What are the responsibilities and job description for the Laboratory Director position at Superior Cannabis Manufacturing?
Laboratory Director
Department: Manufacturing / Operations
Reports To: Chief Executive Officer
FLSA Status: Exempt
Location: Duluth, MN 55802
Position Summary
The Laboratory Director is responsible for the strategic leadership, oversight, and management of all laboratory and cannabis manufacturing operations. This role ensures the production of safe, compliant, and high-quality cannabis products while maintaining adherence to state regulations, company policies, and industry best practices. The Laboratory Director oversees extraction, post-processing, product formulation, quality systems, inventory controls, equipment maintenance, and laboratory personnel to support operational excellence and business objectives.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Laboratory Operations
- Direct and oversee all laboratory and manufacturing activities, including extraction, distillation, refinement, formulation, infusion, and packaging processes.
- Establish and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure product quality, consistency, and efficiency.
- Monitor production schedules and resource allocation to meet business demands and production goals.
- Evaluate and implement process improvements to increase operational efficiency, reduce waste, and maximize yields.
- Manage laboratory equipment acquisition, qualification, calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
Regulatory Compliance
- Ensure compliance with all applicable state cannabis regulations, manufacturing requirements, and company policies.
- Maintain accurate records and documentation related to production, inventory, testing, sanitation, and quality control.
- Monitor compliance with seed-to-sale tracking systems and inventory reconciliation requirements.
- Prepare for and participate in regulatory inspections and audits.
- Remain informed of changes in cannabis laws, regulations, and industry standards and implement necessary operational adjustments.
Quality Assurance & Product Safety
- Oversee quality management systems and ensure consistent adherence to product specifications and quality standards.
- Review laboratory testing results and coordinate corrective actions when specifications are not met.
- Develop and maintain sanitation, safety, and contamination prevention programs.
- Investigate quality deviations, customer complaints, and non-conformances and implement corrective and preventive actions.
- Ensure all manufactured products meet required potency, purity, labeling, and safety standards.
Leadership & Personnel Management
- Recruit, train, develop, supervise, and evaluate laboratory staff.
- Foster a culture of accountability, safety, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
- Establish performance expectations and conduct performance reviews.
- Develop staffing plans and schedules to support production requirements.
- Coach team members on compliance, technical skills, and professional development.
Inventory & Supply Management
- Manage laboratory inventory, raw materials, and consumables.
- Coordinate purchasing and vendor relationships for laboratory supplies and equipment.
- Ensure inventory accuracy and compliance with state tracking requirements.
- Monitor material usage and implement controls to minimize loss and waste.
Health & Safety
- Promote and enforce workplace safety standards and safe handling procedures.
- Ensure compliance with OSHA requirements and applicable safety regulations.
- Conduct safety training and incident investigations as needed.
- Maintain emergency response procedures and ensure proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
Qualifications
Required
- Minimum of 5 years of leadership experience in cannabis manufacturing.
- Strong understanding of cannabis extraction methods, formulation processes, and manufacturing operations.
- Knowledge of state cannabis regulations and compliance requirements.
- Experience developing and implementing SOPs, quality systems, and manufacturing controls.
- Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
- Strong leadership and team management abilities.
Preferred
- Advanced degree in a scientific discipline.
- Experience with BHO, ethanol, and solventless extraction methods.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, and lift up to 50 pounds occasionally.
- Ability to work in laboratory and manufacturing environments.
- Ability to wear required PPE and safely handle chemicals and cannabis materials.
- Ability to perform repetitive tasks and operate laboratory equipment as needed.
Compensation & Benefits
- Annual Salary: $140,000-$150,000
- Full Benefits Package: Health, Dental, Life and Vision Insurance
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
Pay: $140,000.00 - $150,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Relocation assistance
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Salary : $140,000 - $150,000