Coaching, Current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP), Documentation, Environmental Monitoring, Facilities Management, Farming, Green Business, Identify Issues, Inventory Management, Leadership, Logistics, Maintain Compliance, Maintenance Services, Manufacturing, Operational Strategy, Operations Management, Operations Planning, Performance Analysis, Performance Reviews, Preventative Maintenance, Procedure Implementation, Product Development, Product Packaging, Product Testing, Production Management, Production Schedule, Prototyping, Quality Assurance, Quality Control, Quality Management, Quality Metrics, Record Keeping, Regulatory Compliance, Retail, Safety/Work Safety, Sales, Sanitation, Schedule Development, Stewardship, Strategic Planning, Sustainability, Team Lead/Manager, Team Player, Test Plan/Schedule
Description + About
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
Responsibilities
Post-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
- Hire, 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.)
Benefits + Compensation
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