Director of Labs

Good Day Farm•Little Rock, AR

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director of Labs is directly responsible for overseeing a multitude of core functions, such as: assisting the local teams with critical equipment troubleshooting and maintenance, and developing, documenting, and implementing Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s) for all extraction lab processes. This position works with local Directors of Operations and Lab Managers to provide training and ensure strict SOP adherence, works with the National VP of Manufacturing to perform Research and Development tasks related to product, process, and instrumentation development, and coordinating and collaboration with extra-departmental resources.

Requirements

Ability to use standard office equipment, computer equipment and software including word processing, database management (BioTrack, Metrc, etc.), spreadsheet applications and electronic mail.
Understanding of how to engage with and operate a CMMS, or ability to learn.
Understanding of how to engage with and operate a QMS, or ability to learn.
Be able to resolve problems by examining and evaluating data and selecting corrective steps.
Should have effective conflict management strategies to intervene and mitigate conflict between team members.
Must have strong communication skills with the ability to express ideas clearly and concisely in written and verbal formats.
Should have the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and management, and to approach conflict or disagreement constructively.
Ability to communicate effectively with, and guide, direct reports in the performance of their duties.
Strong organizational skills.
Must be able to understand and work within the strict confines of the laws set forth by the state with regard to its legal medical marijuana program.
4 Year Degree is required, field directly applicable to cannabis extraction is preferred.
Minimum of 2 years’ experience in managing a Cannabis Manufacturing setting.
Minimum of 4 years’ general management experience.
Ability to Travel 50%, up to 75% as needed
Understanding of the variety of tasks required in working in a lab or manufacturing setting.
Ability to work independently, manage projects and meet deadlines.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s Degree or substitute degree for experience.
Seven to nine years of lab operation experience.

Responsibilities

Carries out routine tasks accurately and strictly following SOP’s.
Develops, audits, and improves lab SOP’s.
Leads and directs local Lab Managers, through coordination with local Directors of Operations, in the proper use and maintenance of lab equipment, ensures strict adherence to SOP’s and Best Practices.
Audits and interprets processing data from local Lab operations and adjusts extraction parameters and practices accordingly.
Engages with a Quality Management System (QMS) to ensure that all SOP’s are properly documented, controlled, and audited on regular cycles.
Coordinates with VP of Manufacturing to establish and monitor efficiencies and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) related to the operation and performance of local labs.
Engages with FIIX, a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS), to ensure that maintenance tasks are being appropriately developed, assigned, and executed.
Coordinates with local Directors of Operations to ensure that the local lab teams are maintaining rigorous logs detailing maintenance and repairs on extraction and refinement equipment.
Provides remote and in-person assistance to address technical issues that local lab teams are unable to resolve independently.
Ensures that each site receives an in-person visit a minimum of once every 12 weeks to audit systems and processes.
Coordinates and cooperates with other Department Leaders in the improvement of existing processes, the development of new processes, product development, and the acquisition of support for the local lab teams.
Monitors Industry Best Practices to adjust or augment lab processes and instrumentation, and proposes adjustments or acquisitions, if prudent.
Works with VP of Manufacturing to establish and maintain relationships with vendors to source and store new instruments, materials, components, and vital resources to ensure the proper function and rapid repair of lab equipment.
Coordinates with the VP of Manufacturing to outline, plan, and execute Research and Development tasks related to process development, product development, and instrument validation.
Coordinates with VP of Manufacturing to design, build, and commission new extraction and refinement operations, in the event of a market expansion.
Understands all applicable laws regarding the compliant creation and handling of marijuana products, as laid out by the National Compliance team and the AHJ (Authority having Jurisdiction).
Performs other duties as assigned.