Director of Kitchen Operations

Location : Multi-State Operations (75% Travel Required)

Job Summary : The Director of Kitchen Operations will lead and manage the large-scale food manufacturing operations at MariMed.

This role demands a strong leader with expertise in overseeing high-volume production facilities, directing a traveling production team, and implementing Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) to ensure product quality and safety.

The ideal candidate will possess extensive knowledge of large-scale food manufacturing processes and regulatory compliance within the cannabis industry.

Key Responsibilities :

Leadership and Team Management :

• Lead, mentor, and develop a traveling production team to optimize performance and operational efficiency in large-scale manufacturing environments.
• Foster a collaborative and safety-focused culture across various facilities while ensuring clear communication among team members.
• Conduct regular evaluations, training sessions, and performance assessments to maintain adherence to company standards and compliance with regulatory requirements.

Multi-State Manufacturing Oversight :

• Oversee the daily operations of multiple manufacturing facilities across various states, ensuring consistent production quality and adherence to company standards.
• Coordinate with state managers and facility leads to align operational practices with organizational goals and regulatory guidelines.
• Evaluate and optimize workflow, equipment utilization, and processes to enhance productivity and reduce production costs.

Opening and Launching New Production Facilities :

• Lead the planning, design, and implementation of new edible manufacturing facilities, ensuring alignment with operational standards and growth objectives.
• Collaborate with engineering and construction teams to develop facility layouts that maximize efficiency and comply with safety and regulatory requirements.
• Recruit, train, and onboard operational teams for new facilities, ensuring personnel are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to meet production goals.
• Establish standard operating procedures (SOPs), training programs, and quality assurance protocols specific to new facilities.

Implementation of GMP Practices :

• Develop, implement, and enforce Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and quality assurance systems within all production operations to ensure product safety and compliance.
• Conduct regular audits and inspections of manufacturing facilities to uphold cleanliness, sanitation, and safety standards.
• Create and maintain thorough documentation related to GMP compliance, including SOPs, training materials, and compliance reporting.

Quality Control and Product Development :

• Collaborate with product development and quality assurance teams to innovate and improve product offerings while ensuring alignment with market trends and consumer demands.
• Establish and monitor quality control measures to ensure all products meet the company’s standards for quality, taste, and safety.
• Analyze production data and KPIs to identify areas for improvement and implement corrective actions.

Regulatory Compliance :

• Stay informed about relevant local, state, and federal regulations affecting food manufacturing and cannabis operations, ensuring compliance across all facilities.
• Liaise with regulatory agencies and coordinate inspections to ensure adherence to all applicable standards.

Budget Management :

• Develop and manage the kitchen operations budget, ensuring resource efficiency and identifying opportunities for cost savings while maximizing profitability.
• Implement strategies to improve financial performance without compromising quality or safety standards.
• Communication and Collaboration : Serve as the primary point of contact between kitchen operations and other departments such as supply chain, finance, and marketing.
• Facilitate effective communication among stakeholders, ensuring alignment on goals, projects, and operational issues.

Qualifications :

• Bachelor’s degree in food science, food engineering, business management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in food manufacturing management, preferably within a large-scale production or cannabis industry setting.
• Strong knowledge of GMP practices, food safety regulations, and quality control processes in a manufacturing context.
• Proven track record of leading and managing large teams across multiple facilities.
• Exceptional analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills to manage complex production environments.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Willingness to travel extensively to oversee manufacturing operations in various states.

Physical Tasks :

• Capable of performing physical tasks, including standing for extended periods, lifting up to 50 lbs., and working in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
• Must be able to work in varying temperature conditions, including hot kitchen environments and refrigerated storage areas.

Work Schedule and Travel :

• Flexibility to work early mornings, late nights, weekends, and holidays as required by the demands of the production facility.
• Willingness to travel up to 75% interstate to oversee operations at various locations, manage the traveling production team, attend meetings, and collaborate with other teams across the company’s network.
5 hours ago