Lab Operations Manager [Cannabis Industry] - MPX

This Lab Operations Manager position is full-time and is located at the MPX manufacturing facility in Pleasantville, NJ

Who We Are:

iAnthus Capital Management is a multi-state operator, encompassing the full spectrum of cannabis enterprises, from cultivation to processing to retailing. Cannabis will be the next great transformative industry—not just because it has the power to change lives, especially for those suffering from chronic ailments, but also because it impacts many other sectors, from agriculture to pharmaceuticals and alcoholic beverages. Our mission is to create the most valuable cannabis brands and network of operations nationwide. At iAnthus, we offer career development opportunities, a flexible work environment, excellent benefits, and the chance to learn from industry leaders.

Who You Are:

You are a detail-oriented, process-driven leader who thrives in a highly regulated, fast-paced production environment. You have a strong understanding of quality systems, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence. You’re comfortable collaborating across departments, enjoy coaching others on best practices, and are passionate about delivering safe, consistent, and compliant cannabis products.

Professional Competencies:

• Positive attitude and team-first mindset

• Strong analytical and decision-making skills

• Highly organized with excellent attention to detail

• Clear and effective communication skills

• Comfortable managing cross-functional initiatives

• Ability to lead structured root cause analysis and continuous improvement

• Strong documentation and audit-readiness discipline

Benefits:

• 20 days of accrued Paid Time Off

• Ten Paid Holidays

• Paid Sick Leave

• Paid Parental Leave

• Medical, Dental, Vision, FSA, HSA, Transit Benefits, and 401(k)

• Employer Paid Short-Term Disability and Life Insurance

• Wellness Program

• Employee Assistance Program for employees & family members

• Employee Discounts

• Ability to work in a growing company where your talents and skills can have a positive impact

Summary:

The Lab Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the extraction lab, including extraction processes, refinement workflows, equipment maintenance, inventory management, quality control, compliance, safety, and team performance. This role manages and directs the Lab Operations team to ensure efficient, safe, compliant, and high-quality production of cannabinoid extracts.

Reporting to the VP, Operations, the Lab Operations Manager plays a key leadership role in optimizing extraction processes, supporting production goals, maintaining regulatory compliance, and fostering a culture of safety, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities:

• Manage and oversee day-to-day operations of the extraction lab, ensuring smooth workflow, accuracy, efficiency, and adherence to production schedules and established protocols.
• Lead extraction and refinement operations to ensure the efficient and high-quality production of cannabinoid extracts.
• Manage extraction processes, equipment maintenance, raw material inventory, and production resources to optimize output.
• Establish, maintain, and enforce quality control measures to ensure consistent product quality, purity, and potency.
• Continuously evaluate and improve extraction methodologies, techniques, and equipment to enhance efficiency, yield, and product quality.
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations governing cannabis extraction, as well as internal SOPs, safety protocols, and company policies.
• Maintain detailed records of extraction activities, batch logs, inventory, quality control reports, yields, and any deviations encountered.
• Generate reports outlining lab performance, extraction processes, production output, challenges, and opportunities for improvement.
• Promote and maintain a strong culture of safety within the lab, including proper handling of hazardous materials and enforcement of safety protocols.
• Identify potential safety or compliance risks and implement preventive measures to mitigate those risks.
• Collaborate with senior management on strategic planning, budgeting, production goals, and operational improvements.
• Develop and manage budgets, forecast resource requirements, monitor expenses, and optimize resource allocation to ensure cost-effective operations.
• Procure necessary materials, equipment, and supplies for extraction operations while monitoring costs and inventory levels.
• Collaborate with cultivation, quality, compliance, sales, marketing, finance, and other cross-functional teams to align lab operations with business needs and production goals.
• Work with sales and marketing teams to support forecasting, product planning, and inventory availability based on market demand and sales projections.
• Monitor industry trends, market developments, competitor activity, and regulatory changes that may impact lab operations or product strategy.
• Provide leadership, direction, and guidance to Lab Operations team members, including Lab Technicians, Senior Lab Technicians, and Lab Operations Supervisors.
• Oversee hiring, training, scheduling, workload management, performance evaluations, coaching, and disciplinary actions for lab team members in alignment with HR policies and procedures.
• Set clear expectations for team members and foster a culture of compliance, productivity, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Provide ongoing training and development to enhance team knowledge of extraction processes, equipment, systems, safety protocols, and industry standards.
• Facilitate clear communication within the team, ensuring team members understand expectations, priorities, instructions, and deadlines.
• Support team member engagement, professional growth, and performance through feedback, recognition, and coaching.
• Conduct and support safety training to prevent accidents, injuries, or compliance violations.
• Follow and uphold the company’s core values, including respect, diversity, sustainability, research, and service.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must be 21 years of age or older.
• A degree in Chemistry, Biology, Biochemistry, or a related scientific field is required.
• Must consent to a criminal background check.
• Employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of the criminal background check.
• Minimum of five years of experience in an extraction laboratory setting or manufacturing environment, preferably in the cannabis industry.
• Minimum of three years of leadership experience required.
• Advanced closed-loop hydrocarbon extraction experience required.
• Advanced extract refinement experience required.
• Proficiency in various extraction techniques and equipment used in cannabis extraction, such as CO2 extraction, ethanol extraction, or hydrocarbon methods.
• Advanced knowledge of quality control processes, compliance standards, and cannabis industry regulations.
• Advanced knowledge of state-specific cannabis laws and regulatory compliance required.
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate across all levels of the organization.
• Effective decision-making skills and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks effectively and work in a heavily regulated, fast-paced production environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and digital documentation systems.

Physical and Environmental Requirements:

• Ability to lift and/or move up to 50 lbs unassisted and up to 100 lbs with assistance.
• Ability to bend, lift, squat, kneel, climb ladders, and stand or remain stationary for extended periods.
• Ability to use tools and equipment including pallet jacks, hand trucks, ladders, and general hardware tools.
• Must be comfortable working in environments that may include exposure to dirt, fertilizers, dust, odors, fumes, heat, low temperatures, humidity, noise, vibrations, water, allergens, pollen, plant pathogens, volatile organic compounds, and other environmental variables.
• Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment with frequent interruptions while maintaining accuracy, organization, and attention to detail.
• Flexible schedule availability, including occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Extended use of computers, phones, and digital documentation platforms may be required.

Management reserves the right to assign other job duties as necessary. This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice.

MPX NJ encourages applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. MPX NJ believes in creating and sustaining a robust policy of inclusivity and diversity. We recognize that diversity in the workforce is key to the integrity of a company’s commitment to its community.

We value all team members by embracing their diverse talents, perspectives, and experiences, and fostering inclusion that inspires innovation, encourages respect, and promotes success. Individuals with a criminal record remain eligible for employment, subject to applicable law and regulation.