Distillation Manager - Winter Haven, FL

Archer Daniels Midland•Winter Haven, FL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

ADM is seeking a Distillation Manager to oversee the daily operations of vacuum distillation columns, fractionating units, strippers, and evaporators. This role involves managing a team, optimizing processing parameters for citrus oils, and ensuring product quality and safety. The manager will also drive continuous improvement initiatives, participate in capital projects, and ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations.

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.
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.

Nice To Haves

Direct experience with citrus oil processing, essential oils, or flavors/fragrances is highly preferred.
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.

Responsibilities

Oversee the daily operation of vacuum distillation columns, fractionating units, strippers, and evaporators.
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.

Benefits

Competitive pay
Medical/Rx, dental, vision
On-site wellness center access or gym reimbursement (as applicable)
Flexible spending accounts
Health savings account
401(k) with matching contributions and cash balance plan
Discounted employee stock purchasing program
Life insurance
Disability
Workers’ compensation
Legal assistance
Identity theft protection
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)
Colleague Giving Programs (ADM Cares)
Paid time off
Paid holidays
Adoption assistance
Paid maternity and parental leave
Tuition assistance
Company-sponsored training and development resources, such as LinkedIn Learning, language training and mentoring programs.