Sr. Manager, Automation & Maintenance

Job Summary The National Senior Manager of Automation provides strategic leadership, technical oversight, and operational direction for automation systems across multiple states and facilities. This role is responsible for driving reliability, scalability, compliance, and continuous improvement of automated systems, production equipment, and facility infrastructure nationwide. This position leads regional automation teams, establishes standardized processes, and ensures consistent execution of preventative and corrective maintenance programs across all locations. The National Senior Manager partners cross-functionally with cultivation, harvest, production, quality, IT, engineering, and executive leadership to align automation performance with company production targets and long-term expansion initiatives. The ideal candidate possesses deep technical expertise, strong business acumen, and the ability to develop innovative automation solutions that support multi-state operations. This leader must effectively provide and receive constructive feedback, determine when to outsource specialized functions, and build scalable systems that support operational growth. The role requires flexibility to accommodate frequent travel, extended work hours, and weekend support based on operational demands and expansion projects.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a national automation strategy aligned with company growth, scalability, and production objectives.
• Standardize automation systems, control platforms, and preventative maintenance programs across multiple states.
• Lead, coach, and develop regional Automation Managers, Specialists, and maintenance personnel.
• Establish, track, and report KPIs related to equipment uptime, system reliability, production efficiency, labor optimization, and cost control.
• Provide executive-level reporting and performance insights to senior leadership.
• Oversee complex troubleshooting of electrical, mechanical, PLC, HMI, SCADA, and automated control systems across facilities.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to reduce downtime, increase throughput, and optimize operational efficiency.
• Manage national automation budgets, capital expenditures, and long-term infrastructure planning.
• Evaluate when to internally manage projects versus outsourcing to qualified vendors or contractors.
• Source, vet, negotiate, and oversee third-party contractors and technical partners.
• Ensure compliance with all state-specific regulations, local codes, safety standards, and company SOPs.
• Build scalable documentation systems, standardized SOPs, and technical training programs.
• Collaborate with executive leadership on expansion projects, new facility launches, retrofits, and system upgrades.
• Travel regularly between states and facilities (up to 50-70% travel as required).
• Provide on-site leadership during critical system failures or major installations, including evenings and weekends as needed.
• Adapt work schedule to meet operational demands during peak production or expansion initiatives.
• Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, safety, and professional development.
• Promote open communication and demonstrate the ability to both provide and accept constructive feedback.
• Think strategically and creatively to solve complex operational challenges.
• Perform additional duties as assigned based on business needs.

Minimum Qualifications

• 8+ years of progressive experience in automation, industrial systems, controls engineering, or maintenance leadership required.
• 3-5+ years of multi-site, regional, or national leadership experience required.
• Advanced knowledge of PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems, electrical systems, mechanical systems, and industrial automated controls.
• Demonstrated success designing and implementing preventative and predictive maintenance programs at scale.
• Proven experience managing budgets, capital projects, vendor contracts, and cross-functional initiatives.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and project management skills.
• Ability to travel frequently (up to 50-70%) across multiple states.
• Ability to work flexible schedules, including extended hours and weekends, based on operational needs.
• Demonstrated leadership capability in building high-performing teams while maintaining accountability.
• Ability to accept feedback and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
• Experience managing third-party partnerships effectively.
• High school diploma or GED required; technical degree preferred.
• Relevant certifications preferred (OSHA, Electrical Licensing, PLC programming, Industrial Maintenance, etc.).
• Must be authorized to work in the United States and comply with applicable state regulations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Verano Base Pay Range: $70,000 - $80,000
• Actual pay is based on experience, qualifications, and location of the role.
• Roles may be eligible for annual bonus program based on individual and company performance.
• Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) matching
• Paid holidays
• Paid time off
• Product discounts

Physical and Mental Demands While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to remain in a stationary position, move and/or position oneself, communicate, operate and/or prepare, place, position objects, tools, or controls. The employee must occasionally move packages weighing up to 50 lb. Able to stand for 90% of the time. Comfortable with heights, occasionally ascends/descends a ladder to service the lights, filters, trellis netting and ceiling fans up to 25ft. Comfortable working atop and traversing scaffolding, when required. Comfortable with changing environment temperatures and humidity. Exposure to pollen, dust, dander, and other nature elements. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close observation and the ability to adjust focus. The mental and physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an individual, with or without reasonable accommodation, to successfully perform the essential functions of the position.

Working Environment Work is performed in a warehouse environment. The employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts and risk of electrical shock. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an individual encounters while performing the essential functions of the position.