Extraction Lead

About Sun Orchard

At Sun Orchard, we believe in the power of fresh thinking. Since 1984, we’ve been a trusted leader in premium juice and beverage solutions for the foodservice and hospitality industries. Rooted in citrus country, our legacy is built on quality, sustainability, and community.

With state-of-the-art facilities in Arizona and Florida, we deliver consistency and excellence to our customers every day. What truly sets us apart is our people—collaborative, safety-focused, and driven by continuous improvement.

Our values: Integrity. Teamwork. Quality. Passion.

Position Summary

The Extraction Lead is a hands-on, frontline leader responsible for supporting daily extraction operations and ensuring work is executed safely, efficiently, and according to quality standards. This role acts as the first point of contact for operators on the floor, providing direction, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring production targets are met.

Working closely with the Extraction Supervisor, the Extraction Lead helps coordinate workflow, monitor equipment and processes, and reinforce safety, quality, and performance expectations.

Key Responsibilities

Operations Execution

• Lead and support day-to-day extraction activities including fruit receiving, sorting, unloading, extraction, drumming, and filling
• Ensure production schedules are followed and targets are achieved
• Monitor process flow and make real-time adjustments to maintain efficiency and product quality
• Assist with oil extraction processes and ensure proper handling through shipment readiness
• Support coordination of juice and byproduct handling, staging, and transfers

Team Leadership & Support

• Provide daily direction and guidance to extraction operators
• Serve as the on-the-floor leader ensuring teams remain productive, safe, and engaged
• Train new employees on equipment, processes, SOPs, and safety protocols
• Reinforce accountability for attendance, performance, and adherence to standards
• Escalate personnel or operational issues to the Supervisor as needed

Safety, Quality & Compliance

• Promote a strong safety culture and ensure all team members follow safety procedures
• Perform routine checks to ensure compliance with GMP, HACCP, and company policies
• Identify hazards and support corrective action to prevent incidents
• Assist Quality Assurance by ensuring product meets specifications and reporting any deviations

Equipment & Process Monitoring

• Monitor extraction equipment performance and identify potential issues early
• Perform basic troubleshooting and coordinate with Maintenance for repairs
• Help minimize downtime and maintain smooth production flow

Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and optimize processes
• Support implementation of process improvements and SOP updates
• Encourage team participation in continuous improvement initiatives

Documentation & Reporting

• Accurately complete production logs, checklists, and shift reports
• Track key metrics such as throughput, yield, downtime, and quality issues
• Communicate shift updates, issues, and priorities to incoming teams and leadership

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• 2+ years of experience in manufacturing, food processing, or extraction operations
• Demonstrated ability to lead or mentor team members in a production environment
• Basic knowledge of safety practices and manufacturing processes
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in juice, beverage, or food manufacturing
• Prior experience as a lead or acting supervisor
• Familiarity with GMP, HACCP, and food safety standards
• Experience working with production tracking systems or ERP/MES tools
• Exposure to Lean or continuous improvement practices

Core Competencies

• Leadership: Leads by example and supports team success on the floor
• Accountability: Ensures work is completed safely, correctly, and on time
• Communication: Clear, direct, and effective across shifts and teams
• Problem-Solving: Addresses issues quickly to minimize disruption
• Attention to Detail: Maintains product quality and accurate documentation
• Teamwork: Collaborates effectively with Supervisor and cross-functional teams

Work Environment & Schedule

• Manufacturing environment with exposure to:
  • Moving equipment, forklifts, and elevated noise levels
  • Citrus fumes, airborne particles, and varying temperatures
• Physical requirements include standing, walking, lifting, and climbing as needed
• Flexible schedule required, including:
  • Nights, weekends, and overtime during peak production periods

Why Join Sun Orchard?

At Sun Orchard, you’re part of a team that values safety, teamwork, and continuous improvement. As an Extraction Lead, you’ll play a key role in keeping our operations running smoothly while growing your leadership skills and career.

Help us deliver quality in every drop—join Sun Orchard today.