Director, Production Optimization

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Illinois.

📋 Description

• Oversee the packaging operations throughout Green Thumb’s manufacturing network.

• Take responsibility for the execution of finished-good packaging across manufacturing locations, ensuring adherence to specifications, label accuracy, and standards for finished goods.

• Develop and enforce standard operating procedures for packaging, including line-clearance protocols and changeover procedures.

• Collaborate with teams in Packaging Engineering, Procurement, Innovation, new-product development, cultivation, Technical Engineering, Quality, Compliance, Data, and planning.

• Lead initiatives in flower packaging, focusing on fill-weight accuracy, net-weight compliance, traceability, sanitation, material readiness, yield, and improvements in UPLH.

• Manage LEAN deployment across the network, including 5S, standard work, visual management, Gemba, value-stream mapping, and kaizen events.

• Maintain a pipeline for continuous improvement, complete with quantified savings and before/after metrics.

• Mentor site teams on LEAN practices and oversee tiered metrics and daily management systems.

• Provide expertise in production scheduling across the network, aligning packaging capacity and staffing with production schedules and S&OP demand signals.

• Assist with MRP/ROP readiness and schedule-lock discipline for 30/60/90-day planning horizons.

• Identify and resolve scheduling conflicts across production, packaging, and fulfillment.

• Work with the Data team to create reports and dashboards for visibility into materials, capacity, and demand.

• Ensure compliance with Batch Production Records, SOPs, and Good Manufacturing Practices.

• Utilize THCVault quality data to pinpoint recurring defects and implement corrective and preventive measures.

• Manage the uptime and quality of packaging label printing, ensuring accuracy and compliance.

• Collaborate with Compliance to ensure METRC accuracy, Department of Health regulations, and state-specific labeling requirements.

• Track cross-functional projects, maintain visibility of initiatives, and drive execution towards lasting results.

• Lead and develop the packaging leadership team and resources focused on process improvement.

• Perform additional duties as assigned.

⛳️ Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Supply Chain, or a related field — or equivalent hands-on manufacturing experience.

• At least 4 years of progressive experience in manufacturing operations, with demonstrated responsibility for packaging and/or high-volume production.

• Proven experience in leading LEAN and continuous improvement initiatives with measurable, sustained outcomes (such as OEE, changeover, scrap, throughput).

• Understanding of production scheduling, MRP/MPS, and S&OP in a regulated or high-mix manufacturing environment.

• Knowledge of Batch Production Records, SOPs, GMP, and CAPA processes.

• Proficient with ERP/MRP systems (D365) and project-tracking tools.

• Must successfully pass any required background checks.

• Must comply with all legal or company regulations related to working in the industry.

• Must hold a valid driver’s license.

• Must be at least 21 years of age.

• Must receive approval from the state badging agency to work in the cannabis industry.

🏝️ Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience, qualifications, and/or location.

• Positions may qualify for a discretionary annual incentive program based on organizational and individual performance.

• This is a remote position.