Processing Lab Manager

 

Job Type: Full Time, Exempt
Shift: Days, Monday through Friday

POSITION SUMMARY:  

The Lab Manager oversees and maintains all oil production, medication formulating, and testing throughout the Processing Suite. Leadership and supervision extend to all oil production steps, analytical testing, formulation of medications, and all associated departmental functions. Also, provide leadership guidance and assistance as required in all Post-Harvest and Filling/Packaging operations. The Lab Manager must monitor and maintain the production facility in accordance with the State regulations and standards set by the company. 

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Full scientific oversight of the Labs and all processes 

• Manage extraction process, purification process, formulation process, and analytical testing in their entirety 

• Build a strong high functioning team and manage through both engagement and accountability 

• Recruit new talent Hire all new staff from Extraction Technicians through Chemists 

• Complete employee evaluations and performance-based coaching 

• Resource planning and staff scheduling 

• Develop and oversee all applicable training programs 

• Capacity and production planning for departments based on constraints and calculated requirements 

• Validations and qualifications of SOPs, equipment, and methods 

• Conducting IQ OQ PQ projects for new equipment 

• Complete R&D projects as required for product and process expansion 

• Create and track all department metrics and KPIs (focusing on safety, quality, and productivity) 

• Liaison with Corporate applicable SMEs 

• Engineer technical solutions for departmental expansion 

• Execute on short-term projects as well as long-term vision for the departments 

• Maintain all cGMPs based on set facility standards 

• Conduct quality-based investigations and create CAPAs 

• Write and review all department specific SOPs, Work Instructions, Forms, or other technical and controlled documents 

• Implement continuous improvement initiatives including six sigma and 5S 

• Managing procurement process of department and maintain an OPEX budget 

• Ensure all associated personnel are trained in and comply with all New York DOH applicable regulations 

• Ensure processing operation is fully compliant with state regulations and state/federal law 

• Assure that operation adheres to all business and industry license requirements 

• Cannabis industry specific processes related to Post-Harvest (drying, curing, trimming), Processing (extraction, purification, formulation, filling, and packaging), Kitchen Formulation (edibles) and Analytical Testing (potency reporting) 

• QA/QC duties that require analytical testing for quality and consistency; data review and analysis of HPLC and GC equipment 

• Oversight of highly sophisticated CO2 based extraction equipment; Processing concentrates and extracts with heat and pressure 

• Operating, maintaining, repairing and adjusting laboratory equipment such as winterizers, pumps, balances, centrifuges, roto-evaporates, decarb ovens, stills, homogenizers, and another laboratory equipment 

• Storing supplies and equipment, disposal of waste according to guidelines, and keeping laboratory, storerooms, harvest rooms, and working areas immaculate 

• Able to process samples by collection, extraction, preparing for analysis, and quantifying results 

• Scientific laboratory procedures and techniques as used in a chemistry laboratory including methods of measurements 

• Health and safety practices and precautions (including HazCom) applicable to a laboratory and manufacturing 

• Development of automation tools specifically related to filling and packaging (injectors, cappers, de-dusters, case counters, box erectors, carton sealers, labelers, etc.) 

• Maintaining strict inventory compliance and records of all controlled substances tracked through BioTrackTHC  

• Travel Requirements: 

• Perform other duties as assigned. 

 

Supervisory Responsibilities: 

This position directly supervises the work activities of others and is accountable for the management of others, through a subordinate supervisor, concerning selection, recommending termination, performance appraisal, and professional development.  

 

QUALIFICATIONS: 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  

 

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and complete repetitive tasks as required 

• BS/BA Degree or greater in a related field with at least 3 years’ experience in a pharmaceutical lab or highly regulated manufacturing/production setting 

• Scientific writing for processes, training, and procedures which require technical documentation 

• Strong verbal and communication skills 

• Ability to work in a cross-functional team environment 

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite with strong abilities within Excel 

 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Degree in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering preferred 

• Analytical Lab experience with HPLC and GC analysis highly preferred 

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hand to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; and talk or hear. Employee is exposed to moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles and toxic or caustic chemicals. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 or more pounds and regularly move up to 25 pounds. The noise level in the work environment is normal. Work Environment

The noise level in the work environment is normal. The employee is frequently exposed to an environment of natural chemical fumes, herbal aromas, airborne particles, exposed to wet and/or humid conditions. Employee will have moderate exposure to conditions such as dust and particles that affect the respiratory system, eyes, or the skin, depending on department job assignments. Personal Protective Equipment is provided for employees to utilize