The CIP Systems Supervisor is responsible for overseeing the daily operation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of automated Clean-in-Place (CIP) systems used to sanitize process equipment in a food or beverage manufacturing facility. This role ensures that cleaning procedures meet regulatory standards, food safety requirements, and plant efficiency goals. The supervisor leads a small team of sanitation or utility operators and collaborates with Quality, Maintenance, and Operations to ensure hygienic integrity of production systems.
Supervise the execution of CIP routines across tanks, pipelines, pasteurizers, fillers, and other equipment, ensuring effectiveness and compliance.
Monitor CIP system performance, troubleshoot operational issues, and make real-time adjustments to parameters (temperature, flow, chemical dosing, timing).
Maintain accurate records of cleaning cycles, chemical usage, and sanitation verification data to support audits and compliance.
Coordinate with Quality Assurance to validate CIP effectiveness and corrective actions for failed cleaning cycles.
Train operators and junior technicians on CIP procedures, chemical safety, and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs).
Schedule CIP cycles in alignment with production needs, minimizing downtime while ensuring sanitation requirements.
Work with Maintenance to identify and resolve mechanical or instrumentation issues affecting CIP systems.
Support and drive improvements in cleaning efficiency, chemical use reduction, water conservation, and cycle time optimization.
Ensure compliance with USDA, FDA, FSMA, and internal food safety standards.
Education:
Associate or bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Mechanical Technology, Sanitation, or a related field preferred.
Certified in food safety/sanitation (e.g., HACCP, PCQI, or equivalent) is a plus.
Experience:
3–5 years of experience in a food, beverage, dairy, or pharmaceutical manufacturing environment.
Direct experience operating or supervising Clean-in-Place systems.
Technical Skills:
Solid understanding of CIP skids, tanks, pumps, valves, flowmeters, and chemical dosing systems.
Familiar with reading P&IDs, automation controls (e.g., PLC/HMI), and sanitation validation requirements.
Working knowledge of sanitary design, 3-A standards, and relevant regulatory requirements.
Soft Skills:
Strong leadership, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
Ability to manage cleaning schedules and lead small teams in a fast-paced environment.
Excellent communication and documentation skills.
Commitment to food safety, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement.