Manager, Post Harvest

Position Purpose:

The Manager, Primary Processing is responsible for overseeing the initial post-harvest stages of cannabis production, including harvesting, drying, trimming (wet and dry), and curing. This role ensures high-quality product handling, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency while leading a team to achieve production goals within established timelines.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Manage the day-to-day operations of harvesting, bucking, trimming, drying, and curing cannabis plants.
• Lead, train, and supervise the Primary Processing team, ensuring performance standards and production schedules are met.
• Maintain strict compliance with internal SOPs, Good Agricultural Practices (GACP), Good Production Practices (GPP), and cannabis regulatory frameworks.
• Oversee environmental monitoring (temperature, humidity) in drying and curing rooms to preserve cannabinoid and terpene profiles.
• Monitor and manage the tracking and documentation of plant material during primary processing stages, ensuring full traceability in compliance systems (e.g., METRC, Ample Organics, custom ERP).
• Ensure accurate weighing, labeling, and recording of all harvested and processed cannabis batches.
• Implement best practices to improve processing efficiency, maximize yields, and reduce product loss and waste.
• Ensure that all equipment used in primary processing is properly cleaned, maintained, and calibrated.
• Develop KPIs and provide regular reporting on production volumes, yield, quality metrics, staff productivity, and downtime.

SUPPORTIVE FUNCTIONS

• In addition to the performance of the essential functions, this position may be required to perform a combination of the following supportive functions, with the percentage of time performing each function to be solely determined by the supervisor based upon the particular requirements of the company.
• Collaborate with Cultivation, Quality Assurance, and Extraction/Secondary Processing departments to ensure smooth flow of materials and operational coordination.
• Drive a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement among the processing staff.
• Lead preparation for internal, customer, and regulatory audits.
• Identify staffing needs, conduct performance reviews, and manage employee development and retention in the processing team.
• Represent Leli’s brand values: Safety, Responsibility, and Confidence.

SPECIFIC JOB KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

The individual must possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities and be able to explain and demonstrate that he or she can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Adaptability – Ability to navigate and lead through change in a fast-paced environment.
• Strategic Thinking – A proactive mindset with the ability to anticipate challenges and identify solutions.
• Attention to Detail – Strong focus on accuracy and quality in operational execution.
• Resilience – Ability to stay composed and solution-focused under pressure, leading by example.
• Collaboration – Works well with teams and able to negotiate with partners to achieve business success.
• Initiative – Self-motivated with a drive to improve processes and drive results.
• Integrity – Upholds ethical standards and promotes transparency in decision-making.
• Strong understanding of cannabis plant anatomy, post-harvest processes, and factors affecting cannabinoid and terpene preservation.
• Familiarity with GACP, GMP, GPP, or other regulated processing standards.
• Previous leadership/supervisory experience managing teams in production or processing environments.
• Proficiency with ERP or inventory tracking systems used in the cannabis sector.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and time-management skills.
• Ability to work in a highly regulated environment and adapt to evolving industry standards

QUALIFICATION STANDARDS:

EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture, Horticulture, Plant Sciences, Biotechnology, Operations Management, or a related field.

EXPERIENCE

• 3–5 years of experience in cannabis post-harvest or related agricultural/food processing industries.