Team Lead, Sanitation

Village Farms International (Nasdaq: VFF) is a vertically integrated global leader in cannabis and plant-based consumer packaged goods, and sustainable innovation. As one of North America’s longest-standing produce operators built on decades of expertise, we’re a company where growers, innovators, and creators come together to shape the future of high performing plant-based brands, globally.

Joining Village Farms means joining a global team built on purpose, integrity, and ambition. Here, we grow people, ideas and possibilities.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the Sanitation Supervisor, the Team Lead – Sanitation is responsible for leading and supporting sanitation operations to ensure all production equipment, machinery, utensils, tools, and facility areas are cleaned and maintained in accordance with Company standards. This role exists to promote a safe, organized, and audit-ready production environment through hands-on leadership, execution of the Master Sanitation Schedule, ATP swabbing procedures, and consistent adherence to quality, health, and safety standards.

What You'll Do

Sanitation Operations & Safety Compliance

• Coordinates all sanitation activities according to Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOPs),
• Ensures machinery/equipment is properly disassembled and reassembled where required for effective cleaning,
• Conducts ATP swab testing as necessary to verify sanitation effectiveness,
• Ensures all chemicals used in the cleaning process are mixed according to supplier specifications,
• Maintains daily, weekly, and monthly sanitation records,
• Understands and fulfills responsibilities related to GMPs, HACCP, food safety, and health & safety programs,
• Maintains sanitation inventory and supplies,
• Verifies sanitation tasks completed by sanitation associates,
• Follows Health and Safety policies and procedures in which training is provided,
• Reports sanitation, safety, or operational concerns to the Sanitation Supervisor

Team Leadership & Employee Development

• Leads by example and fosters an environment of mutual respect and teamwork among Team Members.
• Leads, coaches, mentors, and trains Sanitation Team Members.
• Conducts pre-shift meetings and provides feedback regarding team and individual performance.
• Ensures all new workers are effectively oriented and trained.
• Manages team workload distribution and structure to support operational efficiency and performance
• Leads sanitation personnel onsite and ensures daily requirements and procedures are completed

Cross-Functional Coordination & Operational Support

• Coordinates with Maintenance personnel, sanitation crew, and Production departments regarding dismantling and preparation of production lines and equipment for cleaning,
• Supports sanitation scheduling and completion of tasks within operational timelines,
• Communicates sanitation-related updates, concerns, and operational issues to leadership,
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Manager to support operational needs.

OTHER DUTIES

At Village Farms we are all growers at heart. Our plants and processes require in-person care and attention to ensure we’re bringing the best our plants and people have to offer to our consumers. This means other duties may arise since we work together to ensure we support all business activities – seed to sale.

This role is on-site, which requires you to work on facility at all times in a Sanitation Team Lead role or directly supporting operations.

What You Bring

Education

• Highschool diploma or equivalent experience.

Experience

• Minimum 2 years of experience working in a sanitation environment within the food manufacturing, pharmaceutical, or regulated production industry,
• Minimum 1 year in a Team Lead role is considered an asset.
• Experience working in a GMP and HACCP regulated facility is considered an asset.
• Experience implementing sanitation procedures and SSOPs in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience conducting sanitation inspections, ATP swabbing, and maintaining sanitation documentation.
• Experience using Microsoft Office programs including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Experience with inventory management, scheduling, and team coordination is an asset.

Knowledge & Skills

• Knowledge of sanitation procedures, cleaning chemicals, and safe chemical handling practices.
• Understanding of GMPs, HACCP, SSOPs, WHMIS, and food safety standards.
• Strong leadership, coaching, and team development skills.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to identify sanitation, safety, and operational issues and implement corrective actions.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain high sanitation and quality standards.
• Problem-solving and continuous improvement mindset.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and operational requirements.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift, push, pull, and carry up to 40–50 lbs on a regular basis throughout the shift,
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, squat, reach, and perform repetitive motions for extended periods in a production environment
• Comfortable working in wet, humid, cold, or hot environments while safely handling sanitation chemicals and equipment.

Ability to wear required PPE and work flexible shifts, including weekends and overtimes

Life at Village Farms

We believe It Takes A Village ® and we mean it.

It shows up in how we support each other, how we innovate, and how we win as a team.

Our values guide every decision we make:

Versatility| Innovation | Leadership | Loyalty | Accountability | Grit | Entrepreneurship

What you do here matters - to our people, our products, and the customers we serve.

We’ve got you covered with company-paid comprehensive benefits and education assistance to support your growth.

Ready to Grow With Us?

If you want to be part of something that has real impact - we’d love to meet you.