Job Title: Manufacturing Manager
Department: Operations
Position Type: Exempt/Full-time (40 weekly hours)
Salary/Pay: Up to $90K, DOE
Reports To: VP of Operations
The Verdes Standard:
As the Manufacturing Manager at Verdes Foundation, you are the driving force behind the smooth operation of our flower packaging and kitchen teams. Your commitment to the Verdes standard of excellence is evident in every product that leaves our facility. You lead by example, embracing our core values to foster a culture of quality, consistency, and innovation.
This role demands someone who:
- Exceeds Expectations: Not only do you maintain our high standards, but you also set new benchmarks for quality and efficiency in manufacturing.
- Continuous Improvement: You are devoted to the relentless pursuit of excellence, leveraging our ISO9001:2015 framework to elevate every process within the manufacturing realm.
- Initiative: Anticipating the needs of a dynamic market, you propel our manufacturing operations forward with strategic innovation and adaptability.
- Integrity: Your decision-making is guided by the highest ethical standards, ensuring transparency and honesty in every action.
- Courageous Conversations: You lead through open communication, ensuring your team is aligned, informed, and engaged.
- Responsiveness: As a responsive leader, you're quick to address operational challenges, ensuring the team is equipped to meet and exceed our goals.
Job Summary:
The Manufacturing Manager will lead our flower packaging and kitchen operations, crucial to Verdes Foundation’s commitment to quality and innovation. You will ensure the efficient running of these departments, implement continuous improvement strategies, and maintain the utmost in compliance and productivity.
Responsibilities/Essential Functions:
- Operational Excellence: Lead the manufacturing process with a hands-on approach, optimizing workflow to align with Verdes’ high standards of excellence. Ensure that production operations are streamlined, cost-effective, and deliver products that meet or exceed customer expectations.
- Quality Management System Integration: Spearhead the integration and maintenance of our ISO9001:2015 certified quality management system. Develop, update, and maintain department SOPs, ensuring continuous compliance and improvement within manufacturing operations.
- Strategic Planning and Execution: Direct the strategic planning and execution of manufacturing operations. Develop and monitor SMART goals that support the company's annual strategic plan, leading to measurable success across all production teams.
- Team Leadership: Build and manage a skilled manufacturing team. Hire, train, and evaluate staff performance, providing leadership and mentorship to foster a culture of accountability and excellence in line with the Verdes Standard.
- Process and Efficiency Optimization: Utilize continuous improvement methodologies to refine manufacturing processes. Systematically analyze data to identify areas for improvement, reduce waste, and enhance productivity.
- Quality Assurance: Uphold rigorous quality control standards throughout the manufacturing lifecycle. Respond to and resolve NCRs and CARs, implementing corrective actions to prevent recurrence and ensure product integrity.
- Inventory and Resource Management: Oversee the management of raw materials and supplies, maintaining accurate inventory controls to support efficient production and minimize waste. Ensure resources are utilized effectively to prevent diversion and align with production goals.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work collaboratively with cross-departmental teams to unify operational efforts and enhance overall manufacturing quality and efficiency.
- Compliance and Safety: Maintain strict adherence to industry regulations and safety standards. Implement practices that promote a safe working environment, reducing risk and ensuring employee well-being.
- Production Planning and Availability: Mastermind production planning for all teams, guaranteeing that all products manufactured under your oversight are in stock and available 100% of the time, meeting both retail and wholesale demands.
- Data-Driven Problem Solving: Approach operational challenges with an analytical mindset. Use data and metrics to illuminate problems, drive decision-making, and uncover opportunities for operational enhancements.
- Performance and Development: Actively engage in the growth and development of your team members through performance reviews and targeted training, ensuring your team’s skills and competencies are continuously advancing.
Required Skills:
- Educational and Professional Background: Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field is required. A minimum of 5 years of leadership experience in manufacturing operations is essential for success in this role.
- Industry Expertise: A proven track record in manufacturing operations with a preference for candidates who have experience in the cannabis industry or a similar regulated field.
- Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement: Experience with lean manufacturing principles is highly preferred. Candidates should possess a strong understanding of continuous improvement processes and the ability to implement these practices to enhance efficiency and quality.
- Leadership and Team Management: Demonstrated ability to lead, manage, and motivate a team effectively. Experience with hiring, training, and conducting performance reviews is necessary.
- Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills: Candidates must have a strong analytical ability to identify challenges and the problem-solving skills to develop and implement strategic solutions.
- Communication Proficiency: Excellent verbal and written communication skills are crucial for clear and effective interaction across all levels of the organization.
- Regulatory Knowledge: An in-depth understanding of industry-related regulations and compliance standards, with a focus on maintaining rigorous adherence to these requirements.
- Quality Management Systems: Familiarity with quality management systems, especially ISO 9001:2015, and experience managing departmental SOPs is required.
- Data-Driven Decision Making: The ability to analyze production data, use KPIs for decision-making, and use industry-specific software programs to streamline operations is key.
- Adaptability: Must be capable of managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment, adjusting strategies and goals as business needs evolve.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Advanced Education: A Master’s degree in a relevant field or professional certifications related to operations management or lean manufacturing are a plus.
- Technology Skills: Proficiency with ERP systems, especially those relevant to the cannabis industry, such as Dutchie and Biotrack, is preferred.
- Experience with SMART Goals: A history of developing and achieving SMART goals tied to strategic planning and operational excellence.
- Inventory Management Expertise: Strong skills in inventory management and control to ensure product availability and minimize loss or diversion.
Physical and Emotional Requirements:
- Must be physically capable of performing tasks within a manufacturing setting, including lifting up to 50 lbs, standing or sitting for long periods, and performing repetitive motions.
- Emotional intelligence to navigate a dynamic workplace, manage a diverse team, and maintain a positive and professional demeanor under pressure.
Compensation/Hours: Up to $90K, DOE; 40-45 hours/wk., open availability to include weekends and holidays, (exact schedule to be determined with supervisor).
Benefits:
- Professional Development with an additional PTO allotment.
- PTO accrual (tenure-based increases) & NMPSL sick leave accrual
- Medical, Vision, and Dental insurance plans with employer contribution
- 401K (auto-enrollment at 3%)
- Employee Assistance Program: 100% Employer Paid
- Voluntary Long-term Disability: 100% Employee Paid
- Employee Discount
- Referral Program – $400 for a referral who is retained for 6 months