Head of Lab Operations (Cannabis Industry) Position Available In Mercer, New Jersey

Job Title:

Head of Lab Location:

Hamilton, New Jersey Salary:

Starting at $100,000 (commensurate with experience)

Job Type:

Full-Time | In-Person About the

Company:

Our client is a craft-focused, family-owned cannabis manufacturer known for its dedication to quality, innovation, and community. With operations in multiple states, including New Jersey and Oregon, they are committed to producing high-quality cannabis products through thoughtful processes and premium ingredients. They take pride in a people-first culture that blends operational excellence with creativity and accountability – and they’re looking for a Head of Lab who shares that same passion for quality and leadership.

Position Summary:

Our client seeks a Head of Lab to lead day-to-day extraction, post-processing, team management, and long-term process improvement efforts at their New Jersey facility. This hands-on leadership role is ideal for someone with strong experience in CO? and hydrocarbon extraction, particularly with EDEN Lab FX HI Flow FX2 systems. The Head of Lab will oversee production schedules, team development, and regulatory compliance, which is key in maintaining product consistency and operational efficiency.

Key Responsibilities:

Extraction & Post-Processing Operate and manage CO? and hydrocarbon extraction equipment Oversee winterization, decarboxylation, distillation, and formulation Optimize SOPs for yield, safety, and quality improvements Maintain compliance with GMP standards and internal procedures Scheduling & Production Planning Create weekly and monthly lab schedules based on production goals Manage team coverage and operational flow Cross-train staff to enhance flexibility and redundancy Team Leadership Supervise, train, and coach lab technicians Set daily and weekly goals; provide clear expectations Conduct regular feedback and performance reviews Address issues related to attendance, performance, or conduct Compliance & Reporting Maintain accurate batch records and METRC traceability Partner with compliance personnel to prepare for inspections Ensure operations meet all NJ-CRC regulatory standards Operational Oversight Manage inventory, supplies, and lab equipment maintenance Maintain a clean, efficient, and safety-compliant work environment Participate in hiring and onboarding new lab team members

Qualifications Required:

2-3 years of cannabis extraction or lab production experience Experience operating EDEN Lab FX HI Flow FX2 or similar hydrocarbon equipment 1+ year in a supervisory or lead role Familiarity with METRC and New Jersey cannabis regulations Working knowledge of post-processing and formulation

Preferred:

Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Engineering, or related field Background in cannabinoid isolation, formulation, or edibles

Skills:

Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting ability Excellent communication and documentation skills Detail-oriented with strong time management and organizational abilities Competent with spreadsheets and lab/production software Physical Requirements Able to stand for long periods and lift to 50 lbs Must be able to push up to 100 lbs with assistance Repetitive movements are required during production Schedule & Compensation Full-time, on-site Monday-Friday Occasional evenings/weekends, depending on production needs

Starting Salary:

$100,000 (commensurate with experience)

Benefits:

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance Life Insurance Paid Time Off (PTO) Career development opportunities Growth potential within a multi-state operator

Work Location:

Hamilton Township, NJ (on-site only)

Relocation:

Candidates must be willing to relocate prior to starting, if not already local.