Solvent Extraction Supervisor

Role Purpose

• The Solvent Extraction Supervisor will manage the safe, efficient and consistent operation of the solvent extraction plant.
• The role is accountable for production output, oil recovery, meal quality, solvent efficiency, plant availability and compliance with safety, quality and environmental requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Plant Operations & Process Control

• Supervise daily solvent extraction operations from preparation/flaking through extraction, de-solventizing, solvent recovery and oil/meal handling.
• Monitor critical process parameters including temperature, pressure, flow, level, throughput and equipment performance.
• Maintain stable plant operations to achieve production, oil recovery, solvent efficiency and quality targets.
• Monitor extraction efficiency and identify areas of process loss.
• Identify process abnormalities early, troubleshoot issues and take corrective action to minimize downtime and losses.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives aimed at improving plant efficiency and process performance.

Shift & Team Management

• Lead shift operators and allocate manpower appropriately.
• Ensure effective shift handovers and communication of outstanding operational issues.
• Ensure operators comply with SOPs, safety instructions and approved operating parameters.
• Train and guide operators on plant operations, safety and troubleshooting.
• Maintain strong operating discipline and escalate significant process, equipment or safety issues appropriately.

Safety, Quality & Compliance

• Ensure strict compliance with safety requirements, particularly relating to hexane and other flammable solvent handling and hazardous areas.
• Monitor solvent leakage, vapour and abnormal solvent losses.
• Ensure compliance with PPE, Permit-to-Work, LOTO, housekeeping and emergency-response requirements.
• Ensure safe isolation and preparation of equipment before maintenance work.
• Coordinate with QA/QC to ensure extracted oil and meal meet approved quality specifications.
• Investigate process, quality and safety deviations and implement corrective actions.

Maintenance Coordination & Reporting

• Monitor plant equipment condition and coordinate corrective action with Maintenance.
• Support shutdowns, preventive maintenance and safe preparation of equipment for maintenance.
• Participate in investigation of recurring equipment and process failures.
• Maintain accurate production, process, breakdown, safety and quality records.
• Prepare accurate shift reports and communicate key plant deviations and corrective actions to management.

Requirements
Qualifications & Experience

• Diploma or Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Food Science/Food Technology, Oilseed Technology, Process Technology, Production/Manufacturing Engineering or another related technical discipline.
• 5–8 years' relevant experience in solvent extraction, vegetable oil manufacturing, oilseed processing or edible oil production.
• Hands-on experience with hexane-based solvent extraction is mandatory.
• Previous experience supervising operators or production teams within a process plant environment is preferred.
• Willingness to work in shifts is required.

Technical Competencies
Candidates should demonstrate practical knowledge of:

• Oilseed preparation and flaking.
• Cooking and conditioning.
• Extractor operations.
• Miscella systems.
• De-solventizing and toasting.
• Evaporation and condensation.
• Solvent recovery.
• Crude oil and meal handling.
• Pumps and heat exchangers.
• Steam systems.
• Instrumentation.
• Basic PLC/DCS operations.
• Process troubleshooting.
• Preventive maintenance.
• Hazardous-area safety.
• LOTO and Permit-to-Work systems.