Technical Operations Associate 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 Associate 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.

As Kiva's Technical Operations Associate Manager, you'll...

• Provide technical assistance, expertise, and solutions when troubleshooting existing product formulations and throughout all processes while maintaining product quality and food safety
• Support development of SOPs and technical documents related to manufacturing and quality control processes
• Assist in training production teams on new equipment and process operations
• Help manage the Technical Transfer process with the support of internal cross-functional teams: Technical Operations, QA, Operations, R&D, Marketing and Regulatory/Compliance
• Perform scale-up from benchtop to pilot to production for new product launches and product/process improvements with assistance from senior team members
• Maintain good documentation with high level of detail, closing out experiments in a timely manner and working with fellow downstream team members to maintain the process and quality
• Providing technical mentorship, orientation, and training for the partner operations teams on new manufacturing processes and product/process improvements
• Troubleshooting technical issues with equipment, processing, or ingredients and developing solutions to get product back within specified range
• Supporting quality deviation investigations to identify root causes and define corrective and preventive actions related to product quality, manufacturing processes, and external testing protocols

What we're looking for...

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline and a minimum of 3-5 years of experience in process development, food manufacturing, operations, or relevant field required
• Minimum 3-5 years of direct hands-on experience in operations/productions, preferably in food or CPG manufacturing
• 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.

$110,000 - $125,000 a year

Please note, we consider a number of factors such as internal pay parity, relevant experience/skills, geographic location, etc.

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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[email protected] | 510.610.8968

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.