Director of Manufacturing

Groundworks is a vertically integrated cannabis company based in Oregon, focused on producing high-quality beverage and food products. We are seeking a highly motivated Director of Manufacturing to lead the production of our expanding line of cannabis-infused beverages and food products. This role is responsible for ensuring efficient production, consistent quality, and full compliance with industry regulations.

Position Overview

The Director of Manufacturing oversees end-to-end production of all in-house products-from production scheduling and quality control to regulatory compliance and inventory management. This senior-level role manages a cross-functional team, coordinates with multiple departments, maintains equipment, and ensures ingredient and packaging sourcing supports smooth and efficient operations.

The ideal candidate brings a strong background in manufacturing (particularly beverages), with demonstrated experience in quality assurance, production management, and team leadership. This role oversees all in-house production activities across discreet licensed facilities, including Beverage Manufacturing, FoodHBC Manufacturing, and Packaging, and works closely with the Director of Distribution.

Key Responsibilities

Production Oversight

• Manage daily production operations to ensure timely, efficient manufacturing of all in-house products, aligned with production goals and schedules.

Quality Assurance

• Implement and monitor quality control processes to ensure all products meet company standards and regulatory requirements.

Continuous ImprovementFinancial Responsibility

• Direct and continuously improve production execution to achieve operational excellence.
• Maintain fiscal responsibility for meeting business plan goals and budget objectives, including sales, margins, profitability, COGS, and related metrics.
• Prepare forecasts, budgets, quotas, and projections as required.
• Analyze sales records, yield results, expenses, and trends to identify opportunities and ensure objectives are met.

TestingCompliance

• Ensure all products undergo necessary testing and comply with all applicable safety and regulatory requirements (OLCC, METRC).
• Prior cannabis experience is not required but preferred.

Equipment Maintenance

• Oversee maintenance, calibration, and repair of production equipment to minimize downtime and optimize efficiency.

InventorySupply Chain Management

• Monitor raw material levels and supplier relationships to ensure consistent availability of ingredients, packaging, and supplies to meet production demand.

Team Management

• Lead, train, and evaluate production staff; manage performance and scheduling.
• Foster communication and collaboration across departments, actively breaking down silos to advance organizational goals.

CommunicationAlignment

• Maintain a proactive approach to strategy execution, communicating regularly with leadership and cross-functional teams.
• Ensure production teams understand and align with broader company objectives and priorities.

Process Optimization

• Continuously evaluate and improve production processes to increase efficiency, reduce waste, and lower costs.
• Maintain a strong presence on the production floor to assess operations, develop solutions, and improve communication, workflow, and profitability.

SafetySanitation

• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized facility compliant with OSHA and food safety standards.
• Conduct regular safety audits and training sessions.

Reporting

• Prepare and present reports on production performance, inventory levels, and quality metrics to senior management.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Engineering, or related field, or equivalent experience in food and beverage production for a CPG, beer, or food manufacturer.
• Experience:
• • 8+ years in progressively responsible roles within food or beverage manufacturing, ideally in a regulated industry (food, beverage, cannabis).
• Minimum 3 years of direct beverage manufacturing experience.
• 5+ years of people management experience, including talent acquisition, development, and performance management.
• Technical Skills:
• • Strong knowledge of quality assurance, testing, and compliance protocols.
• Deep understanding of perishable product supply chain logistics.
• Experience with production equipment maintenance and troubleshooting.
• Proficiency with inventory and production management software.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Leadership Skills:
• • Demonstrated financial management and budgeting experience for a department of comparable size.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Industry Knowledge:
• • Familiarity with cannabis regulations (METRC, OLCC) preferred.
• Enthusiastic interest or knowledge of the cannabis industry.
• Commitment to staying current on new products and industry developments.
• Other Requirements:
• • Valid driver's license and reliable transportation for travel between locations.
• Valid Marijuana Handler's Permit (or ability to obtain prior to start).
• Must remain compliant with all company and legal regulations governing employment in the cannabis industry.

EEO Statement

Groundworks Industries and our family of brands are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind. All employment decisions are rooted in business needs, role requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, mental or physical disability, sex, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

If you need any assistance or accommodation in the application and interview process, please reach out to us at -, it would be our pleasure to partner with you.