Find & Apply For Research and Development Manager Jobs in Canton, North Carolina

The Hemp Collect is a vertically integrated, self-funded hemp company with brands including Modern Herb Co., Black Sheep, and Happy Human. Quality is the reason people trust The Hemp Collect, and we're growing fast enough that it needs a dedicated owner. We're looking for an R&D & Quality Manager in Canton who takes real pride in getting it right: someone who knows what a good spec looks like, keeps the records tight, and has the confidence to say "not yet" when a batch isn't ready. You'll lead a small, capable team, work alongside our formulation group, and have a real hand in how we make our products. If you've owned a quality function and want to build something rather than just maintain it, we'd love to meet you. What You'll Do Own Quality & Release Own the quality function through the

QC Coordinator:

intake QC, in-process monitoring, material disposition, and finished-goods release. Set acceptance criteria and decide what releases and what doesn't. Serve as the independent check on the formulation team, and hold a QC decision when production pushes back. Own testing and sampling cadence, third-party lab relationships, and COA review. Own Specifications & Batch Integrity Own the master specification library, with a documented, version-controlled spec for every active product. Approve every recipe or process change before SOPs are revised. Keep batch records and quality documentation controlled, centralized, and audit-ready in support of GMP. Own batch and lot tracking integrity in Katana. Run the Development Pipeline Execute product development direction set by Von and Joel, taking products from concept to production-ready spec. Direct the R&D Technician against a quarterly project plan. Sign off on new-SKU production readiness and review labels and ingredient panels against the locked spec before print. Lead the Team Manage the QC Coordinator, R&D Technician, and Inventory Intake / Lab Support Technician. Address performance issues directly and consistently. Document product knowledge into specs and standards so no process depends on one person. What You Bring 5+ years in quality management in a regulated manufacturing environment such as hemp, cannabis, nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, food, or CPG.

Experience owning a quality function:

setting acceptance criteria, managing QC staff, and making release decisions under production pressure. Strong discipline with specifications, batch records, and COAs. Working knowledge of formulation science sufficient to evaluate specs and trials. Hands-on experience with an MRP or ERP system for batch and lot tracking. Experience with Katana is a plus. Clear written communication. Degree in chemistry, food science, biology, or a related field preferred. Equivalent experience considered. Must be 21+ and comfortable working in the hemp-derived cannabinoid industry. Why Work With Us? The Hemp Collect is building a company around high standards, quality products, ownership, and people who care about doing exceptional work. We are a growing business in an evolving industry, which means there is meaningful work to do and real opportunity to make an impact. We give strong performers autonomy, trust, and room to grow, while investing in people who want to build something rather than simply maintain it.

This role offers:

A leadership role with real authority over the standards our products are built to. The opportunity to build the specs, systems, and team the company runs on. Competitive compensation and performance-based upside. Cigna health insurance through Gusto. Human Interest 401(k). PTO and sick leave accrual. Paid holidays. Employee product discount.

In-Office Location:

Canton, NC Employment Type:

Full-time, exempt

Age Requirement:

21+ This role operates in an office, laboratory, and production environment. The position requires regular standing and walking, use of hands to handle lab equipment and samples, and occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds. PPE is required in designated lab and production areas.

Pay:

$85,000.00 - $95,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) Dental insurance Health insurance Paid time off Application Question(s): How many years have you owned a quality function — set the standards and made release decisions — in a regulated manufacturing environment? How many QC staff did you manage directly? Tell us about a time production pushed to ship and you held or rejected the batch. What did you decide, and what happened afterward? Describe your experience with batch tracking and traceability in an MRP or ERP system — which system, and how you verified the records matched what actually happened on the floor. Describe a product you took from concept to a locked, production-ready specification. What was your role, and what did the final spec document contain?

Work Location:

In person