Head of Production (Herbal Kitchen + Apothecary)

We are seeking a passionate, grounded and proactive leader to help steward the production of our herbal extracts, medicinal foods, and wellness products.This is not a standard kitchen management role. It’s a deeply hands-on position rooted in both leadership and detail-oriented care, overseeing the movement of niche herbal products from raw ingredients to finished goods with awareness, efficiency, integrity, and pride.We’re looking for someone who genuinely enjoys creating + maintaining organized flow, keeping many moving pieces connected at once, and helping a kitchen feel steady, stocked, supported, and enjoyable. Someone who is passionate about meaningful work and can hold both the details and the bigger picture. Someone who values strong systems, kind + direct communication, and being part of a team building something with real intention. If you are passionate about health, wellness and herbalism and have some form of hands-on production experience and leadership skills, we'd love to hear from you!Position OverviewThe Head of Kitchen Production is responsible for overseeing the complete flow of Woodland Wellness’ physical product production, from raw ingredients to finished goods, ensuring consistency, quality, efficiency, and care in every batch.This role is both strategic and hands-on. Approximately 70% of the role is dedicated to overseeing operations, planning, inventory, and team leadership, while 30% is spent actively participating in production.You will lead the kitchen with a balance of organization, awareness, and efficiency, ensuring a steady flow of product, a clean and functional workspace, and a team that is clear, accountable, and supported in their roles.This is a leadership role that requires the ability to hold both the details and the bigger picture: keeping production moving, maintaining inventory, protecting quality, and ensuring the kitchen stays organized, stocked, and on pace.As Woodland Wellness continues to grow, you will collaborate with Petals (founder of WW) in hiring new production team members, then carry forward the integrity of our processes through how you train, guide, and lead them.You will be trained by our current Head of Kitchen Production, Baily, over a 45–60 day onboarding period to ensure you feel confident and supported stepping into full ownership of this role.Our CultureOur Cultural Pillars (daily actions + embodiment): Courage: clear is kind Responsible Ownership: own your impact “Probortunities”: challenges are opportunities to improveCore Values (the why behind everything we do):Belonging · Nourishment · Integrity · Earthen · Playful · Empowerment · GoldenThis role is not just about production. It is about carrying the energy and integrity of Woodland Wellness into everything we create.Core ResponsibilitiesYou are responsible for ensuring production runs smoothly, efficiently, and proactively, with minimal oversight once fully onboarded.1) Production Leadership + OversightOversee all production of Woodland Wellness products, including herbal extracts, ghee, bone broth, beverage concentrates, and spice blendsEnsure all products are consistently in stock and produced efficiently in alignment with established protocolsStep into hands-on production (approximately 30% of the role) to support key batches and maintain connection to and quality of the processMonitor workflow and adjust production schedules to meet demandTake ownership of identifying gaps in production flow and proactively adjusting systems or schedules2) Inventory + Supply ManagementMaintain appropriate inventory levels of finished goods, ingredients, and suppliesOrder ingredients and materials as needed, tracking usage and anticipating future needsCreate and maintain clear, reliable systems for inventory tracking and organization3) Quality Control + Food SafetyTaste and evaluate each batch of product to ensure quality and consistencyFollow and uphold all food safety and sanitation standardsMaintain a clean, organized, and safe kitchen environment at all timesIdentify and address any inconsistencies or issues in production4) Scheduling + Team LeadershipCreate and manage production schedules for yourself and Apothecary Assistant(s)Train, guide, and oversee kitchen team members after onboardingSet clear expectations and ensure follow-through with kind, direct communicationCultivate a positive, collaborative, and accountable team environmentHold the team accountable to standards while maintaining a supportive and respectful environment5) Cost Awareness + Production EfficiencyTrack production yields, labor, and input costs through batch logsMaintain awareness of ingredient pricing and overall production costsIdentify opportunities to improve efficiency and margins without compromising qualityUpdate cost analyses of products annuallyMake informed decisions that support both product quality and overall business sustainability6) Kitchen Operations + Workspace ManagementMaintain an organized, functional kitchen space that supports smooth daily operationsNavigate shared commercial kitchen dynamics with professionalism and awarenessCommunicate with kitchen management as needed to resolve issues or improve workflow7) Order Fulfillment + LogisticsOversee and participate in packaging and fulfillment of customer and wholesale orders Coordinate shipment timelines and ensure accurate, timely delivery Support local deliveries and post office drop-offs as needed Coordinate with FOH leaders to stock inventory for direct-to-consumer locationsA Week in the LifeEach week in this role is approximately 30% hands-on production and 70% administrative and oversight.A sample week may look like:Monday 15 min: Morning check-in with Apothecary Assistant to align on the week 1 hr: Admin tasks (inventory review, planning, communication) 2 hrs: Begin and produce batch of Pure Gold Ghee 3 hrs: Process and freeze seasonal fruitTuesday 1 hr: Admin tasks 1 hr: Lid + stock Cup o Sunshine 2 hrs: Strain + jar Pure Gold Ghee 1 hr: Package and drop online orders at the post officeWednesday 1:1 meeting with Petals ~3 hrs: Admin tasks (ingredient sourcing research, packaging ordering, and system/SOP updates)Thursday 1 hr: Admin tasks Receive and stock dried herb inventory shipment Blend herbal tinctures and set up Assistant for bottling Package and ship online orders Drop off local deliveries on the way homeFriday1 hr: Admin tasksReview inventory levels and finalize upcoming production scheduleOutline the following week’s production needsPull inventory for wholesale orders and Market HubEach week shifts based on season, inventory needs, and production cycles, requiring adaptability, awareness, and consistent initiative.QualificationsProven experience in a production leadership role (or equivalent such as Kitchen Manager, Production Lead, Chef, Operations Lead, etc.)Strong organizational and systems-thinking skillsClear, kind, and direct communication styleAbility to lead a team while maintaining both accountability and supportExperience tracking and utilizing production metrics (yields, labor, inventory)High attention to detail, quality, and consistencyStrong decision-making skills and ability to prioritize and pivot effectivelyProficiency in math and Google WorkspaceComfortable working independently, making decisions, and taking responsibility for outcomesPreferred: Personal or professional experience in herbalism or holistic wellnessPhysical Requirements + Work EnvironmentAbility to stand for long periods and maintain steady physical output throughout the dayAbility to lift 50 lbs comfortably (buckets, boxes, equipment)Confident handling of knives, hot liquids, and valuable production equipmentComfortable working in a fast-paced, detail-oriented environment with multiple priorities at onceSchedule + Rhythm25–40 hours per week, depending on seasonal production needs.We offer flexibility in weekly hours. During the hiring process, please share your preferred hourly range (anywhere from 25–40 hours/week). From there, we’ll shape a schedule that supports both you and the needs of production, with some natural variation week to week and season to season.While this role offers flexibility in scheduling, it is paired with full responsibility for meeting production goals. Some weeks may require longer hours depending on demand.Monthly flow will include:Monthly 1:1 meeting with Petals (founder of WW)Regular kitchen team meetingsAdditional strategy sessions as neededCompensation$20/hour as a W-2 employeeAnnual performance reviews based on:QualityEfficiencyProfitabilityOverall contribution to the businessSuccess in This Role Looks LikeProduction is consistently on schedule and well-stockedThe kitchen is clean, organized, and running smoothlyTeam members are clear on expectations and following throughSystems are improving over time, not just being maintainedChallenges are addressed proactively and moved forward