Sanitation Team Lead

USA-MO Excelsior Springs

Full time

R29097

At Winland Foods, our commitment to Excellence, Quality, Integrity, Respect, and Collaboration shapes everything we do—from the food we make to the people who make it possible.

As a Sanitation Team Member, you’ll play a vital role in creating a safe, clean, and high-performing production environment. You’ll guide daily sanitation activities, support line employees, and help ensure our facility meets the highest standards of food safety and quality. Acting as a trusted partner to the Sanitation Supervisor, you’ll not only keep our operations running smoothly but also model the values that define Winland—leading by example, fostering teamwork, and respecting the well-being of every employee.

This is more than maintaining cleanliness—it’s about protecting the integrity of our products, supporting the success of your team, and contributing to Winland’s mission of delivering food experiences that delight consumers and earn their trust.

Employee Type:

Full time

Location:

MO Excelsior Springs

Job Type:

Production Group

Job Posting Title:

Sanitation Team Lead

Job Description:

Schedule: Monday through Friday

Time: 5:00am to 1:30pm

Work Location: 1000 Italian Way, Excelsior Springs, MO 64024

Salary, based on experience and other qualifications: $28.00 per hour.

Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k) with match, STD/LTD/AD&D/Life, HSA, FSA, EAP, Hospital indemnity, Accident Insurance, Identity and Fraud Protection Plan, Legal, and Critical Illness.

Duties and Responsibilities:

This list of duties and responsibilities is not all inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities as management may deem necessary from time to time.

Safe Equipment Operation & Maintenance:

• Assists with routine and non-routine plant sanitation activities.

• Ensures equipment is clean and food safe.

• Perform daily inspections, preventive maintenance on Sanitation equipment.

• Evaluates, modifies, and designs sanitation policies and procedures to maintain Food Safety, Quality, and Integrity.

• Oversee daily sanitation processes and troubleshoot operational issues.

• Optimize workflows to ensure efficiency and minimize downtime.

Product Handling, Quality Control & Inventory Management:

• Understand and follow plant policies for placing materials on hold and collecting retention samples.

• Assist with chemical inventory control following FIFO practices.

• Communicate sanitation results to other teams within the plant.

• Manage programs related to master sanitation schedule.

• Provide back-up support in the department lead’s absence.

• Ensure adherence to GMP, HACCP, and safety regulations in all plant activities.

• Monitors plant cleanliness using company and regulatory standards as a benchmark and takes corrective action when necessary.

• Lead investigations and resolutions for sanitation issues, customer complaints and foreign material investigations.

Food Safety & Sanitation Compliance:

• Follow GMP, HACCP, SQF, FSMA, and company food safety policies.

• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation.

• Makes recommendations for improving plant cleanliness and sanitation effectiveness.

• Act as a subject matter expert and mentor for team on food safety and enforce sanitation accountability.

• Train employees in food safety protocols and enforce sanitation procedures.

• Maintain accurate records of safety audits and compliance reports.

• Uphold company policies and regulatory standards in all operational activities.

Team Collaboration, Leadership & Training:

• Assist team members, adapt to operational changes, and contribute to productivity, safety, and quality goals.

• Provide backup coverage for multiple roles, share knowledge with peers, and support training.

• Assist with SOP development and training.

• Facilitate cross-departmental collaboration.

• Coordinate team activities, assign tasks, lead shift meetings, and train others in advanced operations.

• Guide and motivate team members to meet goals while maintaining morale.

• Train employees on operational procedures, equipment use, and safety protocols.

• Collaborate with R&D during production trials and first production runs.

• Foster a positive, productive work environment and coach team members on WE systems.

• Communicate effectively with team members, supervisors, and other departments.

Documentation, Communication & Continuous Improvement:

• Prepare accurate written documentation.

• Participate in 5S efforts.

• Assist in reviewing sanitation paperwork.

• Work with supervisors and team to develop solutions to issues.

• Act as 5S champion for area.

• Lead improvement projects, perform operator-based maintenance, and analyze variance causes.

• Update and maintain sanitation specifications and procedural manuals.

