Director of Manufacturing
Description
Cronos Group is a global, innovative cannabinoid company with international manufacturing and distribution operations across five continents. The company is committed to building breakthrough intellectual property by advancing research, technology, and product development in the cannabis space.
Driven by a commitment to responsibly elevate consumer experience, Cronos Group is building an iconic and meaningful brand portfolio. Cronos Israel is a joint venture between Cronos Group and Kibbutz Gan Shmuel.
At Cronos Israel, we recruit talented individuals who enjoy solving complex problems and empower them to develop new skills and innovative approaches.
If you would like to take part in shaping a pioneering industry and help build a company of historic significance, and if you are interested in leading a growing organization – we would love to meet you.
This position is based in Gan Shmuel and reports to the VP of Operations, Cronos Israel.
Overview
The Director of Manufacturing is responsible for the overall leadership of Cronos Israel’s cannabis manufacturing facility, ensuring operational excellence, regulatory compliance, safety, quality, and business efficiency.
The role includes defining the plant’s operational vision in alignment with the company’s business objectives, maintaining a supportive organizational structure, leading a professional management team, and implementing new products and technologies as part of the company’s growth and development.
The Director of Manufacturing serves as a key leadership figure within the organization and directly impacts plant performance, organizational culture, and overall business success.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Leadership
- Overall management of manufacturing and packaging operations.
- Ensuring production targets are met according to work plans and demand forecasts.
- Ongoing monitoring of KPIs such as output, quality, efficiency, yield loss, and downtime.
- Making operational decisions to improve performance and efficiency.
- Ensuring stable, continuous, and safe plant operations.
Implementation of New Products and Technologies
- Leading the implementation of new products at the plant – from development stage to routine production.
- Driving the introduction of new technologies, equipment, and innovative production processes.
- Working closely with Regulatory, Quality, and Supply Chain to ensure full launch readiness.
- Leading validation processes and operational integration of new processes.
- Adapting workflows and organizational structure to technological and strategic changes.
Regulation and Quality
- Ensuring full compliance with EU-GMP, IMC-GMP, and company SOPs.
- Maintaining constant readiness for regulatory inspections.
- Working closely with the Quality Manager to manage deviations, CAPA, and continuous improvement processes.
- Ensuring full traceability and proper documentation in accordance with regulatory requirements.
Safety, Health & Security
- Driving a strong safety culture within the plant.
- Ensuring compliance with occupational health and safety standards.
- Ensuring compliance with the unique security requirements of a medical cannabis facility.
- Conducting risk assessments, safety drills, and leading corrective actions.
Budget Management & Financial Control
- Managing the plant’s operational budget.
- Monitoring production, labor, and infrastructure costs.
- Participating in annual budget planning and CAPEX investment planning.
- Leading efficiency initiatives while maintaining quality and regulatory compliance.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Working closely with Supply Chain, Quality, Regulatory, Finance, and HR.
- Participating in S&OP processes to align production planning with sales demand.
- Presenting operational reports and recommendations to senior management.
- Leading resolution of cross-functional issues impacting plant performance.
Qualifications
Education & Experience
- Bachelor's degree in engineering or a relevant field.
- At least 8 years of experience managing a plant or production operations in a regulated environment (Pharma / Food / Cannabis / Medical Devices).
- Proven experience leading management teams.
- Experience implementing new products and technologies.
- Deep understanding of GMP standards and regulated manufacturing environments.
- Experience managing budgets.
- Full proficiency in Hebrew and English.
Personal Competencies
- Strong leadership and influencing skills.
- Strategic thinking combined with strong operational execution capabilities.
- Broad systems perspective and process-building ability.
- Ability to make decisions under pressure.
- Excellent interpersonal and managerial motivation skills.
- Commitment to excellence and continuous improvement.