Sanitation Team Lead

At  Link Snacks , we show up hungry, roll up our sleeves, plaid or otherwise, and dive straight into the hard work. We don’t hide from challenges; we hunt them down. We push harder, move faster, and take the kinds of big swings that built this business in the North Woods of Wisconsin four decades ago. We’re everyday people who deliver extraordinary results. Innovation, creativity, and urgency aren’t buzzwords, they’re expectations. And just like the real protein snacks we make across our global house of brands— Jack Link’s® ,  Lorissa’s Kitchen® ,  Golden Island® ,  BiFi® , and  Peperami®  and  KOOEE!®  to name a few—there’s nothing artificial about us. What you see is exactly what you get: humble, gritty, passionate people who show up every day ready to not just be a participate in the meat snack industry that the Link Family created, but to move faster, innovate harder and keep raising the bar so high, the rest of the world needs a ladder just to see it. Dominating this space across the world takes a team. A team that runs together, succeeds together, and celebrates together. A team that’s full of relentless energy and spirit that can only be fueled by one thing: a fist full of our delicious meat snacks. Real Meat Protein. Real People. Real Results. THAT is Link Snacks. Assists and coordinates activities concerned with all Sanitation operations. Ensures the cleaning and sanitizing of all production equipment, production areas, and facility in accordance with Standard Sanitation Operating Procedures (SSOP’s). Confirms readiness for morning inspection by QA and USDA. Hours: Rotational 2.2.3 Nights 5:30pm -6:00am Wage: $28-$31 per hour ($24-$27 Base Wage, PLUS $4 Shift Differential) DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES General Works closely with Supervisor to plan and schedule work for team. Leads a team of Sanitation Specialists who complete the proper and timely cleaning and sanitation of all processing areas within acceptable levels consistent with JL and USDA guidelines. Ensure all equipment is operational for shift start-up (i.e., belts and other equipment reassembled). Understand and perform all procedures to set-up, and perform minor adjustments of machinery. Assist the Sanitation Supervisor/Manager to document all process and procedures in SOP format.  Perform production paperwork, and control procedures with complete accuracy. Proper and timely cleaning and sanitation of all processing areas within acceptable levels consistent with company and USDA guidelines. Keep all chemical containers properly labeled and clean at all times. Fill out Pre-Op inspection sheets daily. Properly use personal protection equipment when dispensing or working with chemicals. Safety Perform all duties within OSHA and company safety standards; LockOut/Tag Out (LOTO), wear PPE and maintain safety equipment. Use proper Lockout/Tag out (LOTO) procedures. Maintain a safe, clean and organized work area. Keep warehouse neat and organized daily. Immediately report all accidents and deficiencies to the supervisor. Ensure safety devices are installed and working properly. Monitor work environment for general food safety hazards such as condensation monitoring, etc. Communication Report chemical equipment malfunctions to Sanitation Supervisor/Manager immediately. Communicate with peers, subordinates, and leaders in an effective, timely manner. Continuously collaborate with Sanitation Supervisor/Manager to communicate:  daily production expectations, directives and schedules, challenges and problems that arise, protocol and schedule changes, personnel issues.  Keep supervisor informed daily of problems incurred during the shift. Communication to and for the team. Communicate effectively with personnel and manager to prevent and address any machine malfunctions. Confer with appropriate personnel to coordinate activities between departments. Work with QA personnel to ensure all standards are met. Suggest improvements; continuously improve the quality of all support activities. Personnel Follow good manufacturing practices and HACCP training, along with company pre-requisite programs, SOP’s, and SSOP’s. Coordinate team member training and morale building with the supervisor.  Training includes proper machine training and documentation. Continuously provide cross training and skill development to staff in order to build bench strength. Address employee concerns and coach employees on proper behaviors and performance. Contribute to the employee performance appraisal process by providing behavior and performance feedback to the supervisor. Ensure team members are properly attired and ready to start promptly at start time, and after authorized breaks. Encourage personnel to stay productive, even during down times. Clearly communicate work assignments, directives, and expected outcomes with Sanitation personnel. Leadership Support a culture at the plant which values Personnel Safety and Food Safety. Support a culture of openness and accountability within (and outside) the assigned department. Set an example by demonstrating professionalism; encourage and insist on positive attitudes and behaviors from team members. Encourage a team spirit where all associates have pride in their line, and therefore continually attempt to break records and set new production standards. Encourage employee initiative and innovation, and show recognition for effort & achievement. Create and cultivate positive work relationships at all levels of the plant/organization. Performs other duties and responsibilities as necessary. REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE Required Education:         None Required Experience:       6 months of relevant experience Preferred:                          High School Diploma or GED and experience in the food industry REQUIRED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE and ABILITIES: Solid verbal and written communication skills; must work ef