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.

Job Summary

As Kiva's Technical Operations Manager, you'll be responsible for product development activities including process development, optimization, scale-up, and training of other functional groups.  You'll also manage operational activities including technology transfer, troubleshooting, and process validation. 

This position will report to the Technical Operations Sr. Manager.

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.

Work Environment

• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions

• This position will require that the individual occasionally travel independently between various Kiva and partner locations. Lighting and room temperature at all locations are moderate. 

• Due to the nature of our industry, the performance of this position will require the individual to spend time in facilities in which he/she may be exposed, either directly or indirectly, to potential food allergens including (but not limited to): peanuts, gluten, corn, milk, soy, and tree nut.

Physical Requirements

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, turn, talk, and hear, smell, and taste. The employee may occasionally lift and /or move up to 50 pounds. This position will require that the individual occasionally travel independently among various company locations.

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talent@kivaconfections.com | 510.610.8968