Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Goods Cleaner

🎯 Role Definition

The Goods Cleaner plays a vital, hands-on role in upholding the operational integrity and safety standards of our facility. This position is not just about cleaning; it is about safeguarding the quality of our goods and ensuring a safe, efficient, and compliant work environment for the entire team. As an integral part of the operations department, the Goods Cleaner executes detailed sanitation protocols on products, packaging, equipment, and storage areas. This individual is a frontline defender against contamination, product damage, and workplace hazards, directly contributing to our company's reputation for quality and reliability. Success in this role requires a meticulous eye for detail, a strong commitment to safety procedures, and the physical capability to work in a dynamic industrial setting.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

General Laborer
Warehouse Associate
Janitorial Staff
Production Worker

Advancement To:

Sanitation Team Lead
Facilities Coordinator
Safety Officer
Quality Control Inspector

Lateral Moves:

Warehouse Operator
Inventory Control Clerk
Maintenance Technician Assistant

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Execute comprehensive cleaning and sanitation of warehouse floors, aisles, and loading docks using industrial-grade sweepers, scrubbers, and pressure washers to ensure a safe, debris-free environment.
Perform detailed sanitation of material handling equipment, including forklifts, pallet jacks, conveyor belts, and sorting systems, to prevent cross-contamination and maintain operational readiness.
Diligently clean and inspect storage racking, shelving, and designated product zones to remove dust, spills, and other residues that could compromise product packaging or quality.
Disassemble, clean, sanitize, and reassemble production or processing machinery according to strict Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure hygiene and functionality.
Meticulously handle, mix, and apply various industrial-strength cleaning and sanitizing chemicals, strictly adhering to Safety Data Sheet (SDS) guidelines and wearing appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Manage the facility's waste streams by collecting, sorting, and disposing of trash, cardboard, plastics, and other materials in designated compactors and recycling containers.
Conduct routine inspections of assigned work areas, identifying and reporting any potential safety hazards, maintenance needs, or pest activity to the appropriate supervisor.
Maintain accurate, detailed logs and records of all cleaning activities, chemical usage, and completed sanitation tasks to ensure compliance with internal and external auditing standards.
Respond immediately and effectively to spills of products or chemicals, following established containment and cleanup protocols to mitigate safety risks and environmental impact.
Systematically remove contaminants, dirt, and labels from incoming or outgoing goods and their primary packaging to meet quality control standards or client specifications.
Ensure all sanitation stations, eye-wash stations, and first-aid kits are clean, well-stocked, and readily accessible in case of an emergency.
Perform periodic deep-cleaning tasks, including washing walls, cleaning overhead fixtures, and scrubbing hard-to-reach areas as part of a master sanitation schedule.
Maintain the cleanliness, organization, and inventory of janitorial closets and chemical storage areas, ensuring all supplies are properly labeled and stored.
Adhere rigorously to all company safety policies, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and site-specific procedures to foster a culture of safety and compliance.
Collaborate with the Quality Assurance team by preparing areas for inspection and addressing any sanitation-related feedback or corrective actions.
Operate and maintain powered cleaning equipment, performing basic checks and reporting any malfunctions or needs for repair to the maintenance department.
Ensure all safety guards, panels, and components of machinery are correctly reinstalled and secured after cleaning procedures are completed.
Participate actively in mandatory safety training sessions, chemical handling workshops, and team meetings to stay current on best practices and company policies.
Assist in ensuring all facility drains and drainage systems are kept clear of blockages and are functioning correctly to prevent water backup and safety hazards.
Support the broader operational team by ensuring that a clean and organized environment contributes to overall efficiency and workflow.

Secondary Functions

Support inventory and cycle count activities by ensuring storage areas are clean, well-lit, and easily accessible for the inventory team.
Assist the facilities maintenance team with minor, non-technical tasks such as light bulb replacement, minor painting, or general site upkeep.
Participate in site-wide safety audits and inspections, contributing a valuable on-the-ground perspective for hazard identification and risk mitigation.
Provide general assistance during seasonal peaks or special projects, which may include basic material handling, sorting, or organizational tasks as directed.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Chemical Handling and Safety: Proficient knowledge of safely handling, diluting, and applying industrial cleaning chemicals in accordance with Safety Data Sheet (SDS) protocols.
Operation of Industrial Cleaning Equipment: Experience operating machinery such as walk-behind or ride-on floor scrubbers, pressure washers, and industrial vacuums.
Sanitation Procedures (SSOPs/GMP): Understanding of and ability to follow Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOPs) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) Awareness: Basic knowledge of LOTO procedures to ensure safety when cleaning and servicing machinery.
Waste Management: Competency in proper waste segregation, recycling, and disposal techniques, including the operation of bailers and compactors.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Usage: Correctly selecting and using appropriate PPE (e.g., gloves, goggles, respirators) for specific tasks.
Record-Keeping: Ability to accurately complete daily cleaning logs, checklists, and other required documentation.
Spill Containment: Knowledge of procedures for containing and cleaning up various types of spills in a safe and timely manner.
Basic Equipment Maintenance: Ability to perform routine checks and minor maintenance on cleaning equipment to ensure it remains in good working order.
Attention to Detail: A keen eye for identifying dirt, debris, and non-compliance in a fast-paced environment.

Soft Skills

Reliability and Punctuality: A consistent and dependable work ethic with an excellent attendance record.
Adherence to Safety: A safety-first mindset with a strong commitment to following all rules and procedures without exception.
Physical Stamina: The ability to stand, walk, bend, and lift for extended periods, often involving moderately heavy objects.
Time Management: Skill in prioritizing tasks effectively to complete all duties within a scheduled shift.
Teamwork and Collaboration: Ability to work cooperatively with supervisors and colleagues across different departments.
Independence: The capacity to work effectively with minimal supervision once tasks and routines are established.
Problem-Solving: The ability to identify issues (e.g., a recurring mess, an equipment fault) and report them clearly.
Verbal Communication: The ability to understand and follow verbal instructions and communicate clearly with team members.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Vocational training or certification in industrial sanitation, workplace safety (e.g., OSHA 10), or a related field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Not Applicable

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

0-2 years of experience in a janitorial, sanitation, general labor, or warehouse role.

Preferred:

1+ years of demonstrated experience in a sanitation role within an industrial, manufacturing, food processing, or distribution center environment.
Prior experience working in an environment regulated by GMP, HACCP, or other quality control standards.