Compliance Manager (Arizona Region) The Compliance Manager is responsible for ensuring that all operations within the cannabis business adhere to federal, state, and local regulations. This individual will oversee the development, implementation, and management of compliance programs and policies to minimize legal risks and ensure operational integrity. The Compliance Manager will work closely with leadership, legal teams, and regulatory bodies to ensure the company's compliance with evolving cannabis laws and regulations. Essential Duties:
Ensure all Facility Agents are linked to applicable locations. Check on status of current cards needing renewal and cards in process (quarterly). Complete resubmittals in a timely manner (24-48 hours).
Conduct routine (weekly) inspections of dispensary locations within the state of Arizona to ensure that compliance procedures are followed.
Identify compliance issues that require follow-up or investigation. Provide coaching and training to employees needing further assistance. Provide employee training on compliance related topics, policies and procedures.
Discuss emerging compliance issues with management or employees, immediately after each inspection. Advise management on the implementation or operation of new compliance standards or programs.
Prepare summary reports of findings to be sent out by the end of the week to each location's internal management team and senior management.
Monitor and implement company compliance policies and standards of procedures. Complete and file appropriate compliance reports with regulatory agencies. (ex. Renewals, Audit Responses, etc.)
Verify that software technology and equipment is in place to adequately provide oversight and monitoring of all required areas. Evaluate the efficiency of controls and improve them continuously.
Maintain documentation of compliance activities, such as required reports, ATO documents per location, etc.
Serve as a confidential point of contact for employees to communicate with management, seek clarification on issues, or report irregularities. Keep information confidential between locations. Treat all locations the same.
Correct employee violations of patient verification with the state system.
Collaborate with human resources departments to monitor enforcement of standards and regulations.
Communicate with senior management on a daily basis with compliance issues or updates.
Key Responsibilities Regulatory Compliance:
Monitor and interpret changes in cannabis laws and regulations at the federal, state, and local levels.
Ensure the company's policies and practices are aligned with all applicable cannabis laws, including those relating to cultivation, distribution, manufacturing, retail, and transportation.
Oversee the licensing process, ensuring that all necessary licenses and permits are obtained, renewed, and properly maintained.
Policy Development & Implementation:
Develop, implement, and maintain compliance policies, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and training programs to ensure compliance with all cannabis-related regulations.
Work with internal departments (e.g., HR, legal, operations) to enforce compliance policies and educate employees on regulatory requirements.
Risk Management & Audits:
Conduct internal audits to assess compliance risks and implement corrective actions as necessary.
Manage compliance inspections from regulatory agencies, ensuring that the company is prepared for any scheduled or unscheduled inspections.
Develop and maintain a system for tracking compliance issues, resolutions, and ongoing risk management.
Reporting & Documentation:
Ensure accurate and timely reporting to regulatory agencies, including inventory tracking, testing, and other compliance-related submissions.
Maintain proper records and documentation to support regulatory requirements, including product recalls, safety reports, and incident management.
Training & Communication:
Train and educate staff on compliance protocols and regulatory updates.
Serve as the primary point of contact for regulatory inquiries, investigations, and audits.
Collaborate with department heads to ensure a company-wide culture of compliance.
Product & Facility Oversight:
Ensure all products comply with state testing, packaging, labeling, and safety standards.
Oversee security protocols for the handling and storage of cannabis, ensuring that all processes are in line with legal requirements.
Manage the reporting and mitigation of any compliance issues, including product recalls and safety concerns.
Required Skills/Abilities & Education/Experience:
Education:
Bachelor's degree in Law, Business Administration, Public Policy, or related field (advanced degrees or certifications in compliance are a plus).
Experience:
Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in a compliance role, preferably within the cannabis, pharmaceutical, or heavily regulated industries.
Proven experience in regulatory compliance, audits, and risk management.
Familiarity with AZDHS, Dutchie and other seed-to-sale tracking systems is highly desirable.
Skills:
Strong knowledge of cannabis laws and regulations, including the Controlled Substances Act, state-specific cannabis legislation, and local ordinances.
Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and educate stakeholders at all levels.
Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
Other Requirements:
Ability to obtain and maintain all required cannabis-related licenses and permits.
Willingness to stay informed about changes in cannabis legislation and proactively adjust compliance strategies.
Physical Requirements and Work Environment
This position may require some travel to ensure compliance at multiple facilities.
The Compliance Manager may be required to work in both office and production environments, which may include handling cannabis products.
Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.