Vice President, Manufacturing

The Role 

The Vice President, Manufacturing leads a shared services team focused on edibles, prerolls, packaging, engineering, and facility maintenance and repair.  This role focuses on identifying best practices, establishing processes and standards, and effectively utilizing assets in the manufacturing functions across the network.  This role will identify new technologies that bring additional capabilities or scale, lead the technical transfer of processes and products across the network, identify risks in the manufacturing function and coordinate mitigation activities. This role is a shared service provider for all states, working directly with site General Managers and Operations Managers, and serving as a member of the Operations leadership team. 

Responsibilities 

Key Accountabilities 

• Robust standardized manufacturing processes exist network-wide 
• Network manufacturing capacity and capabilities that can support financial objectives 
• On-time product launches and technical transfers 
• Quick resolution of emergent Manufacturing issues impacting the business 
• Deep Manufacturing expertise exists at all levels capable of supporting key objectives 
• Collaboration and alignment between Operations, Project Management team and Construction Management team 

Essential Functions  

• Drive innovation projects in manufacturing that build new capabilities, add capacity, and increase efficiency 
• Manage manufacturing technology transfers across the network 
• Facilitate startup of new manufacturing operations 
• Guide product development activities for edibles and prerolls 
• Establish design and fit and finish standards for manufacturing spaces, work with Construction on facility builds and expansions, and ensure robust maintenance and repair procedures are in place 
• Build equipment standards and validation tools/templates to streamline new equipment capital projects  
• Establish SOPs, work instructions and training documents for manufacturing processes 
• Develop manufacturing model for key manufacturing work centers that reflect changes in capacity/capability 
• Work with members of the Operations Leadership Team to develop the Operations strategic plan and long-range operating goals  
• Establish high level objectives, operating KPI/metrics, and operating cadence for the corporate Manufacturing team 
• Recruit, hire and retain top talent with deep expertise in cannabis manufacturing processes  
• Stay abreast of new trends and technologies in the cannabis manufacturing space 
• Provide technical support (remote and onsite) and leadership for resolving difficult technical issues beyond the ability of local site teams 
• Work with Engineering and state level functional leaders to identify and evaluate new equipment and software platforms to establish they are fit for purpose  
• Conduct period benchmarking across manufacturing functions to identify opportunities for process improvement that can be incorporated into operational excellence roadmaps 
• Participate in hiring of Manufacturing functional leaders at the state level 
• Evaluate capabilities of potential contract manufacturing partners and make recommendations to leadership  
• Evaluate manufacturability of potential partner products 
• Work with state leaders to build capital plans and re-allocate assets across the network where possible 
• Conduct frequent in-person visits to manufacturing facilities and ensure gaps in facilities, processes, or compliance are communicated to site leadership and included in improvement plans 

Safety & Compliance:  

• Be aware of hazards in the workspace. 
• Retain and understand department specific training. 
• Report safety incidents/ concerns and comply with follow-up actions. 
• Be compliant with area safety requirements, state regulations and PPE requirements. 
• Follow GMP, biosecurity, sanitation or other quality and compliance requirements. 
• Perform record keeping accurately and completely as directed by a lead or supervisor. 
• Report and escalate safety & quality concerns. 

Qualifications  

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, operations or equivalent experience 
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in manufacturing roles with high-growth company in cannabis, CPG, or related industry.  Should include 5+ years management 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills 
• Thorough understanding of manufacturing practices.  Lean expertise preferred 
• Ability to set long-term goals and effectively communicate them to others 
• Excellent interpersonal skills and proven ability to positively influence people at all levels in the organization 
• Proven ability to manage numerous priorities, projects and resources remotely in a highly dispersed matrix organization. 
• Strong business planning skills to execute strategic projects with implications for business areas with rapidly evolving business processes. Must possess a balanced perspective on strategic and tactical issues. 
• Experience in new product development and commercialization 
• Proven ability to identify, retain and develop top talent 

Working Conditions

• Work involves daily exposure to allergens (such as cannabis, tree nuts, and coconut oil).

Additional Requirements 

• Must pass any and all required background checks  
• Must be and remain compliant with all legal or company regulations for working in the industry  
• Must be a minimum of 21 years of age 
• Must be approved by state badging agency to work in cannabis industry 
• Up to 50% Travel