About the Company:
Water Lilies Food, LLC is a private equity-backed manufacturer and distributor of premium Asian inspired food. Founded for over 30 years, the Company is in a high-growth phase, supported by a state of-the-art manufacturing facility in Bay Shore, NY (Suffolk County Long Island), with a second facility scheduled to come online in Q2 2026.
Water Lilies? growth strategy is centered on private label partnerships with national and regional retailers, complemented by proprietary control brand offerings where private label programs are not feasible. The category remains underdeveloped, creating meaningful runway for growth through disciplined commercialization, category-led selling, and operationally sound go-to-market execution.
Water Lilies? vision is to be the preferred supplying partner of premium Asian-inspired food, achieved through delivering our products and services with attention to detail, a continuous improvement mindset, agility, and authenticity. Our culture emphasizes collaboration, respect, and accountability.
Employees are empowered to make a meaningful impact, take ownership of their work, and grow alongside the business. The company is backed by Blue Point Capital Partners, a lower middle-market private equity firm with a strong history of scaling founder-led and growth-oriented manufacturing businesses.
Job Summary:
The Sanitation Lead is responsible for directing, coordinating, and executing daily and deep-cleaning sanitation operations on the plant floor. Acting as the hands-on operational liaison between management and the sanitation crew, the Lead ensures that all processing equipment, production lines, and plant infrastructure are thoroughly cleaned, sanitized, inspected, and released on time for production startup. This position enforces strict adherence to Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOPs), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), chemical safety regulations, and company safety guidelines (including Lockout/Tagout). The Sanitation Lead plays an essential role in audit readiness, microbiological control, and maintaining high hygiene standards across the facility.
KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Crew Leadership & Task Delegation
Direct, assign, and prioritize daily shift tasks for Sanitation Technicians.
Ensure proper staffing coverage across all active cleaning zones and equipment tear-downs.
Pre-Operational Inspections & Line Release
Perform pre-operational inspections, including visual, tactile, and smell evaluations.
Conduct ATP bioluminescence testing and allergen swabbing.
Document inspection results and release production lines.
SSOP Execution & Compliance
Ensure compliance with established SSOPs and sanitation procedures.
Oversee the 7-step wet-cleaning and dry-cleaning processes.
Ensure proper cleaning of tanks, conveyors, fillers, pipes, packaging equipment, and structural areas.
Chemical Management & Dilution Safety
Monitor chemical dispensing stations.
Perform chemical titrations and PPM verification.
Ensure proper handling, storage, and labeling of caustic cleaners, acids, and sanitizers in accordance with SDS guidelines.
Safety & Lockout/Tagout (LOTO)
Ensure compliance with OSHA requirements and PPE standards.
Enforce machine-specific LOTO procedures before entering or cleaning equipment.
Promote safe work practices throughout sanitation operations.
Continuous Improvement & Root Cause Support
Investigate pre-operational inspection failures and out-of-specification ATP or microbiological findings.
Coordinate immediate recleaning when necessary.
Partner with Quality Assurance on root-cause investigations and corrective actions.
Documentation & Shift Turnover
Complete daily sanitation logs and chemical check sheets.
Maintain Master Sanitation Schedule (MSS) task sign-offs.
Conduct thorough shift handoffs with incoming leadership.
QUALIFICATIONS & EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
High scool diploma or GED equivalent required.
Minimum of 2 4 years of industrial sanitation experience in food, beverage, dairy, or pharmaceutical manufacturing.
At least 1 year of experience in a lead, trainer, or senior technician role.
Strong understanding of GMPs, HACCP principles, FDA/USDA food safety regulations, and chemical titration techniques.
Proficiency operating:
Pressure washers.
Chemical foamers.
COP (Clean-Out-of-Place) tanks.
Automated CIP (Clean-In-Place) systems.
Ability to coach, train, and guide team members.
Effective communication across shifts.
Ability to prepare clear and accurate operational shift notes.
English/Spanish bilingual proficiency strongly preferred.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORKING CONDITIONS
Ability to work in wet, humid, hot, or cold refrigerated environments, with temperatures ranging from 35F to 100F+ depending on the processing area.
Ability to walk and stand for extended periods (8 12-hour shifts).
Ability to bend, stoop, climb ladders, and reach overhead.
Ability to regularly lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
Ability to work around:
Industrial machinery and moving conveyor belts.
Diluted hazardous cleaning chemicals.
Ability to wear and properly use required PPE, including rubber boots, aprons, face shields, gloves, and respirators when required. Approved by Department