Operations Manager

X-Hemp (XH) is the only cannabis fibre processing mill in Tasmania, one of only a small handful operating in Australia, and is the only 100% female-owned and run hemp facility in the world.

We process hemp straw in our factory in Cressy for use in a range of innovative and environmentally friendly products, predominantly for the construction and agricultural sector.  After a successful capital raise late last year, and the recent announcement that we were awarded a Federal Government grant under the Boosting Female Founders scheme, we are ready to hire our first Operations Manager. 

We are proud to be a majority female-owned and entirely female-operated business and are welcoming and encouraging qualified women* of all backgrounds and cultures, ages, religions, abilities, and sexual orientations to apply for the role.

* Exception under Special Measures Provisions - Sections 25 and 26 Anti-Discrimination Act.

This is initially a part-time role (3 days/week) – with a potential to extend the hours. The position is accountable to the Managing Director/Founder, Andi Lucas. While your work tasks can largely be handled remotely and there is flexibility in how you manage your scheduled hours, you will be required to come to the MD’s home office in Launceston several times each week and to go to XH HQ in Cressy at least weekly. 

There will likely be up to five Saturday commitments throughout each year (training and education days in Cressy) and the possibility of some funded interstate and international travel for conferences

We are looking for:

Someone passionate about fighting climate change, empowering women, and providing affordable and sustainable housing (ideally all three).  

A quick learner who will be expected to dive into research to better develop and maintain a thorough understanding of this exciting emerging industry.

A professional, enthusiastic, self-motivated and organised person, who will provide high level executive and administrative support to the Managing Director (MD) including undertaking communication on behalf of the MD as appropriate.

Someone who can coordinate activities on behalf of the MD while assisting with managing milestone reporting timelines, scheduling meetings, assisting with general administration, and other requirements appropriate to the role.

Someone with a good sense of humour (agriculture and manufacturing can be stressful so we need to be able to laugh at the challenges), who can adapt quickly and be able to multi-task and manage priorities.

Someone who is comfortable and appropriate when engaging with staff, customers, and stakeholders - all from a wide range of backgrounds.

Someone with sound commonsense who can assist the MD in identifying commercial, networking and funding opportunities.

• Sound digital literacy skills who is highly proficient in Microsoft Office, social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube) 
• A demonstrated ability to quickly learn new systems (we use Google Drive, Xero and SquareSpace daily).
• Need to be detail oriented and able to input data accurately
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills e.g. experience with writing and managing grants is a major plus!
• Ability to follow instructions effectively
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as a member of a small team
• Ability to handle multiple deadlines and prioritise appropriately
• You will become familiar with and follow all health and safety regulations as well as company policies
• Assist the MD with maintaining organisational policies and supporting sound governance e.g. compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, development and updating of policies and procedures, while ensuring transparent and timely communication with Company Directors. 
• Work directly and supportively alongside X-Hemp Production Manager (PM) Bell Towns (responsible for the direct management of staff, rostering, accountable for performance within the Production Worker team, and monitoring of production inputs and outputs). 
• Both your role and the PM regularly report directly to the MD.

Do you possess these skills?:

Previous experience in a logistics environment or similar - where skills are transferable and demonstrated by example

Someone willing to get their hands dirty (literally), with work sometimes happening on farms, in the factory and in construction site settings.  

While these types of duties will not form a key part of the role, you will sometimes be asked to run errands, to load 10kg bags of mulch into a trailer and drive product to customers, to set up a bar and sling drinks at an educational or training event, or to undertake tasks like stock counts alongside members of our production team.  We are still in complete start-up mode, and all wear many different hats! 

Or these characteristics?:

You must have a full driver’s licence, access to your own vehicle, and be willing to use your own car occasionally for work purposes. (Mileage reimbursed in the agreed pay cycle)

The successful applicant will be provided with a laptop (MacBook) and phone (iPhone) which remain the property of X-Hemp 

Must be comfortable around animals, both on farm and domestically. (Our MD largely works from her home office, there will be regular meetings at that location, and there are three dogs on-site of varying personalities and levels of excitement and fur!)

Salary/Benefits:

Salary range $75,000 - $90,000 p.a. pro rata, negotiable depending on experience. 

Inclusive hourly rate starts at $37.95/hour 

Superannuation contribution at the statutory rate (11%) will be paid to your nominated superannuation fund

Full leave entitlements 

Very strong opportunity for career advancement

Employee Assistance Program in place

Employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) opportunity

Interested?:

Current CV or resume – maximum 2 pages

Include names and current contact details of two referees (preferably previous employer)

The recruitment process will include a preliminary phone call and a face-to-face interview

Click on ‘apply now’ to forward with your cover letter addressing above criteria 

APPLICATIONS CLOSE 5 PM 19 APRIL 2024