SUMMARY:
Cleaning Supervisor - QSR - Pinetown
POSITION INFO:
Job Spec:
Cleaning Supervisor – Food Manufacturing / Distribution Centre
Our reputable client within the Food Manufacturing / QSR industry is seeking an experienced and hands-on Cleaning Supervisor to join their team at their Distribution Centre in Newlands East, Durban.
The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing all cleaning, sanitation and hygiene operations within the Distribution Centre, ensuring that facilities, equipment and food processing machinery are maintained to the highest standards of cleanliness, food safety and Health & Safety compliance.
This role requires a strong leader with proven experience in a food manufacturing environment, excellent knowledge of HACCP regulations, and the ability to manage cleaning teams in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
Minimum Requirements
- Matric (Grade 12) essential.
- Valid certification or proven training in HACCP principles or food hygiene regulations.
- Minimum 2–3 years' cleaning experience specifically within a food manufacturing facility.
- At least 1 year's supervisory experience managing cleaning teams.
- Previous experience as a Cleaning Supervisor or Team Leader within a commercial or food processing facility.
- Strong understanding of food safety, sanitation and hygiene standards.
- Knowledge of Clean-in-Place (CIP) systems and high-pressure cleaning equipment.
- Experience with chemical dilution, titration, chemical identification and safe chemical handling.
- Understanding of allergen control, pathogen prevention and pest control procedures.
- Experience managing master cleaning schedules, sanitation logs and cleaning checklists.
- Knowledge of Health & Safety regulations and PPE requirements.
- Basic computer literacy.
- Willingness to work evening shifts, weekends and public holidays as operationally required.
Key Responsibilities
Cleaning Operations & Hygiene Management
- Oversee all daily cleaning and sanitation activities within the Distribution Centre.
- Implement and maintain master cleaning schedules and daily cleaning plans.
- Allocate cleaning duties and ensure all areas are cleaned according to company standards.
- Supervise deep cleaning and washdown procedures for food processing machinery and equipment.
- Oversee CIP cleaning processes and the safe operation of high-pressure washers.
- Ensure compliance with HACCP, food safety and hygiene regulations.
- Monitor correct chemical dilution, application and concentration testing.
- Implement allergen control, pathogen prevention and pest control protocols.
- Conduct regular inspections and immediately address cleaning deficiencies.
Team Leadership & Supervision
- Supervise, motivate and manage the cleaning team to ensure productivity and high performance.
- Conduct daily shift briefings covering operational priorities, cleaning requirements and safety procedures.
- Allocate staff according to operational requirements and arrange cover for absences.
- Monitor staff attendance, punctuality, performance and discipline.
- Train new and existing employees on cleaning procedures, chemical handling, equipment usage and safety requirements.
- Ensure all employees follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
- Manage staff conflicts and implement disciplinary procedures where necessary.
- Coordinate staff leave and ensure adequate workforce coverage.
Food Safety, Health & Safety Compliance
- Ensure all cleaning activities comply with food safety and Health & Safety regulations.
- Enforce the correct use of PPE and company uniforms.
- Monitor safe chemical storage, handling and usage.
- Maintain accurate sanitation records, cleaning checklists and inspection reports.
- Ensure cleaning documentation remains updated and audit-ready.
- Address and close departmental audit findings within 24 hours.
- Report incidents, safety concerns and maintenance issues to management.
Stock Control & Equipment Management
- Monitor stock levels of cleaning chemicals, consumables, tools and equipment.
- Ensure cleaning supplies are ordered timeously to prevent shortages.
- Inspect cleaning equipment regularly and arrange maintenance or replacement where necessary.
- Maintain accurate chemical usage and stock control records.
- Ensure cleaning equipment is used correctly and safely.
Reporting & Administration
- Complete daily sanitation logs, cleaning records and pre-operational inspection reports.
- Maintain accurate cleaning schedules and staff training records.
- Ensure departmental usage trackers are updated daily and accessible on SharePoint.
- Provide regular feedback to management regarding cleaning standards, operational challenges and corrective actions.
- Assist with internal and external food safety and hygiene audits.
Required Skills & Competencies
- Strong leadership and team management skills.
- Excellent organisational and planning abilities.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to hygiene standards.
- Good communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work effectively under pressure.
- Strong problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills.
- Ability to identify operational risks and implement corrective action.
- Reliable, disciplined and proactive approach.
- Ability to maintain high standards in a time-sensitive food manufacturing environment.
Key Performance Areas
- Achieve a minimum 90% external compliance audit score.
- Maintain a minimum 90% weekly internal compliance audit score.
- Ensure all audit findings are resolved within 24 hours.
- Maintain excellent cleaning and sanitation standards.
- Ensure accurate and up-to-date hygiene documentation.
- Effectively manage staff attendance, training and disciplinary processes.
Important: Candidates must have previous cleaning experience within a food manufacturing or food processing facility. Experience in general office, residential or commercial cleaning alone will not meet the specific requirements of this position.
