Quality & Compliance Specialist

The Role

The purpose of this position is to ensure the successful quality and compliance management operations at our Rock Island, IL cultivation facility. This position will play a key role in developing, implementing, and upgrading quality assurance policies and standard operating procedures, as well as compliance, development, and implementation of HACCP programs, product quality tracking systems, FDA standards, ingredient management programs, allergen and sanitization management programs, product safety practices, internal and external audits, etc. This position will also ensure compliance with all Green Thumb corporate operating procedures, as well as applicable federal, state, county, and municipal laws, regulations, ordinances, and regulations. 

Responsibilities

Supports the Quality Department and ensure all employees understand and follow all standard operating procedures (SOPs)

Define, implement, and improve the Quality Management System including development of process and product testing to ensure quality standards are met and oversee determination of finished product disposition

Partner with management to lead quality initiatives that develop and maintain a high performing, scalable, and compliant quality system

Implement, maintain, and audit sanitation and quality control practices that ensure the safety and quality of cannabis including purity and consistency

Implement HACCP, allergen, and sanitization management programs

Review and approve decisions about whether to investigate a cannabis product complaint and review and approve the findings and follow-up action of any investigation performed

Perform or oversee routine audits of compliance processes to assure accuracy and thoroughness of completion

Participate in State regulatory compliance inspections, investigate and resolve compliance concerns, issues, or violations

Analyze facility trends to assess potential areas of continued non-compliance

Publish monthly metrics focused on facility current QA/QC progress

Routinely reviews monthly corporate QA/QC documentation and assures that all areas of concern are addressed appropriately according to corporate policy and regulatory standards

Write Quality SOPs or other standards as necessary

Manage, train, and develop QA/QC employees to perform in a proficient manner, providing motivation through personal example and interpersonal skills to create a cohesive unit

Promote awareness and responsibility through training and regular communication throughout the facility

Establish staff goals, monitor employee performance, and provide regular 1:1 performance feedback to help employees succeed

Fosters a high-performance culture through active leadership and create a strong sense of accountability within the Quality Department

Perform assigned Quality Inspections

Expected to adhere to safe work practices, follow GMP and HACCP guidelines, maintain sanitary conditions and ensure that product quality is maintained. Report to management any conditions or practices that may adversely affect product safety, product quality or personnel safety

Maintain a positive work atmosphere by acting and communicating in a manner so that you get along with customers, clients, co-workers and management

May make decisions and perform the job responsibilities of the Quality & Compliance Manager in their absence

Qualifications

Associate degree in Food Science, Biology, Chemistry, or a related field required, Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science, Biology, Chemistry, or a related field preferred

3+ years of regulatory compliance management including interfacing with regulators and inspectors

5+ years work experience with a proven track record of building and developing QA/QC processes and systems

Must have the knowledge and skills required to work in a fast paced and challenging environment

Must be able to work variable day shifts dependent on business need

Knowledge of the GMP, HACCP and Environmental sanitation programs

Experience with SQF, ISO, GMP, ASQ, HACCP, PCQI or similar certification experience preferred

QMS auditor or similar certification preferred

Possess a strong knowledge of sanitary design, specification, and implementation of food\pharmaceutical processing systems

Ability to deliver specific organizational goals and effectively develop, grow, and manage a diverse multisite team to achieve objectives

Track record of engaging teams and creating a collaborative culture

Excellent verbal, written and presentation skills

Exceptional computer skills in Microsoft® Office Suite (Access, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Publisher, Word)

Strong detail-oriented and resourceful mindset

Additional Requirements

Must pass any and all required background checks

Must be and remain compliant with all legal or company regulations for working in the industry

Must possess valid driver’s license

Must be a minimum of 21 years of age

Must be approved to receive an Agent badge