Blending Operator at Vibrant Ingredients – Eustis, Florida

Founded in 1954, Vibrant Ingredients is a leading provider of natural, clean label ingredients and systems that power extraordinary food and beverage experiences. The company’s broad portfolio — including natural flavors, botanical extracts, functional nutrition, cold brew coffee, tea essences, and food protection solutions — enhances taste, texture, color, shelf life, and performance across a wide range of applications. Vibrant operates four state-of-the-art facilities across the United States and works with leading brands, manufacturers, and foodservice operators. With vertically integrated capabilities and a proven track record of innovation and execution, Vibrant helps customers accelerate to market without compromise.

About the role:

We are a trusted partner to our customers when it comes to innovation and an industry leader in clean label ingredients, we are a true partner. We collaborate with our customers in ways that respect people and the environment. A commitment to Purely Better™ drives our innovation team to discover new, on trend solutions.

As a Blending Operator you will be responsible for the safe and efficient operation of blending equipment, ensuring proper mixing of ingredients according to specific recipes, and maintaining product consistency and quality. This position requires knowledge of food safety standards, adherence to production schedules, and a strong commitment to workplace safety.

How will you contribute:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. Essential job functions and duties include, but are not limited to:

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Blend Ingredients: Operate blending equipment to mix ingredients in the correct proportions and according to recipes.
• Monitor Blending Process: Regularly monitor and adjust blending processes to ensure optimal mixing and uniformity of product.
• Quality Control: Inspect blended products for consistency, quality, and adherence to company specifications. Perform regular checks and quality control measures.
• Ingredient Preparation: Ensure that all ingredients are properly pre-weighed, measured, and prepared for blending according to production schedules and recipe specifications.
• Batch Management: Oversee the preparation of batches, ensuring that blending times, speeds, and temperatures are met to achieve the desired product consistency.
• Recipe Adherence: Ensure that all formulations and ingredient specifications are strictly followed to maintain product quality and consistency. Make adjustments to ingredients or processes when needed, based on supervisor direction.
• Process Optimization: Continuously evaluate blending processes and suggest improvements for increased efficiency, reduced waste, and better product quality.
• Product Sampling: Regularly sample products during the blending process and conduct testing to ensure they meet company and regulatory standards.
• Record Keeping: Maintain accurate production records, including quantities, times, and any deviations from established procedures.
• Equipment Maintenance: Perform routine cleaning and basic maintenance of blending equipment to ensure it remains in good working order.
• Safety Compliance: Follow all health and safety regulations, including proper handling and storage of raw materials and cleaning of equipment. Ensure a safe working environment at all times.
• Collaboration: Work closely with other production staff, such as line operators, supervisors, and quality assurance teams, to meet production goals and resolve issues.
• Inventory Management: Assist with inventory management of raw materials and finished products, ensuring ingredients are available as needed.
• Troubleshoot Ingredient Issues: Identify issues with ingredient quality, such as inconsistent textures, moisture levels, or expired ingredients, and report them to management or quality control teams for resolution.
• Troubleshooting: Address and resolve any issues or malfunctions in blending equipment or processes, notifying the supervisor when necessary.
• Cleanliness & Sanitation: Maintain cleanliness and hygiene in the blending area, following all sanitation guidelines and company standards.
• Inventory Management: Track the usage of raw materials, such as tea leaves and caffeine, and report any shortages or inventory needs to the production supervisor.
• Safety and Compliance: Adhere to all food safety regulations and plant-specific safety protocols. Ensure all activities follow standard operating procedures (SOPs} and comply with company policies.
• Ensure compliance with all safety, FDA, and plant safety standards.
• Contacts supervisor, QA or R&D for guidance in the event of unplanned deviations; follows guidance and direction accordingly

Minimum Requirements/Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• 2-3 years of experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably in food production.
• Demonstrated ability to operate and troubleshoot production equipment.
• Experience: Previous experience as a blending operator, machine operator, or in a similar role within the food manufacturing industry is preferred.
• Working knowledge of GMP, HACCP, FDA, and safety regulations.
• Experience with ERP/MES systems is preferred.
• Knowledge of Lean Six Sigma methodologies.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends and overtime.
• Understanding of food safety standards, hygiene, and quality control principles in a manufacturing environment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Repetitive lifting 50 to 60 pounds
• Climbing stairs and ladders
• Prolonged standing and walking
• Repetitive bending, twisting and kneeling
• Visual acuity to read instructions, operate machines, and inspect product
• Ability to work in high-temperature environments

Work Environment:

• May involve exposure to allergens such as Soy, Wheat, Fish, Shellfish, Milk, Egg, Tree Nuts and Sesame.

What Vibrant Ingredients can offer you:

• Generous time off for vacations
• Paid Holidays
• 401(k) with company match
• Tuition reimbursement
• Medical/Dental/Vision
• Health & Wellness programs

More about us:

Vibrant Ingredients, headquartered in Lake Mary, FL, is one of the world's leading independent providers of natural ingredients. With a legacy spanning over 70 years, we deliver a diverse portfolio of clean label ingredients and innovative system solutions to the food and beverage industry. Our commitment to quality and performance is reflected in our American-made products, which enhance both taste and functionality. Backed by advanced manufacturing capabilities, we specialize in fermentation, patented cold brew extraction, custom flavor development, and a range of drying and blending technologies. Operating from four state-of-the-art facilities strategically located across the U.S., we ensure the accessibility of real, high-quality ingredients—helping our customers create better-for-you food and beverage for consumers.

"Improving the food and beverages consumed by providing real ingredients from nature that work."

This position is currently classified as on-site.

Employees are eligible to participate in Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, 401(k), Holidays, Vacation, Tuition Reimbursement Program.

The final salary offered for this position may take into account a number of factors including, but not limited to, location, skills, education, and experience.

The Company reserves the right to modify, update, change and/or make corrections to this job description, at the sole discretion of senior management, at any time during the employee’s employment term, at the sole discretion of management.

EEO Statement

Vibrant Ingredients is an equal opportunity employer committed to employing a diverse workforce and providing accommodations for people with disabilities in all parts of the hiring process as required under its Employment Accommodation Policy. Vibrant Ingredients will work with applicants to meet accommodation needs that are made known to Vibrant Ingredients in advance.

**Please no external recruiters**