Regional Extraction and Formulation Manager

The Role 

We are seeking a Regional Extraction & Formulation Manager to join the Extraction and Formulation team, reporting to the VP of Extraction and Formulation. This role will be responsible for ensuring efficient and consistent operation of our extraction and formulation processes across a portion of our production facilities. This will encompass – document management, auditing of production data, analysis of current operations to identify and resolve production issues, as well as coordinating and managing process implementation and optimization at scale across hydrocarbon, ethanol, CO2, and solventless extraction. Beyond direct extraction production management, this role will also encompass managing optimization of biomass handling, post-processing methods, and vape/concentrate filling. This role will involve method development and optimization, documentation of new processes, as well as equipment installation in new labs and on-site training. This role will directly manage several process engineers who will serve as primary SME for individual sites to ensure rapid resolution of production issues.  

Responsibilities 

Competencies: 

• Develop, optimize, and scale-up manufacturing processes for cannabis products, including extraction, purification, distillation, and formulation. 
• Lead, mentor, and develop site level lab leadership across multiple extraction sites. 
• Ensure timely completion of all site-level operational tasks including training, documentation, data entry, process implementation, and production reporting. 
• Identify potential areas of improvement or production gaps in the extraction and post-processing workflow  
• Manage projects for new builds, site expansions, and facility upgrades. 
• Lead capital expenditure (CapEx) planning, including CAR development, submission, and execution. 
• Maintain accurate documentation of site equipment, existing conditions, and inventory. 
• Partner with EHS teams to ensure safety plans are in place before project start and compliance documentation is completed at project close. 
• Collaborate frequently with a cross-functional team, including but not limited to, project managers, brand managers, and manufacturing personal from concept through commercialization of products. 
• Establish and maintain process documentation, including standard operating procedures (SOPs), batch records, and equipment specifications. 
• Process development and product development for new vape, concentrate, and infused products – in collaboration with the product development team. 
• Oversee site-level implementation of process improvements, equipment changes, and product introductions. 
• Ensure teams are fully trained on new products and processes, including documentation, sign-offs, and troubleshooting. 
• Serve as a key liaison between Product Development and site operations to ensure seamless adoption and scale-up. 
• Conduct process troubleshooting and root cause analysis to resolve manufacturing issues, ensuring minimal impact on production schedules and product quality. 
• Ensure compliance with all applicable regulatory guidelines, including Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and relevant cannabis regulations. 
• Provide training and guidance to production personnel on process-related activities, safety protocols, and equipment operation. 
• Capability of troubleshooting, fixing, and services a wide range of equipment and software without assistance. 
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical information to non-technical stakeholders. 
• Oversee extraction, post-processing, and filling operations to ensure smooth, efficient, and compliant production. 
• Monitor production quality, throughput, and safety metrics, implementing corrective actions where necessary. 
• Conduct process adherence audits and resolve gaps caused by operator practices or equipment limitations. 
• Cover critical markets in the absence of local lab leadership. 
• Ability to efficiently operate on site while managing other duties. 
• Other duties as assigned. 

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 
• Report and escalate safety & quality concerns 
• Understanding & adhering to applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations as they pertain to the industry, safety regulations, local municipal codes and organizational rules, regulations, directives and standard operating procedures. 
• Familiarity with OSHA guidelines for dealing with hazardous chemicals and working in extreme environments.  

Qualifications  

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, or related – or equivalent working experience 
• Prior experience in manufacturing, or fast-paced environment   
• Ideally: extensive cannabis extraction experience or other wet lab/production experience. 
• Preference for candidates with experience with cannabis extraction and post processing,  
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills, with a meticulous attention to detail. 
• Experience with process scale-up, equipment selection, and validation in a regulated manufacturing environment. 
• Demonstrated success in leading multi-site operations and managing technical teams. 
• Strong knowledge of process development, GMP/GPP requirements, and EHS standards. 
• Proven ability to manage capital projects, budgets, and cross-functional initiatives. 
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills. 
• Willingness to travel extensively within the region. 

Working Conditions

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to perform reaching, grasping, bending, stooping, talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions. 
• Must be able to sit and/or stand for extended periods of time while maintaining focus. 
• Must be able to lift, carry, and balance up to 50 pounds (and up to 100 pounds with assistance) AND must be able to do so with extreme care and caution when working with product. 
• Must be able to work in an environment that is 85+ degrees and 70% humidity for extended periods 
• Must be able to work at heights 
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, changing, and challenging environment 
• Work involves daily exposure to allergens (such as cannabis, tree nuts, and coconut oil).  
• Work will involve 50-75% travel depending on business needs. 

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 possess valid driver’s license 
• Must be a minimum of 21 years of age 
• Must be approved by state badging agency to work in cannabis industry
• Work will involve 50-70% travel depending on business needs
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