Distillation Manager - Winter Haven, FL

Distillation Manager - Winter Haven, FL

Job Responsibilities:

• Oversee the daily operation of vacuum distillation columns, fractionating units, strippers, and evaporators.
• People Management – Plant Engineer and Pilot Plant lead Operator as direct reports.
• Optimize processing parameters (temperature, pressure, flow rates) to maximize yield and purity of citrus oils (e.g., orange, lemon, lime, grapefruit).
• Manage production schedules to meet customer demand and inventory targets.
• Develop process feed blends to meet customer requirements and optimize workflows.
• Collaborate with the QA/QC laboratory to monitor gas chromatography (GC-MS) results and physical properties (refractive index, specific gravity).
• Ensure all finished oils meet rigorous sensory (aroma, flavor) and analytical specifications for food and fragrance safety.
• Maintain strict compliance with food safety standards (GFSI, SQF, HACCP, GMP) and organic/kosher/halal certifications where applicable.
• Troubleshoot process deviations, equipment malfunctions, and yield variations.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives (Lean/Six Sigma) to reduce waste, shorten cycle times, and lower energy consumption.
• Participate in capital expenditure (Cap-Ex) projects, including equipment upgrades and facility expansions.
• Supervise, train, and mentor distillation technicians and operators, fostering a culture of safety and accountability.
• Enforce strict adherence to OSHA regulations, hazardous material handling protocols, and environmental permits (air/wastewater emissions).
• Maintain accurate production logs, inventory records, and regulatory documentation.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Food Engineering, Chemistry, or a closely related technical field.
• 5+ years of experience in chemical distillation or botanical extraction, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or management role. Direct experience with citrus oil processing, essential oils, or flavors/fragrances is highly preferred.
• Deep understanding of fractional distillation, mass transfer, fluid dynamics, and thermal processes.
• Familiarity with automated process control systems (DCS/SCADA/PLC).
• Strong analytical problem-solving abilities, excellent communication skills, and a collaborative leadership style.

Preferred Requirements:

• 10+ years of experience leading a plant engaged in citrus ingredients processing using batch and continuous distillation.
• Experience with ERP systems, standard costing models and procurement;
• Continuous Improvement leadership and application of CI processes in a production environment;.
• Demonstrated scale-up experience and/or new technology development experience in a production environment;
• Experience with Quality Management Systems and QC lab testing and procedures;
• Direct experience managing a OSHA PSM compliant facility.

Excited about this role but don’t think you meet every requirement listed? We encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this role or another one of our openings.

ADM requires the successful completion of a background check.

REF:111709BR