Drying Operator at Florida Food Products, LLC – 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 Drying Operator, you play a critical role in the manufacturing process by ensuring that materials and products are properly dried to meet quality and production standards. This position involves operating and monitoring drying equipment, adjusting settings to optimize drying times and temperatures, and maintaining consistent product quality. The operator will collaborate closely with production teams to troubleshoot issues and implement process improvements. Attention to detail and adherence to safety protocols are essential to prevent defects and ensure a safe working environment. Ultimately, the Drying Operator contributes to the efficiency and reliability of the manufacturing line, supporting overall production goals.

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:

• Operate and monitor industrial drying equipment according to established procedures and safety guidelines.
• Adjust machine settings such as temperature, airflow, and drying time to achieve optimal drying results.
• Inspect materials before and after drying to ensure compliance with quality standards and report any deviations.
• Perform routine maintenance and cleaning of drying equipment to maintain operational efficiency.
• Collaborate with production and quality control teams to identify and resolve process issues promptly.
• Maintain accurate records of drying cycles, equipment performance, and any incidents or adjustments made.
• Follow all safety protocols and participate in safety training to promote a safe work environment.

Skills:

The Drying Operator utilizes technical skills to operate and adjust complex drying machinery, ensuring products meet precise specifications. Attention to detail is critical when inspecting materials and monitoring equipment performance to maintain high-quality output. Problem-solving skills are applied daily to troubleshoot equipment issues and optimize drying processes for efficiency. Communication skills facilitate effective collaboration with production and quality teams to address challenges and implement improvements. Additionally, adherence to safety protocols and the ability to perform routine maintenance ensure a safe and reliable manufacturing environment.

Minimum Requirements/Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Previous experience operating industrial drying or manufacturing equipment is preferred.
• Basic understanding of manufacturing processes and quality control standards.
• Ability to read and interpret technical documents and equipment manuals.
• Physical ability to stand for extended periods and perform manual tasks as required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certification or training in industrial equipment operation or manufacturing processes.
• Experience with process optimization and troubleshooting in a manufacturing environment.
• Familiarity with safety regulations and best practices in industrial settings.
• Basic computer skills for data entry and equipment monitoring systems.
• Strong communication skills to effectively collaborate with team members and supervisors.

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**