Operations Manager

Overview

The Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing day-to-day production operations across all cannabis processing and packaging rooms while supporting the scaling and expansion of the manufacturing facility. This role ensures that all production activities are executed safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with Health Canada regulations, GPP/GMP standards, and internal quality requirements.

The Operations Manager will lead a team of Team Leads and production associates to achieve daily output targets while maintaining exceptional product quality and consistency. This role also plays a key part in facility scale-up, capital equipment acquisition, and the successful onboarding and implementation of new processes, equipment, and production lines.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Oversee all production room activities, including weighing, grinding, infusion, packaging, labeling, and final product storage.
• Lead, coach, and schedule Team Leads and production staff to meet daily and weekly production goals.
• Ensure all production is executed according to approved SOPs, batch records, and compliance standards.
• Maintain a strong floor presence to monitor workflow, troubleshoot issues, and reinforce adherence to safety and quality protocols.
• Support the scaling of production capacity while maintaining quality, compliance, and operational stability.
• Lead preventive and corrective maintenance programs for production equipment and facilities.
• Ensure compliance with safety, regulatory, and environmental standards.
• Supervise maintenance staff and external contractors.
• Maintain accurate maintenance records and asset documentation.
• Plan and oversee installation, commissioning, validation, and ramp-up of new equipment and production lines.
• Coordinate with vendors, contractors, and internal stakeholders to ensure installations meet technical specifications, safety requirements, and operational needs.
• Support plant expansion initiatives and layout optimization to improve flow, capacity, and efficiency.

Manufacturing Scale-Up & Capacity Expansion

• Lead manufacturing scale-up initiatives, including line balancing, process optimization, and throughput improvements.
• Identify and remove operational constraints to increase output while maintaining regulatory compliance.
• Partner with VP of Operations and Maintenance to expand plant capacity through equipment additions, layout changes, and workflow redesign.
• Support facility expansion projects, including room build-outs, equipment upgrades, and production line expansions.
• Develop and monitor capacity models, utilization metrics, and demand-driven production plans.
• Ensure successful ramp-up of new capacity with stable yields, labour efficiency, and quality performance.

CAPEX Planning & Purchasing

• Identify capital equipment and infrastructure needs to support production growth and efficiency improvements.
• Develop CAPEX justifications, budgets, and ROI analyses in collaboration with senior leadership.
• Lead vendor evaluation, equipment selection, and procurement processes.
• Oversee CAPEX project execution from purchase through installation, commissioning, team training and operational handover.
• Ensure all capital investments align with regulatory requirements, operational needs, and long-term scaling plans.

Compliance & Quality Assurance

• Enforce all Health Canada, GPP, and GMP regulations related to cannabis production, packaging, and sanitation.
• Ensure batch records, cleaning logs, and equipment usage forms are completed accurately and in real time.
• Support Quality Assurance in implementing corrective actions, internal audits, and process verifications.
• Uphold strict hygiene, sanitation, and environmental control standards in all production rooms.
• Support regulatory inspections, audits, and readiness activities.

Resource & Performance Management

• Plan daily manpower allocation and material usage across all production areas.
• Coordinate with Supply Chain, Quality, and Maintenance to ensure seamless production flow.
• Track and report KPIs including yield, throughput, downtime, labour efficiency, and scrap
• Identify training needs and lead skill development and cross-training initiatives for team members.
• Support workforce planning as production scales

Project Management

• Manage operational and capital projects from initiation through completion
• Track project progress, manage risks, and resolve issues proactively
• Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to specification
• Prepare project reports and communicate status to senior management
• Collaborate with leadership to identify opportunities for efficiency gains, cost reduction, and waste minimization.
• Participate in process optimization initiatives, equipment upgrades, and new product or format launches.
• Promote a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement across production operations.

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with occupational health and safety regulations
• Promote a strong safety culture across operations and maintenance teams
• Lead incident investigations and corrective actions

Qualifications

• Post-secondary education in Manufacturing, Operations, Food Science, or a related field (or equivalent hands-on experience).
• 5+ years of experience in a regulated manufacturing environment (food, beverage, or cannabis preferred).
• 3+ years of supervisory or team leadership experience.
• Strong working knowledge of Health Canada Cannabis Regulations, GPP/GMP, and QA/QC documentation practices.
• Proven experience scaling manufacturing operations, increasing capacity, and supporting plant expansion.
• Demonstrated success ramping up new production lines, shifts, or facilities.
• Experience with CAPEX planning, equipment purchasing, installation, and commissioning.
• Experience using KPIs and data to drive throughput, efficiency, and scalability.
• Proven ability to lead and motivate production teams to achieve operational excellence.
• Exceptional communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with ERP, batch tracking, or production management systems is an asset.
• Leadership & Accountability: Inspires and directs teams to deliver consistent, high-quality results.
• Operational Discipline: Drives adherence to SOPs, safety standards, and production plans.
• Quality Focus: Champions product integrity, compliance, and continuous improvement.
• Collaboration: Works effectively with cross-functional teams to resolve issues and improve operations.
• Adaptability: Thrives in a fast-paced, evolving environment within a growing cannabis company.
• Capacity & Throughput Optimization: Identifies bottlenecks and drives sustainable output increases.
• Project & Change Management: Leads teams through expansion and transformation initiatives.
• Strategic Execution: Balances immediate production needs with long-term scalability.

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