Lab Director Willits, CA 95490 $100,000
- $160,000 a year
- Full-time $100,000
- $160,000 a year
- Full-time LEEF Brands, Inc.
is a California based cannabis company where we believe in the power of botanically based extractions and our ability to positively impact people's lives. Founded by a small group of legacy operators, LEEF Brands, Inc. has become the premiere extraction company in the state of California. For us, what we do and what we are building is so much more that a workplace, it's a culture. We have a great opportunity for an energetic, focused, driven and passionate person who is looking to join one of the fastest growing companies in the cannabis industry! If you embrace these qualities and continually exceed your goals, please apply for this position. Summary/Objective The Lab Director is responsible for overseeing all aspects of lab operations, quality control, production efficiency, regulatory compliance, and team management across multiple extraction and formulation lines. This leadership role ensures the lab functions at peak performance, maintains high product quality, and operates in alignment with company goals and compliance standards. Job Responsibilities 1. Operational Oversight Oversee daily operations across all three production lines, ensuring production timelines, accuracy of batch records, and seamless product flow. Manage all outbound lab orders and coordinate fulfillment timelines with internal departments. Ensure production and inventory boards (e.g., Monday.com, Leef order board) are accurate and maintained within a 24-hour window. Monitor lab operations during night and weekend shifts, ensuring staff coverage and productivity. Lead implementation and commissioning of new equipment, including training and process integration. Identify and respond to problematic inventory through root cause analysis, audit of flow, and implementation of corrective action plans. Audit workflows, identify bottlenecks, and implement lean manufacturing type efficiency improvements to increase margin and reduce waste Evaluate emerging extraction and post-processing technologies, make recommendations regarding equipment upgrades and process revisions, retrofits, and phasing out existing equipment. Work with R D, marketing, and sales to ensure the lab's capabilities support future product launches (e.g., new concentrates, minor cannabinoid blends, solventless options) while maintaining profitability. 2. Compliance, QA, & Yield Management Enforce strict adherence to all SOPs, PPE standards, and Leef Labs safety policies across all shifts. Oversee and review all Certificates of Analysis (COAs) to ensure product integrity, yields, and flag machinery or personnel performance issues. Ensure all yields remain within defined expectations; investigate and resolve any variances. Ensure proper sampling protocols are followed and all COAs are submitted within required timelines and budgets. Support internal and third-party audits with required documentation and team readiness. Track real-time production costs on a per unit basis, identify margin leaks and help adjust operational tactics to hit target COGS in coordination with finance and sales. 3. Formulation & Product Development Oversee formulation activities to ensure consistency, potency, and compliance across SKUs. Collaborate on the creation and refinement of SOPs for new product development and scale-up from R D to full production. 4. Inventory, QC & Returns Ensure sufficient inventory levels of lab consumables and raw materials to support ongoing production needs. Work closely with procurement in real time to confirm material performance; escalate issues through the proper channels as needed. Oversee all quality control activities related to raw inputs, in-process materials, and finished goods. Manage and approve all product returns; ensure timely investigation, documentation, and resolution of each issue. Maintain the return board and ensure follow-through and communication for all return-related activities. Sign off on all month-end, quarterly, and annual inventory audits for manufacturing and consumables. 5. Team Leadership & Human Resources Lead all hiring, interviewing, onboarding, and termination recommendations for the lab team. Train, coach, and manage lab staff and team leads, ensuring accountability and execution across departments. Conduct quarterly trainings for the lab team covering safety, SOP compliance, batch records, and yield optimization. Ensure all employees adhere to Leef Labs dress code and PPE standards. Verify that each shift is properly equipped and supported; escalate to leadership if needs are unmet. 6. Reporting & Communication Prepare and deliver production, inventory, and tolling reports as required by leadership. Monitor and report on performance across all production lines, identifying inefficiencies and recommending solutions. Ensure team leads maintain real-time updates on all operational boards and communication platforms (e.g., Monday.com). Coordinate cross-departmentally with compliance, fulfillment, procurement, and executive teams to align on production goals and operational readiness. Translate lab performance metrics into actionable insights for executives, sales, and operations — bridge the gap between production and business strategy. Additional Expectations Complete OSHA and
HAZWOPER
training within one year. Participate in out-of-state expansion projects and support lab setup and process transfer as needed. Provide audit support across lab operations, inventory, and compliance systems. Education and Experience A minimum of 5 years experience in cannabis manufacturing. A minimum of 2 years experience in a similar cannabis role. Must be strong leader, self-motivator and team builder. Must have exceptional verbal and written communication skills. Must have excellent organizational and time management skills. Benefits Medical insurance Dental insurance Vision insurance Accident & Life insurance Paid time off &
Paid Holidays Job Type:
Full-time Pay:
$100,000.00
00 per year
Benefits:
Dental insurance Health insurance Paid time off Vision insurance
Work Location:
In person
