Corporate Sanitation Program Manager

Overview

Under the direction of the Sr. Food Safety and Regulatory Manager, this position will develop and execute best-in-class and leading-edge ice cream and chocolate sanitation programs and strategies. Works with the production facilities and corporate QA/FS teams to support all applicable food safety policies – to include microbiological controls, chemical controls, allergen controls, and CIP. Ensures all sanitation programs are implemented, validated, verified as required, and are aligned with the Preventive Control Rule outlined in 21 CFR 117.

This role will operate on a hybrid schedule and must report to one of the following plant locations when not traveling.

• Ensure that Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOPs), Master Sanitation Schedules (MSSs) and associated documentation are consistently implemented and executed across the Ice Cream Division (production, warehouse and freezer).
• Oversee the operation of CIP and COP systems at all facilities. Verify functionality of all components and ensure routine validations are completed. Address and document deviations or discrepancies when applicable.
• Serve as the Ice Cream Division’s SME for sanitary design of equipment, buildings, and production line layout. Attend on-site FATs when applicable. Work closely with Engineering teams to ensure project success.
• Participate in microbiological and allergen investigations and foster a continuous improvement culture as it pertains to sanitation systems in the facilities.
• Provide oversight for validation of environmental pathogen and allergen control through sanitation processes.
• Serve as the corporate connection point between pest control providers and the facilities. Participate in corrective actions where applicable. Ensure that annual risk assessments and corporate reviews are completed.
• Provide oversight for sanitation corrective action planning and recommendations to remediate gaps, with regular updates to leadership teams.
• Work with chemical suppliers, trade associations, and academia to ensure that sanitation programs are leading-edge and best-in-class.
• Work with EHS to optimize company environmental sustainability through water and chemical conservation. Monitor BCOD, TSS, and fats/oils/greases to waste treatment and facilitate continuous improvements in sanitation processes to reduce these outputs.
• Report to Sr. Food Safety and Regulatory Manager and coordinate with facilities as part of the role.

• Bachelor’s degree in microbiology, food science or related field preferred.
• 8 years of progressive leadership experience in food manufacturing.
• Technical knowledge of food safety principles, QA, risk management, microbiology, and sanitation.
• Expertise in HACCP, GMPs, regulatory compliance, and sanitation.
• Effective communication, analytical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated project management and cross-functional leadership.
• Skilled at managing and interpreting data and metrics.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office.
• Ability to influence, collaborate and persuade at all levels of the organization.
• Able to implement continuous improvement and best practices initiatives.
• Ability to spend 50+% of time travelling.
• Reports to – Sr. Food Safety and Regulatory Manager
• Direct Reports – N/A
• Indirect Reports – N/A

Wells Enterprises, Inc. is the largest privately held ice cream manufacturer in the United States. Founded in 1913, the company is an independent operating company of the Ferrero Group. Wells produces more than 200 million gallons of ice cream per year and distributes products in all 50 states. Wells manufactures its signature brand Blue Bunny®, Halo Top®, Bomb Pop®, and Blue Ribbon Classics®.

Wells employs nearly 4,000 ice cream aficionados and operates facilities in Le Mars, IA;
Dunkirk, NY; and Henderson, NV. Learn more at

At Wells, we’re proud to support our employees with comprehensive benefits that enhance health, financial wellness, and include paid time off (PTO). Eligible employees may also receive an annual incentive bonus based on Company performance. Learn more about our benefits here.