Compliance and Quality Assurance Manager

Connected International, Inc. (Connected Cannabis Co.) is a leading vertically integrated cannabis company based in Sacramento and operating in California, Arizona, and Florida. With over 15 years experience, Connected specializes in breeding, growing, manufacturing, and distributing top-shelf cannabis through its state-of-the-art facilities and proprietary genetics. 

With over 300 employees across the United States, Connected maintains a strong presence in the industry across multiple markets. The company has recently expanded into Arizona and Florida with ambitious national expansion plans underway. Connected's mission has always been to breed, grow, and sell the best cannabis in the world, setting high standards for its products, people, and partners wherever we go.

The Compliance and Quality Assurance Manager will be responsible for the overall functions of CA and AZ compliance, safety and security and elevate quality assurance and compliance through continuous improvement efforts. This position requires regular travel to all Connected locations in California and Arizona.

Compliance - CA & AZ

• Develop and manage department workflow tools (e.g. Asana, Zapier, C15).
• Partner with key stakeholders to ensure product compliance seed-to-sale.
• At the direction of the Director, Compliance, help communicate regulatory rules or rule changes and ensure that they are documented through corporate policies and procedures.
• Manage high volume SOP development and updates across all entities.
• Compile and maintain regulatory documentation databases or systems.

• Interface with customers to address compliance concerns in partnership with Director, Compliance.
• Manage day-to-day camera, alarm, badge, access control and security guard operations including working with vendors to address potential issues.
• Ensure panic buttons and alarm systems are tested on schedule at all sites.
• Schedule and reconcile site safety training.

• Obtain and distribute updated information regarding regulations, laws, guidelines, or standards.
• Prepare or maintain technical files as necessary to obtain and sustain license approval.
• Gather information related to  pre-license regulatory requirements and or other regulatory compliance issues, identify potential roadblocks and challenges and present findings to Director, Compliance for solutions.
• Maintain current knowledge base of existing and emerging regulations, standards, or guidance documents and recommend changes to company procedures to maintain compliance to Director, Compliance for business review.
• Aid Sr. Manager of Compliance in performing compliance gap analyses across all sites and states and work to create long term solutions including program development, team training and follow up to verify implementation.
• Interpret regulatory rules or rule changes and ensure that they are communicated through corporate policies and procedures, under the supervision of Director, Compliance. 
• Partner with third party security contracts/vendors to manage and maintain security monitoring and coordinate response - day to day, scheduling, follow ups, implementing changes under guidance.
• Maintain accurate emergency contact lists with local PD, local FD, applicable regulatory agencies and security vendors.
• Train relevant personnel on compliance procedures, ensuring a thorough understanding of requirements and protocols. 
• Deploy and maintain up-to-date compliance binders including all relevant information needed per regulatory agencies. 
• Conduct quarterly audits of overall facility site compliance.
• Update Premise, Lighting, and Security diagrams in Autocad.
• Run the CA & Arizona Safety Committees.
• Provide guidance and direction related to compliance, safety and security for all CA and AZ sites.
• Additional duties as assigned by management.

Compliance - CA

• Prepare documentation for regulatory agencies regarding licensing, livescans, ownership changes, inspections and other pertinent activities. Keep regulatory portals updated with accurate documentation.
• Aid in state and local inspection preparation and participate as needed.
• Communicate with regulatory agencies regarding license changes, license requirements, and license renewals, clarification and follow-up of submissions under review.
• Manage employee on and off boarding with security.
• Complete regulatory notification paperwork regarding security incidents. 
• Escort state inspectors during inspections and provide post-inspection follow-up information as requested.

Compliance - AZ

• Oversee laboratory vendor management: communicate regarding testing changes, evaluation of new labs as needed.
• Manage employee onboarding and offboarding with security, AZDHS, and licensed partners. 
• Partner with third party security contracts/vendors to manage and maintain security monitoring and coordinate response.
• Analyze regulatory deficiencies or complaints and make recommendations regarding their correction for the state of Arizona. 
• Attend Arizona Dispensary Association meetings and disseminate information to key stakeholders.

• Oversight of Licensed Partner’s compliance documentation uploads.
• Assist with review of product promotional materials, labeling, batch records, specification sheets, or test methods for compliance with applicable regulations and policies.
• Assist with review of product promotional materials and labels for compliance with applicable regulations and policies. 

Product Quality (Scope: ALL STATES - across business units and expansion territories)

• Develop and maintain product specific SOPs and complete training, as needed.
• Manage and control QA processes, monitor product performance and ensure compliance with laws and regulations. 
• Work with Operations personnel to address quality issues on existing products.

Safety: (Scope: CA & AZ)

• Ensure all employees are up to date with trainings. 
• Schedule and plan safety trainings.
• Attend safety trainings as needed to ensure compliance and accurate delivery. 
• Attend third-party safety inspections.
• Incident and OSHA reporting in collaboration with HRBP.
• Develop and deploy safety programs and SOPs.
• Coordinate third party health checks.

• Bachelor's Degree in Business or related field
• Minimum 1-2 years' experience as a Compliance Analyst or Coordinator in a highly regulated industry (e.g. cannabis, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, manufacturing, consumer packaged goods
• )Knowledge of DCC and CalOSHA regulations
• Proven experience or history with launching new software, project managing roll-outs and systems transfers. 
• Strong technical background & advanced understanding of QA technology and compliance related platforms
• Ability to effectively explain compliance requirements and provide support to  a broad scope of business partners including Cultivation, Operations, Supply Chain, Finance and HR personnel
• High attention to detail and organizational skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace
• Excellent knowledge of reporting procedures and record keeping
• Ability to make decisions with minimal supervision
• Reacts well under pressure; treats others with respect and consideration
• Ability and willingness to complete repetitive tasks
• Excellent communication and organizational skills
• Quality:  Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness.
• Motivation:  Demonstrates persistence and overcomes obstacles
• Ability to self-start, organize, multi-task.
• Ability to travel regularly to all facilities in California and Arizona (up to 25% per month)
• 21+ years

Compensation Description (annually): The salary range for this position in the selected city is $105,000.00 - $115,000.00 annually.

Compensation may vary outside of this range depending on a number of factors, including a candidate’s qualifications, skills, competencies and experience, and location.

Connected is an exciting, innovative workplace with an inclusive culture that offers rare career opportunities, and a chance to make a real-world impact in a new start-up industry! We are looking for exceptional people to join our team as we transition into the next phase of our business ventures and become a leader in the cannabis industry.  

• Competitive Pay 
• 401 (k), Medical, Dental, Vision, Employee Assistance Program
• PTO, Flexible Schedules, Work-Life Balance
• Career Growth and Internal Advancement Opportunities
• Chance to work in an exciting new start-up industry with awesome people!

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