Packaging Operator Lead

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 Packaging Operator Lead you will lead and train Packaging staff in setting up, running product into correct packaging materials, verifying quality checks are completed as required, and changing over to package ordered finished products. The Lead is responsible for all documentation within the department, including Batch Tickets and Inventory. 

Ensure products are packaged as scheduled for storage and shipping in a clean and efficient manner.  Make sure all packaging labels are approved by Quality Assurance and follow all required GMP procedures.  Complete all required paperwork and maintain inventory of all packaging materials.   Monitor and maintain the integrity and uniformity of final product.  Ensure before the end of each shift that all paperwork has been accurately completed, machinery is ready for the next shift to run efficiently, and the department is left clean and sanitary.

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:

• Follow all packaging procedures and SOPs
• Interpret the daily and weekly production schedules and plan accordingly
• Setup and changeover of equipment
• Partner with Quality Assurance for label approval and printing
• Work alongside Batching and Extraction Departments to ensure product availability for efficient scheduling
• Operate and act as Subject Matter Expert (SME) for all packaging equipment
• Check and verify Critical Control Points (CCPs)
• Process and document all paperwork accurately
• Maintain expected departmental organization and cleanliness
• Ensure all employees are following Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and working in accordance with Javo/FFP’s policies
• Train all new associates on operational processes, procedures, and guidelines
• Drive and seek out new continuous improvement processes within the department
• Maintain a safe and clean work environment by complying with Food Safety guidelines, procedures, rules and regulations, and GMPs
• Company reserves the right to move associates to different departments based on business and/or training needs
• Other duties as assigned

Minimum Requirements/Qualifications:

• Must be results-oriented
• Strong operational skillset
• Ability to effectively communicate with various communication styles and preferences
• Must be able to lift up to, and including, 50 pounds
• Ability to stand continuously for up to, and including, 4 hours periods of time
• Must be willing to obtain forklift operator certification
• Must be able to work in wet, noisy, and hot environments
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Ability to multi-task effectively
• Knowledge of packaging systems and operation of filling equipment
• Knowledge of cleaning procedures in an FDA-regulated facility
• Must be able to work well in a fast-paced environment while leading others for success
• Competent computer skills

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.

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**