• Drive cost-saving and process improvement initiatives.

• Facilitate clear and timely communication across shifts and departments to align goals.

• Monitor Sanitation performance, address issues proactively, and provide detailed updates to management.

Knowledge, Training and Experience:

Education & Experience:

• High School Diploma or GED required.

• Minimum 2 year of work experience in manufacturing or food production sanitation preferred.

• 18+ years of age.

Technical & Mechanical Skills:

• Ability to operate, troubleshoot, and advise on minor adjustments to formulas or processes.

• Mechanical aptitude with the ability to identify and resolve quality irregularities.

• Proficiency in SAP, hand scanners, and basic math skills.

• Advanced levels require proficiency in MII, WE systems, and interpreting line huddle measures to resolve issues.

• Computer literacy in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Safety & Compliance:

• Knowledge of GMPs, SQF, HACCP, FSMA, and other food safety regulations.

• Commitment to following all company safety policies and procedures.

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs., push heavy loads, stand/walk up to 90% of shift, and climb as needed.

• Must have near and far visual acuity, some color perception, and full range of hand/arm movement.

Teamwork, Communication & Leadership:

• Ability to effectively communicate with co-workers, supervisors and others at the worksite regarding work matters, which are mostly conducted in English.  This includes the ability to understand and respond to oral communications; understand written information, communications, and safety information; and communicate in writing as needed.

• Work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.

• Provide training, guidance, and feedback to team members (progressively more responsibility at higher levels).

• Advanced levels lead projects, identify skill gaps, and support multiple initiatives with minimal supervision.

Personal Attributes & Work Ethic:

• Positive attitude, dependable, self-motivated, and willing to work overtime or weekends as needed.

• Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.

• Demonstrated accountability for work quality, attendance, and continuous improvement.

Physical Demands:

• Employees must be able to stand and walk for extended periods of time. Tasks may involve frequent climbing, pulling, pushing, carrying, grasping, reaching, twisting, turning, and stooping.

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs frequently.

• Must have good hand-eye coordination, motor skills, and 20/20 corrected vision.

• Must have normal hearing and vision (with correction if needed), including the ability to distinguish colors for color-coded containers in production areas.

• Employees must wear all required PPE according to the specific manufacturing environment, as outlined in the Employee Handbook, posted policies, or as directed by leadership.

• Must adhere to all safety policies, including lock-out/tag-out, safe lifting techniques, and others as instructed.

• Exposure to wet, humid conditions, moving mechanical parts, high areas, fumes, airborne particles, extreme temperatures, electrical risks, and vibrations depending on the area assigned

• Must maintain a clean and safe work environment and report any food safety or quality issues immediately to management.

EEO Statement:

Winland Foods seeks to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool, and as a global company we believe our success is enhanced by fostering equity and inclusion in the workplace. Therefore, Winland Foods is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military or veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

About Us

At Winland Foods, we’re passionate about creating exceptional food experiences that bring people together. We are a dynamic and growing company specializing in meal preparation products—from pasta and sauces to plant-based proteins and more. Our portfolio includes beloved consumer brands and custom private-label solutions for retail and foodservice channels.

Why Work With Us?

We believe in being exceptional from the land to the table . That means:

• Commitment to Quality: We consistently exceed industry standards across our value chain.

• Sustainability & Responsibility: We prioritize environmental stewardship and make a positive impact on the world around us.

• People First: The safety, well-being, and growth of our employees are at the heart of everything we do.

Our Culture

We’re a team of food enthusiasts who value collaboration, innovation, and integrity. At Winland Foods, you’ll find an environment where your ideas matter, your contributions are recognized, and your career can thrive.

Explore Opportunities

At Winland Foods, you’ll find opportunities across operations, supply chain, marketing, and product development—roles where your work truly makes an impact. By joining our team, you become part of a forward-thinking organization that values passion, collaboration, and shared success with our customers. Together, we’re shaping the future of food.

To All Recruitment Agencies

Winland Foods does not accept unsolicited agency resumes/CVs. Please do not forward resumes/CVs to Winland Foods employees, or any company location(s). Winland Foods is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes/CVs.