Technical Operations Manager

Kiva Confections (www.kivaconfections.com) is a world-class cannabis-infused edibles company in California, the largest cannabis market in the world. Kiva's line includes Kiva Chocolate Bars, Terra Bites, Petra Mints, Lost Farms Gummies & Chews, and Camino Gummies. Our products are crafted from premium ingredients and thoughtfully combined with California cannabis. Since our beginning in 2010, our goal has been to create confections that redefine what a cannabis confection ought to be. By applying art and science, we ensure a deliciously consistent experience.

We have high-reaching growth plans as the legal market and consumer adoption expand. Key growth initiatives include ambitious platform innovation, outstanding marketing, geographic expansion, strategic partnerships, and more. We are resourced for this spectacular growth and looking for great people to help take us to the next level.

Provide technical assistance, expertise, and solutions when troubleshooting existing product formulations and throughout all processes while maintaining product quality and food safety

Develop SOPs and technical documents related to manufacturing and quality control processes

Train production teams on new equipment and process operations

Manage the Technical Transfer process with the support of internal cross-functional teams: QA, Operations, R&D, Marketing and Regulatory/Compliance

Lead investigations to determine root cause for out of spec product or processes and define corrective and preventive actions as related to product quality, manufacturing processes, and external testing protocols

Create and maintain change management documentation

Lead scale-up efforts from bench top to pilot to production for new product launches and product/process improvements 

Geo Partner responsibilities: 

Provide technical assistance, expertise, and solutions when troubleshooting existing product formulations and throughout all processes while maintaining product quality and food safety

Develop SOPs and technical documents related to manufacturing and quality control processes

Train production teams on new equipment and process operations

Manage the Technical Transfer process with the support of internal cross-functional teams: QA, Operations, R&D, Marketing and Regulatory/Compliance

Lead investigations to determine root cause for out of spec product or processes and define corrective and preventive actions as related to product quality, manufacturing processes, and external testing protocols

Create and maintain change management documentation

Lead scale-up efforts from bench top to pilot to production for new product launches and product/process improvements

Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline and a minimum of 7-10 years of experience in process development, food manufacturing, operations, or relevant field required

Minimum 7-10 years of direct hands-on experience in operations/productions, preferably in food or CPG manufacturing

Thorough knowledge of manufacturing methods, techniques, and related equipment

Must communicate with management with timely, candid, and accurate information, options, and recommendations

Great analytical, organizational, interpersonal, presentation, coaching, and leadership skills

Ability to manage and organize multiple projects

Willing to travel to manufacturing sites across the U.S.