Solvent Extraction Supervisor

Solvent Extraction Supervisor

Location: Nakuru
Department: Operations / Production
Gross Salary: KES 60,000 per month

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.

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.