Operations Manager
Description
Company Description
Ayr Wellness is a leading U.S. multi-state cannabis operator with more than 90 licensed retail locations across Florida, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Ohio, New Jersey, Nevada, Virginia, and Delaware. We cultivate, manufacture, and sell a broad portfolio of high-quality cannabis products, proudly serving both medical patients and adult-use consumers across our markets.
At Ayr, our strength lies in our people. We're re-imagining how we work across every part of our business, and we're looking for builders and doers to roll up their sleeves and help shape what's next. The cannabis industry is fast-moving, complex, and full of opportunity. Together, we're not only shaping a company, but also building the future of cannabis.
Job Summary
The Operations Manager is the operational lead for AYR Wellness's Winchester, VA facility, a co-located cultivation and retail site. Reporting to the VP of Operations, this person will ensure the cultivation facility meets production, quality, and compliance standards while maintaining the day-to-day rhythms of a well-run site. They will work in close partnership with the on-site Pharmacist General Manager, who leads retail operations and regulatory compliance, to ensure both sides of the co-located facility operate in sync.
Responsibilities
Site Operations & Leadership
- Serve as the operational lead for the Winchester cultivation facility, ensuring the site runs safely, efficiently, and in alignment with AYR standards.
- Lead, schedule, and develop a cultivation and operations team of approximately four employees.
- Conduct safety audits and corrective actions; maintain a zero-recordable safety environment.
- Manage adherence to the AYR Operating System (AOS) within the facility.
- Oversee inventory documentation, ordering, receiving, and delivery coordination.
Cultivation Management
- Responsible for all cultivation tasks and processes including crop scheduling, demand planning, harvesting, manicuring and packaging of all products to meet market demand.
- Maintain and adjust environmental and irrigation conditions to support superior product quality throughout the full crop lifecycle.
- Responsible for the management of the fertilizer program including nutrient stock levels, batch management, and recipe calibration.
- Implement and oversee sanitation protocols across all grow zones.
- Troubleshoot cultivation equipment, irrigation systems, and environmental control software.
- Identify crop problems and determine timely solutions; escalate as required.
- Ensure all cultivation activities are properly documented in accordance with state regulations and AYR standards.
Team Development & Compliance
- Train cultivation staff on all processes, SOPs, pesticide application and safety, and fertigation protocols.
- Provide mentorship, performance reviews, and development support to direct reports.
- Ensure departmental compliance with state cannabis regulations; maintain zero compliance recordables.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Must meet age requirements as outlined by state cannabis agencies.
- Able to pass background check and drug screening as required by the Virginia state cannabis agency.
- 2+ years of experience in commercial cannabis production.
- 2+ years in a role with managerial responsibilities.
- Strong indoor horticulture and greenhouse management experience.
- Thorough understanding of Virginia cannabis regulations and how they apply to site operations.
- Excellent communication, organization, and attention to detail.
- Comfortable operating as a collaborative site leader alongside a peer GM in a shared facility.
Education
- Four-year degree in horticulture, agriculture, or a related field or equivalent demonstrated experience in commercial cannabis or agricultural production.
Experience
- 4-6 years of horticulture experience at a commercial scale.
Competencies
- Priority Setting — Focuses time and team energy on what matters most; eliminates roadblocks and drives results.
- Relationship Building — Builds trust through honest, respectful communication; takes accountability and supports the growth of others.
- Results Oriented — Approaches challenges with curiosity and adaptability; learns quickly and continuously improves.
- Functional/Technical Skill — Brings deep cultivation knowledge and applies it with precision and purpose.
Working Conditions
- Exposure to dust, kief, cleaning chemicals, and fumes (systems are in place to minimize exposure).
- Frequent work in rooms with bright lighting requiring eye protection.
- Frequent work in rooms with moderate heat and humidity.
- Constant moderate background noise from environmental systems and equipment.
- Must be available to work weekends or alternate shifts as needed.
Physical Requirements
- Sitting, standing, and walking throughout the shift.
- Constant use of hands and fingers; good manual dexterity and coordination required.
- Frequent ladder use to inspect and maintain plants.
- Occasional use of power hand tools and cultivation machinery.
- Occasional lifting of up to 100 pounds.
Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities at any time.
AYR Wellness is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.