What are the responsibilities and job description for the Quality Manager position at Smithers?
Job Summary
The Quality Manager is responsible for ensuring that all cannabis testing operations comply with state and federal regulations, company policy, and best practices. The role involves overseeing the Quality Management System including developing and maintaining Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), managing audits, and ensuring that laboratory practices meet all regulatory standards. This position will also train and support laboratory personnel to foster a culture of operational excellence and adherence to the highest standards of quality and safety.
Key Responsibilities
The salary range for this role is $71,000 - $78,000 annual gross pay. The salary range is dependent on factors including education, experience, and skills.
The Quality Manager is responsible for ensuring that all cannabis testing operations comply with state and federal regulations, company policy, and best practices. The role involves overseeing the Quality Management System including developing and maintaining Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), managing audits, and ensuring that laboratory practices meet all regulatory standards. This position will also train and support laboratory personnel to foster a culture of operational excellence and adherence to the highest standards of quality and safety.
Key Responsibilities
- Quality Management System (QMS):
- Implement and oversee the laboratory QMS to ensure continual compliance with state and local regulations
- Ensure continuous improvement in testing quality by coordinating with laboratory leadership on corrective and preventive actions.
- Measure and track corrective action effectiveness
- Maintain a strong understanding of state and federal cannabis testing regulations and guidelines (e.g., ISO 17025, state cannabis rules, FDA guidelines).
- Maintain laboratory ISO 17025 accreditation
- Other duties as assigned
- Audit Management:
- Lead internal and external audits, including ISO, state, and client inspections
- Implement corrective actions as required following audits and inspections to address any non-compliance issues.
- Ensure records and documentation are audit-ready at all times.
- Quality Control (QC):
- Oversee the development and implementation of QC protocols for cannabis testing, including batch testing, proficiency testing, and method validation.
- Maintain Proficiency Testing program.
- Train laboratory staff on QC procedures and ensure adherence to QMS requirements.
- Risk Management:
- Identify and mitigate potential risks related to laboratory operations, product safety, and regulatory non-compliance.
- Lead investigations into quality issues and implement solutions to prevent recurrence.
- Reporting & Documentation:
- Prepare and maintain quality and regulatory documentation, including reports, compliance records, and quality control data.
- Develop and present regular reports to laboratory management on the lab’s quality metrics, regulatory compliance, and risk management strategies.
- Work with Division Quality Manager and State Director to develop and maintain laboratory policy and procedure manuals, quality procedures, operating procedures, equipment-specific requirements, and evaluation and implementation of new procedures as necessary.
- Collaboration:
- Work closely with laboratory operations and Division Quality Manager to ensure quality and regulatory requirements are met.
- Coordinate with Laboratory Director to proactively assess and resolve client complaints, feedback, and inquiries
- Education:
- BS or MS degree in the chemical, environmental, physical or biological sciences, or engineering
- Preferred: Certifications in Quality Management (e.g., Six Sigma, ASQ, etc.)
- Experience:
- Minimum of 3-4 years of experience in quality assurance, preferably in a highly regulated industry (e.g., cannabis, pharmaceuticals, food, biotechnology, etc.)
- Strong understanding of ISO/IEC 17025 or similar laboratory quality management systems
- Experience with regulatory submissions, audits, and managing regulatory inspections
- Skills:
- In-depth knowledge of New York cannabis regulations and compliance requirements is a plus
- Strong leadership and team management skills
- Excellent problem-solving abilities and analytical thinking
- Strong communication skills (written and verbal) for regulatory and internal reporting
- Proficiency with data management systems, documentation, and reporting tools
- Must be 21 years of age or older as required by NY state law
- Must be able to pass a background check
- This role requires working in a laboratory environment with potential exposure to chemicals and biological substances.
- Occasional long hours may be required during audits, inspections, or deadlines.
The salary range for this role is $71,000 - $78,000 annual gross pay. The salary range is dependent on factors including education, experience, and skills.
Salary : $71,000 - $78,000