ADM

Distillation Manager - Winter Haven, FL

ADM$95K — $115K *
Food & Beverages
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Food Engineering, Chemistry, or a related field.
  • 5+ years of experience in chemical distillation or botanical extraction with supervisory experience.
  • Experience in citrus oil processing or essential oils is preferred.
  • Strong knowledge of fractional distillation and fluid dynamics.
  • Familiarity with DCS/SCADA/PLC automated process control systems.

Responsibilities

  • Oversee daily operations of vacuum distillation and related units.
  • Manage and lead a team comprising a Plant Engineer and Pilot Plant lead Operator.
  • Optimize processing parameters for maximum oil yield and purity.
  • Ensure production meets customer demands and inventory targets.
  • Collaborate with QA/QC to monitor product specifications.
  • Maintain compliance with various food safety standards and certifications.
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the facility.

Benefits

  • Opportunities for professional development and mentoring.
  • Participation in capital expenditure projects.
  • Access to a collaborative and innovative work environment.
  • Involvement in continuous improvement practices.
  • Focus on employee safety and regulatory compliance.
Full Job Description
Job Description

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.

REF:111709BR

Base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Hourly and salaried non-exempt employees will also be paid overtime pay when working qualifying overtime hours.

If hired, employees will be in an "at-will position" and the Company reserves the right to modify base pay (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.

The pay range for this position is expected to be between:

About ADM

Archer Daniels Midland Company offers food ingredients, animal feeds and feed ingredients, biofuels, and other products. ADM transforms natural products into a complete portfolio of ingredients and flavors for foods and beverages, supplements, nutrition for pets and livestock, and more. It was formed in 1902 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.

ADM Careers

There has never been a more exciting time to explore the job opportunities at ADM, a global leader in nutrition and agricultural processing. As a company committed to growth, innovation, and sustainability, ADM offers a unique platform for professionals to advance their careers in a dynamic and supportive environment. Work You’ll Do Join ADM’s industry-leading team to help address some of the most pressing challenges of our time, from food production to sustainable energy. At ADM, you can transform industries and foster a healthier future, leveraging our global scale and deep industry expertise. Lead with Innovation and Leadership At ADM, you are positioned to lead at the nexus of agricultural expertise and cutting-edge innovation. Our leadership in the market is driven by our commitment to innovation and diversity, ensuring that we meet global demands sustainably and efficiently. Engage with a Global Team Collaborate with over 33,000 dedicated professionals around the world who are united in their passion for delivering results and making a meaningful impact. ADM’s culture fosters a collaborative and inclusive workplace where diverse ideas lead to extraordinary outcomes. Introducing the ADM Professional Growth Pathways We are dedicated to nurturing the professional growth of our employees through unmatched training, leadership development programs, and diversity training. ADM’s commitment to professional development ensures that your career is future-proof, allowing you to evolve with the industry and our company. Do Meaningful Work Engage in work that matters with a team that values innovation and practical solutions. At ADM, your efforts contribute directly to creating a more secure and sustainable world, from improving global food supply chains to pioneering new bio-solutions. Be Part of a Great Team Experience the power of teamwork at ADM, where our collaborative environment is enhanced by diverse perspectives and a shared commitment to excellence. Our team’s unparalleled capabilities in agribusiness drive our ability to meet the needs of a growing world. Explore Career Opportunities From internships to full-time positions, ADM offers a variety of entry points for individuals at all stages of their careers. Whether you’re refining your skills or ready to lead, find the position that matches your career ambitions at ADM. Stay Connected Join Our Team Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We look for passionate, curious, and solution-driven team players who are ready to make a difference. SEARCH ADM JOBS Keep Up to Date Stay informed with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can put to use today—all from the people who work here. READ CAREERS BLOG Job Alert Emails Customize your subscription to receive job alerts, the latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Discover the exciting and rewarding career opportunities that await you at ADM.
Learn more about ADM
Size
41,000 employees
Market Cap
$52 billion
Industry
Net Income
$1.7 billion
Founded
1902
5 Year Trend
+6.5%
Revenue
$64.3 billion
NASDAQ

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