Director Of Processing

Brief Description

Scope of Role:

• Oversight of all processing operations across 3 sites
• Leadership of teams across bucking, trimming, machine operations, QC, packaging, and inventory
• Ownership of processing KPIs including throughput, cost per pound, yield, and labor efficiency
• Accountability for vendor performance and processing-related capital investments
  
  

Essential Duties And Responsibilities Include The Following:

Operational Leadership & Strategy:

• Own the strategy and performance of end-to-end processing operations, including bucking, trimming, machine operations, QC, packaging, and inventory flow
• Establish scalable operating models to support current and future multi-site production
• Align processing capacity with cultivation output, sales forecasts, and revenue targets
• Lead cross-functional planning with Cultivation, Supply Chain, and Sales to ensure operational alignment
  
  

Process Optimization & Automation:

• Own the evaluation, selection, and implementation of processing equipment and automation systems (buckers, trimmers, sorters, conveyors, and packaging)
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on increasing throughput, improving yield recovery, and reducing cost per pound
• Establish standardized workflows while optimizing for strain-specific processing requirements
• Oversee preventative maintenance strategy to ensure equipment reliability and minimize downtime
• Leverage data and KPIs to identify inefficiencies and implement scalable solutions
  
  

Performance Management & Team Leadership

• Build and lead high-performing teams across all processing functions, including both internal employees and contracted labor
• Establish clear performance expectations, productivity benchmarks, and accountability systems
• Design and oversee performance-based incentive programs aligned with output, quality, and efficiency goals
• Develop leadership capability within management teams to drive consistency and execution
  
  

Financial, Inventory & Production

• Own processing-related cost structures, including labor, equipment, and vendor spend
• Develop and manage forecasting models for processing capacity based on harvest schedules and strain mix
• Ensure inventory accuracy and visibility across all stages of processing (WIP, finished goods, trim, biomass)
• Partner with Finance and Analytics to track performance against KPIs and identify opportunities for cost optimization
  
  

Vendor & Contract Management

• Own strategic relationships with equipment vendors, service providers, and third-party labor contractors
• Ensure vendor performance meets operational, quality, and cost expectations
• Lead contract negotiations and evaluate new technologies and outsourcing opportunities
  
  

Quality, Compliance & Regulatory Oversight

• Ensure full compliance with all state, local, and company regulations, including METRC, GMP, and product tracking requirements
• Maintain high standards of product quality, consistency, and processing integrity
• Partner with QA and R&D teams to refine processing methods and ensure product specifications are met
• Oversee audit readiness and regulatory compliance across all processing operations
  
  

Success Metrics

Success In This Role Will Be Measured By:

• Reduction in cost per pound
• Increased throughput and processing capacity
• Improved yield recovery and product quality
• Labor efficiency improvements across processing functions
• Successful implementation of scalable systems and automation
• Strong cross-functional alignment with cultivation and sales
  
  

Requirements

Competencies

• Deep knowledge of cannabis processing and post-harvest operations
• Strong operational and manufacturing leadership mindset
• Expertise in process optimization, automation, and scaling operations
• Data-driven decision making and analytical capability
• Strong financial acumen related to cost management and efficiency
• Effective leadership, communication, and team development skills
• Ability to manage complexity across multiple workflows, strains, and production environments
• Strong vendor management and negotiation capability
  
  

Education and Experience

• 7 years of experience in cannabis, agriculture, manufacturing, or production environments
• 5 years of leadership experience overseeing high-volume or multi-site operations
• Experience managing machinery, automation systems, or industrial equipment required
• Proven track record of improving efficiency, reducing costs, and scaling operations
• Experience managing vendors and third-party contractors preferred
• Bachelor’s degree preferred but not required; equivalent practical experience will be considered
• Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred
  
  

Requirements

• Must be 21 years of age or older
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including weekends and holidays as needed
• Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, high-volume production environment
• Strong leadership presence with the ability to drive accountability and results
  
  

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and lift up to 50 pounds
• Work performed in warehouse and production environments with varying temperatures and humidity
• Regular use of processing equipment, tools, and machinery
• Exposure to production environments requiring adherence to safety protocols and use of PPE
  
  

Travel

Requires periodic travel between offices, farm sites, and processing facilities

Summary

The Director of Processing is responsible for setting and executing the strategic direction of all post-harvest processing operations across the organization. This role owns end-to-end processing performance, including throughput, cost efficiency, yield optimization, and product quality across high-volume cannabis production.

This leader will design and scale processing systems, integrate automation, and build high-performing teams to support multi-site operations. The Director is accountable for aligning processing capacity with cultivation output and commercial demand, while ensuring compliance, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.