LABORATORY LEAD JOB DESCRIPTION
Introduction
Rove is one of the fastest growing premium cannabis companies in the nation. We believe in honesty, simplicity, and transparency. Our goal is to provide customers with the highest quality products that taste great and are created with them in mind. We are committed to excellence in research, development, and production while adhering to strict regulatory standards.
The Lab Lead supports laboratory operations at their assigned site by leading formulation and filling activities and serving as the secondary point of leadership within the lab team. Duties include execution of formulation, cartridge filling, documentation, technical laboratory processes, and support of daily workflow planning to ensure quality, compliance, and schedule attainment. The Lab Lead supports strong laboratory performance by helping ensure daily operations are completed safely, accurately, and in alignment with Rove’s standards.
The Lab Lead supports the Laboratory Supervisor by leading formulation and filling and understanding labor allocation to meet prioritized daily goals. The Lab Lead provides technical guidance, reinforces standard operating procedures, helps resolve day-to-day issues, and supports process consistency and efficiency across laboratory operations.
The position is not limited to the duties listed below and the employee may be asked to perform other related duties as requested or assigned.
PRIMARY DUTIES (INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO)
Production
- Lead day-to-day laboratory operations across formulation, extraction, distillation, and other skilled laboratory processes, including scheduling, workflow coordination, and schedule adherence.
- Serve as the secondary point of leadership within the laboratory, supporting the Laboratory Supervisor in daily operations and team execution.
- Maintain high standards of cleanliness, safety, and organization throughout the laboratory.
- Collaborate with the Laboratory Supervisor and cross-functional teams to implement and enforce SOPs that meet compliance and operational requirements.
- Review and appropriately file Master Batch Records, production records, and related documentation.
- Oversee the intake of raw materials, maintain associated documentation, and ensure adherence to documentation protocols.
- Enter necessary data into internal logging systems and track and trace systems as required.
- Allocate and prepare raw materials to support laboratory and production workflows.
Quality Control
- Monitor and maintain quality control measures to ensure the accuracy and reliability of laboratory processes and outputs.
- Support the development and implementation of quality assurance programs.
- Conduct regular quality audits and assist in resolving non-conformance issues.
- Coordinate with appropriate teams to establish and execute quality control testing.
Staff Training and Development
- Train and mentor laboratory staff in skilled laboratory procedures, safety protocols, and compliance requirements.
- Assist in evaluating staff performance and provide constructive feedback.
- Support accountability and performance management processes as directed by leadership.
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement and professional development within the laboratory team.
Compliance and Reporting
- Assist in maintaining compliance with all local and state regulations pertaining to SOPs, Master Batch Records, and required documentation.
- Support compliance audits by participating in walkthroughs with regulatory representatives and responding to questions as needed.
Inventory Management
- Oversee inventory control processes, including tracking and ordering laboratory supplies and materials.
- Ensure proper storage and disposal of chemicals and hazardous materials in accordance with regulations.
- Conduct monthly inventory evaluations and maintain accurate supporting documentation.
- Produce monthly operational and sales-related reports as required.
Production Oversight & KPIs
- Monitor production KPIs to identify efficiency opportunities and deficiencies.
- Ensure production and inventory logs are updated accurately and timely.
REPORTING STRUCTURE
The Laboratory Lead reports directly to the Laboratory Supervisor and works closely with the Production Lead and laboratory team to support daily operational needs. This role provides day-to-day direction and technical support within skilled laboratory operations while supporting execution of site priorities.
Qualifications
- 1-2 years relevant cannabis experience
- 1-2 years relevant leadership experience
- Familiar with cannabis and the many forms it comes in (concentrates, trim, flower, etc)
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy in record-keeping.
- Familiarity with laboratory procedures, safety protocols, and quality control standards.
- Proficient in using laboratory instruments and equipment.
- Experience using manufacturing and processing equipment.
- Excellent organizational and time management skills.
- Effective communication and teamwork abilities.
- Adherence to ethical standards and safety regulations.
- Proficient in Google Sheets and basic algebra.
Our Benefits!
Rove offers a competitive range of benefits that are often hard to come by in the cannabis industry! Our current benefits package for all full-time Laboratory Leads includes:
- Reimbursement for all business expenses made while on company business, which are reimbursed weekly.
- Per Diems for out-of-state working trips and travel.
- Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision insurance with the options for a Health Savings Account to help manage out-of-pocket expenses. OR Health stipend provided with proof of current valid insurance, helping you manage out-of-pocket expenses effectively.
- Both Traditional and Roth 401(k) accounts to help plan for your future.
- Competitive and progressive PTO policy for all full-time employees.
- Dedicated 40 hours of both sick and bereavement leave that renews every year.
- Regular weekly work schedule with overtime availability on a consistent basis.
- Work-related perks including company swag and industry events.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Rove, LLC, and affiliates (collectively, “Rove”) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable law, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. We are looking for the smartest and most passionate people who want to join our team and develop our services, systems, and marketplaces that will serve our customers and the cannabis industry in the decades to come. Rove uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit ww.dhs.gov/E-Verify.
Pay: $22.00 - $24.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
