Tea Line Operator

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 Tea Line Operator, you will be responsible for the safe operation and management of various machines and equipment used in tea extraction and production. Key responsibilities include starting up and calibrating extraction equipment, loading tea hoppers, and monitoring and managing the performance of SCCs, decanters, centrifuges, microfilters, and CT12 machines. The operator will also handle tea dumpsters, pull and analyze samples of essence and solids, and manage the packing and storage of these materials.

Additional duties involve performing Clean-In-Place (CIP) procedures on equipment, cleaning extraction areas, and rinsing equipment exteriors. The Production Operator ensures that production runs efficiently according to daily and weekly plans, while also providing support for upstream processing, routine sample analysis, and occasional project needs. This role requires a deep understanding of SCC operations, troubleshooting, and process improvement to support our production goals.

How You Will Contribute:

• Operate and monitor SCC equipment for optimal performance and product quality.
• Start up and calibrate extraction equipment, including SCCs, decanters, centrifuges, microfilters, and CT12 machines.
• Load tea hoppers and manage tea dumpsters.
• Pull and analyze samples of essence and solids; pack and store finished materials.
• Perform Clean-In-Place (CIP) procedures and maintain cleanliness of extraction areas.
• Troubleshoot SCC systems and implement process improvements.
• Document performance, maintenance activities, and improvements.
• Collaborate with production teams and train junior staff on SCC operations.
• Ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards.

Minimum Requirements/Qualifications:

• HMI mechanical experience required.
• Minimum 2 years of experience with SCC technology or similar separation processes.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
• Proficiency in data analysis and process optimization.
• Knowledge of safety and regulatory requirements in the food and beverage industry.
• Familiarity with process control systems and instrumentation.
• Relevant technical certifications preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift 50–60 lbs repeatedly.
• Climb stairs and ladders; prolonged standing and walking.
• Repetitive bending, twisting, and kneeling.
• Visual acuity for reading instructions and inspecting products.
• Ability to work in high-temperature environments and 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**