Manager, Processing&Packaging/ Manager Verwerking&Verpakking, Groningen

Full Time Professional Groningen, Groningen, NL

Company Overview Village Farms International (Nasdaq: VFF) is a vertically integrated global leader in cannabis and plant-based consumer packaged goods, and sustainable innovation. As one of North America’s longest-standing produce operators built on decades of expertise, we’re a company where growers, innovators, and creators come together to shape the future of high performing plant-based brands, globally.

Leli Holland is proudly part of Village Farms International. Joining Village Farms means joining a global team built on purpose, integrity, and ambition. Here, we grow people, ideas and possibilities.

The Opportunity The Manager Processing&Packaging is responsible for the end-to-end leadership and performance of all post-harvest and secondary processing activities, including harvesting, drying, trimming, curing, packaging, labeling, and preparation for shipment. The role ensures that processing and packaging operations are executed safely, compliantly, efficiently, and consistently, in line with regulatory requirements, quality standards, and production plans. The Manager Processing&Packaging plays a key role in translating operational strategy into stable daily execution, while building scalable, repeatable processes for future growth.

What You’ll Do

Stable and compliant post-harvest and packaging operations.

Consistent product quality and full regulatory compliance.

Achieve processing and packaging targets.

Reduce product loss and operational disruptions.

Build well-trained, engaged, and accountable teams.

Develop scalable and standardized processing&packaging processes.

Operational Leadership&Execution

Lead and coordinate daily post-harvest and packaging operations in line with production planning.

Ensure smooth flow of materials from cultivation through post-harvest into finished packaged products.

Deliver production targets in terms of volume, quality, yield, cost, and timelines.

Create operational stability by reducing firefighting and improving predictability.

Quality, Safety&Regulatory Compliance

Ensure full compliance with internal SOPs and applicable regulatory frameworks (e.g. GACP, GPP, GMP / EU-GMP where applicable).

Act as first-line owner for quality and safety within processing and packaging.

Ensure accurate weighing, labeling, batch registration, and full product traceability.

Collaborate closely with Quality Assurance on audits, deviations, CAPAs, and inspections.

Maintain audit-ready documentation, batch records, and processing logs at all times.

Lead, coach, and develop supervisors, team leads, and operators across processing and packaging.

Ensure clear roles, responsibilities, and performance expectations.

Support onboarding, training, and capability development.

Foster a culture of ownership, safety awareness, quality mindset, and continuous improvement.

Act as a visible and approachable leader on the floor.

Process Optimization&Continuous Improvement

Identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and product loss across processing and packaging.

Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on yield, quality preservation, labor efficiency, and waste reduction.

Support standardization and documentation of processes.

Implement structured improvement methodologies where appropriate (e.g. Lean, 5S).

Systems, Equipment&Data

Ensure proper use, cleaning, maintenance, and calibration of processing and packaging equipment.

Coordinate with Facilities&Maintenance on preventive maintenance planning.

Ensure correct use of ERP and seed-to-sale systems for inventory control and traceability.

Develop and monitor KPIs related to yield, throughput, quality downtime, and staff productivity.

What You Bring Education&Experience

Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Horticulture, Plant Sciences, Biotechnology, Operations Management, or related field (or equivalent experience).

3–5+ years of experience in post-harvest, processing, or packaging operations within cannabis, food, pharma, or other regulated industries.

Proven leadership experience managing production or processing teams.

Experience working with SOP-driven environments and regulatory audits.

Knowledge&Skills

Strong understanding of post-harvest processes and factors affecting product quality.

Familiarity with regulatory standards such as GACP, GPP, GMP / EU-GMP.

Experience with ERP or inventory / traceability systems.

Fluent in Dutch and English.

Hands‑on, visible, and grounded.

Calm and structured under pressure.

Quality- and safety-driven.

Collaborative and people-oriented.

Improvement-focused, without creating change fatigue.

Licenses and Certifications

Able to obtain a Certificate of Conduct (VOG) from the Dutch government.

Life at Village Farms We believe It Takes A Village and we mean it.

It shows up in how we support each other, how we innovate, and how we win as a team.

Our values guide every decision we make: Versatility | Innovation | Leadership | Loyalty | Accountability | Grit | Entrepreneurship.

What you do here matters - to our people, our products, and the customers we serve.

We’ve got you covered with company-paid comprehensive benefits and education assistance to support your growth.

Ready to Grow With Us?

If you want to be part of something that has real impact– we’d love to meet you.

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