Operations Manager (Cannabis Manufacturing) - Vangst : Job Details

Operations Manager – Cannabis Manufacturing

Location: Halfmoon, NY (Albany area)

Our client is launching a cannabis manufacturing facility in the Albany region and is looking for an experienced Operations Manager to lead day-to-day production. The company is in the start-up phase and will be producing a variety of products, including infused pre-rolls, packaged flower, vapes, and gummies.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys being hands-on, thrives in fast-paced environments, and brings a solid understanding of both production processes and regulatory compliance.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage daily operations across production, packaging, and infusion
• Lead and develop production staff, ensuring smooth workflows and high performance
• Work closely with compliance, QA, sales, and R&D to ensure products are consistent and market-ready
• Monitor production metrics and drive process improvements
• Support equipment maintenance and help troubleshoot operational issues
• Oversee inventory levels and coordinate with procurement to avoid disruptions
• Maintain strict compliance with New York state cannabis regulations
• Help establish and improve SOPs to support quality, efficiency, and safety

What We're Looking For:

• Prior experience in a manufacturing or production management role (CPG/cannabis preferred)
• Strong leadership skills and comfort managing a team in a dynamic environment
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing, compliance strategies, and inventory systems
• Ability to collaborate across departments and balance day-to-day needs with big-picture thinking
• Comfortable working in a startup setting where processes are still being built

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, Operations Management, Supply Chain, or a related field preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in operations or manufacturing, preferably in consumer-packaged goods (CPG) or cannabis production.
• Proven leadership experience with a track record of managing and developing teams.
• Strong understanding of lean manufacturing, process optimization, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements for cannabis production, including GMP and other compliance standards, is a plus.
• Experience with production planning, scheduling, and inventory management systems.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to troubleshoot equipment and process issues.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate across departments.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced and dynamic work environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in cannabis manufacturing and familiarity with industry regulations.
• Proficiency in ERP and inventory management software.
• Project management experience, including the ability to lead facility upgrades and process improvement initiatives.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Paid time off and company holidays
• Opportunity to grow with a brand-new operation

This is a great opportunity to get in on the ground floor of a new cannabis venture in New York. If you're passionate about building efficient operations and want to play a key role in a growing team, we'd love to connect.

About Vangst:

Vangst is the cannabis industry's hiring platform. Vangst helps cannabis companies find the talent they need to grow their business. From on-demand gig workers to trained & credential full-time employees, Vangst has built the industry's go-to talent marketplace for all cannabis hiring. Vangst is proud to work with 1,200+ of the cannabis industry's leading businesses.

Since raising their seed round in 2018, Vangst has become one of the fastest-growing companies in the cannabis industry and was recognized as one of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies.

Today, over 300,000 people have full-time jobs in the cannabis industry and this number is expected to triple over the next five years. Vangst is on a mission to fill every job in the cannabis industry.

Vangst's headquarters is in Denver, CO. Vangst is a Series B company and backed by Lerer Hippeau, Colle Capital, Level One Fund, Snoop Dogg's Casa Verde Capital, and others.

Vangst provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.