Grind & Pack 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 Grind & Pack Operator, you are responsible for the efficient and safe operation of grinding and packing vegetables and fruit products while operating various equipment within a food manufacturing environment. This role ensures that raw materials are ground to specifications, then properly packaged for distribution, following quality, safety and food safety standards. The Grind and Pack Operator will work closely with the production team to meet production goals, maintain equipment and ensure a clean and safe work environment.

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:

• This will include operating HMIs tracking and recording yields. monitoring humidity, verifying the correct weights and calibrating the metal detectors and scales.
• When packing the operator is expected to fill the case to the correct weight, seal the bag and case then stack the case onto a pallet.
• Grind Material processing operate grinding machine to process raw2 ingredients into specified forms or particle sizes for production.
• Perform regular checks to ensure accurate weight. labeling and packaging integrity.
• Quality Control: Conduct regular checks to ensure the final product meets food safety and quality standards.
• Assist in performing in-process quality checks, such as weight checks and visual inspections.
• Identify and report any quality issues, ensuring corrective actions are taken when necessary.
• Machine Maintenance and Troubleshooting: Perform routine maintenance and cleaning on grinding and packing machines.
• Report any mechanical issues or equipment malfunctions to the maintenance team.
• Assist with troubleshooting minor machine problems to minimize downtime.
• Safety and Cleanliness: Follow all safety protocols to ensure a safe working environment.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of work areas, ensuring compliance with food safety standards.
• Properly store materials and dispose of waste in accordance with company policies.
• Documentation and Reporting: Maintain accurate production records, including quantities, times, and any deviations from established procedures.
• Maintain records of machine settings, production schedules, and quality control checks.
• Team Collaboration: Work effectively with other production team members to achieve daily production goals.
• Communicate with supervisors regarding any issues or improvements in the grinding and packing process.
• 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.
• 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.

Minimum Requirements/Qualifications:

• High school diploma, or equivalent
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills
• Knowledge of food safety standard (eg HACCP, GMP)
• Mechanical aptitude and ability to troubleshoot basic machines issues
• Familiarity with basic maintenance and operation of blending equipment.
• 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
• Ability to tolerate prolonged heat

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**