Manager Contamination Control & Sanitation

Job description

Together We Innovate. Together We Change. As Manager, Contamination Control & Sanitation (CC&S) you will provide strategic leadership and technical expertise for contamination control, sanitation, product protection, and risk management programs across manufacturing operations. In this role, you will protect product integrity through effective contamination prevention, sanitation governance, current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) expectations, and systematic risk assessment, including the application of HACCP principles within the CC&S Program.

You will drive CC&S program performance by establishing decision-making rigor, governance, and metrics that improve quality outcomes and end-to-end execution, and aligns cross-functional stakeholders to standardize compliant delivery and prevent recurring defects.

What you will be doing

Product Protection & Risk Management Lead cross-functional evaluation of emerging and systemic manufacturing issues, applying manufacturing judgment and evidence to align stakeholders on practical actions that prevent recurrence. Partner with Operations, Quality, Engineering, and Supply Chain on preventive strategies, including hygienic and sanitary design, equipment access for cleaning and inspection, and contamination prevention during projects and changes.

Leverage manufacturing expertise to guide cross-functional decisions, prioritize systemic issues, and drive consistent practices that support contamination control and sanitation across operations. Lead complex, cross-functional root cause investigations; validate true root causes using objective evidence; and drive corrective actions that prevent recurrence. GMP & Regulatory Compliance Ensure contamination control and sanitation programs align with applicable FDA requirements, internal Quality Management System requirements, and site procedures.

Maintain inspection readiness by ensuring procedures, records, training, investigations, and corrective actions are complete, accurate, current, and readily retrievable. Sanitation Systems & Continuous Improvement Provide oversight of master sanitation schedules, cleaning procedures, verification activities, sanitation records, pest management, and contractor-managed sanitation services. Ensure cleaning methods, frequencies, tools, chemicals, responsibilities, and acceptance criteria are clearly defined, risk-based, and consistently documented.

Review audit results across departments to ensure consistency of audit execution and interpretation, and set audit focus areas and priorities (e.g., documentation, records, execution) based on observed trends and risks. Review and synthesize reporting across departments or functions to ensure consistency, align interpretation, and define focus areas or priorities for follow-up, assessment, or review.

What we want you to have: Bachelor's degree (advanced degree a plus) in Food Science, Microbiology, Engineering, Quality, Environmental Health, Business, or a related technical discipline. 8+ years of relevant, progressive experience in sanitation or contamination control roles of increasing responsibility, including managing a Contamination Control & Sanitation Program in an FDA-regulated manufacturing environment. Demonstrated knowledge of cGMPs, sanitary operations, risk assessment, sanitation verification, CAPA, change control, inspection readiness, and the practical application of HACCP principles.

Working knowledge of microbiological risks, pest management, chemical control, foreign-material prevention, hygienic or sanitary design, and contractor or supplier oversight. Ability to interpret regulatory and quality-system requirements and translate them into practical, sustainable manufacturing controls. Strong written and verbal communication, coaching, cross-functional influence, investigation, and data analysis skills.

Technical skills in manufacturing knowledge, contamination risk identification and analysis, root cause analysis, audit standards and methodology, and reporting and analysis. Formal HACCP training is preferred. Additional relevant credentials may include Hygienic Design, Sanitary Equipment Design, Integrated Pest Management, Pest Control Program Certification, Certified Quality Auditor, or related quality certifications.