At Woodland Gourmet, we believe that our employees are our greatest asset. We foster a culture that thrives on collaboration, innovation, and continuous growth. Our team members are encouraged and empowered to take on challenges, contribute their unique perspectives, and develop their careers. We are committed to creating a supportive, inclusive, and dynamic work environment where every individual’s contribution is valued, and everyone has the opportunity to succeed. As we continue to grow and evolve, we remain focused on fostering an atmosphere of learning, respect, and teamwork.

Woodland Gourmet

Since 1989, Woodland Foods has been a trusted source of inspiration for food lovers worldwide. Rooted in authenticity and global culinary exploration, we are dedicated to providing globally inspired specialty ingredients that enhance culinary experiences. Our mission is to partner with customers who share our passion for authentic food solutions, focusing on Collaborative Innovation, Product Diversity, and Agile Operations. With our seasoned team, we craft innovative food experiences by exploring gourmet ingredients and unique flavors.

In December 2021, Woodland Foods was acquired by Graham Partners, a private investment firm committed to growing businesses with strong technological, manufacturing, and product development capabilities.

Idan Foods

Established in 1978, Idan Foods is renowned for its expertise in fried chicken breading, seasoning, baking mixes, and packaging. Specializing in creating unique textures, flavors, and spices, Idan is dedicated to helping customers build their own brand identities. From research and development to packaging and shipping, Idan takes pride in providing exceptional customer service, ensuring each product meets the highest standards. Idan Foods joined the Woodland Gourmet family in April 2024, bringing its expertise in custom food formulation and blending services to our growing portfolio.

Sevillo Fine Foods

Headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, Sevillo Fine Foods focuses on producing all-natural, ready-to-eat frozen products designed to save time and labor in the kitchen. With an emphasis on fire-roasted vegetables, slow-roasted tomatoes, spreads, and sauces, Sevillo elevates menus with value-added solutions. The integration of Sevillo with Woodland Gourmet, finalized in March 2025, opens up significant cross-selling opportunities, particularly in the food service distribution channel. This strategic acquisition strengthens our position in the retail and industrial markets while enhancing our capabilities in creating tailored culinary solutions.

Graham Partners

Graham Partners, founded in 1988, is a private investment firm focused on businesses with proprietary technologies, advanced manufacturing expertise, and strong growth potential. With over 110 acquisitions and investments, Graham Partners has a long history of backing companies in the food and consumer technology sectors, including Woodland Gourmet, Commercial Bakeries, Giraffe Food, and more. With significant industry experience and access to extensive operational resources, Graham Partners is a key driver in Woodland Gourmet's growth and success.

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Sanitation Worker 1st Shift

WAUKEGAN, IL

Full Time

Entry Level

Job Title: Sanitation Worker

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Reports to: Department Manager or Lead

Supervises: N/A

Travel: As needed according to the essential functions of position

Department: Sanitation

JOB PURPOSE:

The primary role of sanitation is cleaning the plant production equipment and facilities to meet food safety, customer quality, and worker safety requirements.

Essential duties and responsibilities

Perform general sanitation cleaning duties based on the current SOPs, procedures, and quality requirements

Breakdown and reassembly of manufacturing equipment

Washdown equipment or dry-clean as specified per the SSOP

Interior infrastructure cleaning of production and non-production areas

Assist in identifying safety hazards, areas, and equipment requiring non-routine attention

Communicate and work cross-functionally with other departments to meet the goal at hand

Participate in major project work, including dust collection system cleanouts, deep cleaning of warehouse and production areas

Safely operate bailers, riding scrubbers, and scissor lifts

Able to work from heights of 20 feet using scissor lifts

Ensure accurate record-keeping of daily Sanitation documentation

Ensure all equipment is clean and passes pre-operating inspection

Comply with all food safety and quality assurance standards (GMP

Ensure cleaning chemicals are used per work instructions and dispensed safely

Follow all safety guidelines and use appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Maintain the Production area clean and audit-ready

Perform other job-related duties as assigned, including janitorial tasks, including washrooms, trash/waste removal, and facility groundskeeping activities

Qualifications/Requirements

Bilingual English/Spanish a plus.

Prior machine breakdown and sanitation experience preferred

High School diploma or GED preferred

Forklift experience a plus

Must demonstrate basic tool knowledge and basic mechanical skills

Production and/or Warehouse experience desirable, food manufacturing a plus

Flexibility to work overtime, including weekends, required

Can frequently move or lift to 55lbs (55lbs-65lbs team lift)

Must follow all GMPs and work consistently with all food safety, quality, and sanitation requirements

Skills/Abilities

Ability to read and write English

Must be able to add, subtract, multiply, and divide

Ability to prioritize and learn quickly

Good verbal and written communication

Able to manage a variety of tasks at the same time with rapidly changing priorities

Must be reliable, a self-starter and safety-minded

Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Possess a sense of urgency and attention to accuracy and detail

Strong organizational skills

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Regularly required to sit, stand, walk and frequently bend and move about the facility. Must be able to climb ladders and maneuver in small spaces

Personal Protective Equipment

The performance of this position requires exposure to manufacturing and warehouse areas that, under certain conditions, may require the use of personal protective equipment and adherence to chemical safety protocols.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. This position does not allow for remote work. This role does not allow for remote work.

Works in a manufacturing environment

Exposure to dust, odors, and noise

Use of cleaning chemicals

This document in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position.

Woodland Gourmet hires exceptional people to perform a wide variety of important functions that contribute to the success of our organization. We offer a competitive compensation package with benefits. The estimated hourly salary range for this role is $25-30. This position is eligible for an annual bonus (based on the incentive program terms and conditions). Based on your qualifications, previous experience, and transferable skills, the company will determine, at its discretion, the hourly rate offered and will reflect the market conditions and cost of living for your geographic location.

Our benefits program is designed to support our team in leading healthy, productive, and fulfilling lives. We deeply value the contributions of our team members and are committed to offering a competitive total compensation package. Additionally, we offer medical, prescription drug plans, dental, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability, vision insurance, flexible spending account, health savings account, tuition reimbursement, employee assistance program, voluntary benefits (hospital, critical illness, personal accident, legal & identify theft), 401k with company match, paid family leave, paid holidays and paid time off.

Woodland Gourmet is a participant in the federal E-Verify program. As part of the hiring process, we will verify the information provided on your Form I-9 to confirm your eligibility to work in the United States. E-Verify is an Internet-based system that compares information from your Form I-9 to government records to confirm employment eligibility. For more information on E-Verify and your rights, please visit the E-Verify website.

Woodland Gourmet assures equal employment opportunity in all its hiring and employment policies and practices. This includes all aspects of employment, such as recruiting, hiring, promotions, transfers, demotions, layoffs or terminations, compensation, benefits, training, company-sponsored education, social and recreational programs or events, and all other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment. These policies and practices are administered without regard to “legally protected categories” such as: race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation or sexual orientation, pregnancy status or medical conditions related to childbirth, and/or any other factor protected by law.

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