Production Manager

ABOUT FLOWER FIRST

At Flower First, we blend the art of cultivation with the virtues of sunshine, soil, and sustainability. Our journey is rooted in ecological farming, which has blossomed into a passion for producing sun-saturated cannabis under the Vermont sun. We are more than a company; we are a community dedicated to fostering wellness, creativity, and environmental stewardship.

Core Values:

• Love and Care: Every decision is made with love and care for the plant, our people, and the planet
• Sustainability: Commitment to sustainable cultivation practices that respect the soil and environment
• Community and Transparency: Honesty in operations and positive community engagement
• Art and Creativity: Nurturing creativity and celebrating the arts in our work and community

We also operate Sonny's Dispensary in Groton, VT, our retail location serving the community with the exceptional products we produce.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Production Manager is responsible for overseeing all post-harvest operations at Flower First, from the moment plants are harvested through final product packaging and delivery to our retail location (Sonny's Dispensary). This role manages the transformation of sun-grown cannabis into high-quality finished products while maintaining our commitment to sustainability, quality, and compliance with Vermont cannabis regulations. The Production Manager will lead a team of production staff, drive operational efficiency, develop new products, and ensure consistent product quality that reflects Flower First's values of love, care, and craftsmanship.

This is a hands-on leadership position requiring both strategic planning and daily operational involvement in a small-batch, artisan cultivation environment.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIESPost-Harvest Operations Management

• Oversee and participate in all post-harvest activities including bucking, trimming (wet and dry), drying, curing, quality control, and packaging
• Develop and maintain production schedules that optimize product quality while meeting retail demand
• Monitor environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, airflow) in drying rooms, curing areas, and trim rooms to ensure optimal product preservation
• Manage inventory movement from harvest through finished goods, ensuring accurate tracking and compliance
• Implement and maintain quality control standards throughout all production stages
• Coordinate with cultivation team on harvest timing and logistics

Manufacturing & Product Development

• Oversee pre-roll manufacturing, including preparation, rolling, packaging, and quality assurance
• Lead development of new product lines and formats (edibles, concentrates, specialty packages, etc.)
• Research and recommend new production equipment and techniques to improve efficiency and product quality
• Create and test prototype products, gathering feedback and refining formulations
• Design and implement production SOPs for new product lines
• Collaborate with retail team (Sonny's) to understand market demand and customer preferences

Team Leadership & Training

• Train, supervise, and develop production team members
• Create work schedules ensuring adequate coverage for all production activities
• Conduct performance evaluations and provide ongoing coaching and feedback
• Foster a collaborative, safety-focused work environment aligned with Flower First's values
• Delegate tasks effectively while maintaining quality standards
• Lead by example through hands-on participation in production work

Compliance & Documentation

• Ensure compliance with Vermont Cannabis Control Board regulations and all state/local laws
• Maintain accurate production records, batch logs, and inventory documentation
• Manage Vermont seed-to-sale tracking system (state compliance portal) for all post-harvest activities
• Document waste disposal in accordance with regulations
• Maintain sanitation and safety records per cGMP (current Good Manufacturing Practices)
• Prepare for and facilitate compliance inspections

Equipment & Facility Management

• Maintain all post-harvest processing equipment (trimmers, scales, packaging machines, etc.)
• Troubleshoot equipment issues and coordinate repairs/maintenance
• Implement preventive maintenance schedules
• Ensure all production areas meet cleanliness and sanitation standards
• Manage supplies inventory (packaging materials, labels, cleaning supplies, etc.)

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONSExperience

• Minimum 2 years of cannabis post-harvest processing experience or equivalent experience in botanical processing, food manufacturing, or pharmaceutical production
• Minimum 1 year of supervisory or team leadership experience
• Demonstrated experience with product development or production process improvement
• Experience working in a regulated/compliant environment (cannabis, food, pharmaceutical, etc.)

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong understanding of post-harvest cannabis processing including drying, curing, trimming, and quality assessment
• Knowledge of current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) and sanitation protocols
• Familiarity with cannabis compliance requirements and seed-to-sale tracking systems
• Production planning and scheduling capabilities
• Basic equipment maintenance and troubleshooting skills
• Proficient with inventory management systems and basic computer applications (Google Suite, spreadsheets, etc.)
• Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail
• Effective written and verbal communication skills

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs regularly
• Prolonged standing and repetitive hand movements
• Ability to work in environments with varying temperatures and humidity levels
• Comfortable working with cannabis plant material, natural aromas, and airborne particles
• Manual dexterity for quality control inspection and hand-trimming tasks

Legal Requirements

• Must be 21 years of age or older
• Must pass Vermont cannabis background check and fingerprinting
• Valid driver's license preferred
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 3 years of cannabis post-harvest management experience
• Experience with outdoor/sun-grown cannabis production
• Background in small-batch, artisan, or craft production environments
• Previous experience in Vermont's cannabis market or familiarity with Vermont regulations
• Food safety certification or related credentials
• Experience with pre-roll manufacturing equipment and automation
• Knowledge of sustainable/regenerative agriculture practices
• Lean manufacturing or continuous improvement training

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Salary Range: $55,000 - $70,000 annually (commensurate with experience)

Benefits Package:

• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Employee product discount
• Professional development opportunities
• Flexible work environment aligned with sustainable, values-driven culture

Flower First is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse environment. We ensure that every team member, applicant, and partner is treated with respect and given fair treatment across all aspects of employment. Discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law is strictly prohibited at Flower First.

This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the position and is not an exhaustive list of skills, efforts, duties, responsibilities, or working conditions associated with it. Flower First reserves the right to modify job duties or the job description at any time.

Pay: $55,000.00 - $70,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Paid time off

Work Location: In person

Salary : $55,000 - $70,000