Director - Sanitation Programs and Standards (Food Safety and Quality Assurance)

Freshpet is a pioneering company dedicated to revolutionizing the way people nourish their pets. Their mission centers around promoting longer, healthier, and happier lives for both pets and their owners through fresh, real foods made with the utmost care for quality and the environment. Freshpet champions sustainability and is committed to operating with integrity, transparency, and social and environmental responsibility. The company’s approach encompasses not only delivering the highest quality pet foods but also maintaining a thoughtful and gentle impact on the planet and its communities. They pride themselves on their original vision, which highlights exceptional food quality crafted in their kitchens and an ethical business model that values people and the environment.

The role of the Sanitation Director at Freshpet is critical to fulfilling this mission. This leadership position is responsible for developing and managing comprehensive sanitation programs that uphold the highest standards of cleanliness, safety, and compliance across all Freshpet facilities. The Sanitation Director will spearhead innovation in sanitation technology and processes, ensuring the transfer of best practices and training to maintain industry-leading sanitation standards. This role works closely across multiple departments and sites, influencing sanitation designs and collaborating on solutions that align with regulatory compliance and company goals. The Sanitation Director will also lead sanitation efforts during crisis situations and help set corporate key performance indicators (KPIs) for continual improvement in sanitation operations.

The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of progressive experience managing sanitation and pest control programs, preferably within food and beverage manufacturing settings, with expertise in ready-to-eat (RTE) products and multi-plant environments. Deep knowledge of sanitation standards such as MSS, HACCP, Preventive Controls, GMP, SSOP, and GFSI schemes is essential. Additionally, strong leadership skills, excellent communication, proficiency in budgeting and vendor negotiations, and solid analytical and problem-solving abilities are required. Experience in microbiology specifically related to microbial risks in food processing will be highly valuable. The candidate should be adaptable with a proven capacity to lead teams through organizational change and willing to travel up to 40 percent.

Educational qualifications include a BS or BA in Food Science or a related field such as Chemistry, Microbiology, or Engineering.

Freshpet offers a competitive salary along with a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, disability protection, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with company match, paid parental leave, pet insurance, tuition assistance, and a generous paid time off plan. The company fosters a diverse and inclusive workplace, valuing employees’ unique backgrounds and experiences and striving to maintain a culture of equity and respect. Freshpet is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals irrespective of diverse characteristics and identities.