred 
  • Familiarity with preventive maintenance systems (e.g., TabWare or similar platforms) preferred 

Skills & Competencies 

• Demonstrated leadership capability and ability to guide team performance 
  • Strong organizational and communication skills 
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment 
  • Problem-solving ability with appropriate support and escalation when needed 
  • Commitment to safety, quality, and compliance standards 
  • Ability to work collaboratively across multiple departments 

Working Conditions (Physical Demands) 

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs 
  • Ability to stand, walk, bend, and reach for extended periods of time 
  • Ability to work in production, warehouse, and sanitation environments for extended durations 
  • Exposure to sanitation chemicals, equipment, and mechanical systems 
  • Ability to respond to operational needs outside of standard working hours when required

 Pay: $25.00-$35.00 per hour* 

*The salary range indicated in this posting represents the minimum and maximum of the salary range for this position. Actual salary will vary depending on factors including, but not limited to, budget available, prior experience, knowledge, skill and education as they relate to the position’s qualifications, in addition to internal equity. The posted salary range reflects just one component of our total rewards package. Other components of the total rewards package may include participation in group health and/or dental insurance, retirement plan, wellness program, paid time away from work, and paid holidays.  

Upstate Niagara Cooperative, Inc. is committed to equal employment opportunity for all, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic.