Product Development Assistant Jobs in Mankato, MN

SUMMARY AND SCOPE OF THE POSITION:
The Inventory & Procurement Manager is responsible for overseeing the procurement of cannabis products and materials, managing inbound logistics, and maintaining accurate inventory levels across the organization. This role works cross-functionally with cultivation partners, external vendors, the product development team, and internal distribution staff to ensure compliance, efficiency, and cost-effective operations.
PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Manage purchase orders for products and materials from both internal cultivation partners and licensed external vendors.
• Coordinate with product development teams on new SKUs and product introductions.
• Monitor and evaluate vendor performance, resolve shipment discrepancies, and maintain strong supplier relationships.
• Track inbound deliveries and ensure proper intake processes, documentation, and compliance with state and tribal regulations.
• Validate product quality and compliance with testing, labeling, and packaging standards.
• Ensure manifests and associated regulatory documents meet standards before intake.
• Negotiate pricing and sourcing of raw materials, packaging, and finished goods.
• Develop and maintain relationships with new and existing vendors and contract manufacturers.
• Forecast inventory needs through production planning and scheduling.
• Create cost and margin analysis reports and assist in pricing model development.
• Analyze supply chain data to drive informed decisions on production and procurement planning.
• Manage, train, and develop distribution inventory technicians.
• Monitor lead times and manage purchasing timelines to support production flow.
• Oversee the intake process in coordination with the Distribution Manager.
• Continuously review and assess inventory levels to inform purchasing decisions.
• Conduct and participate in regular inventory audits to ensure accuracy.
• Maintain and improve SOPs for inventory control, procurement, and documentation.
• Monitor inventory turnover and maintain optimal stock levels across all product lines.
• Analyze data to establish restocking thresholds, improve forecasting, and enhance purchasing strategy.
• Deliver regular reports and updates to executive leadership and cross-functional teams.
• Communicate upcoming inventory issues or changes to production, sales, and finance teams.
• Assist in preparation for financial audits and regulatory inspections.
• Ensure all procurement and inventory activities align with tribal and state cannabis regulations.
• Maintain complete seed-to-sale traceability for all batches and inbound goods.
• Respond promptly to inventory discrepancies or compliance concerns with appropriate action plans.
• Stay informed of regulatory changes affecting purchasing, storage, or distribution, and adjust procedures accordingly.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
• 1+ years of experience in supply chain, procurement, or inventory management (cannabis or regulated industry preferred)
• Proven experience with vendor negotiation and relationship management
• Strong understanding of regulatory compliance, especially in cannabis operations
• High school diploma / GED
• A valid State issued Driver's License
• Professional appearance, attitude, and interpersonal/social skills
• Must complete the application and Cannabis Commission licensing process in a timely and professional manner.
• A Passport quality photo
• Must be 21 years of age or older
• Must successfully pass a background check
• Must successfully pass a drug test for all substances non-cannabis
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• Prior cannabis knowledge, education, or certification in the cannabis industry
• 3-5 Years' experience in a similar role
• Exceptional customer service skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and email and internet applications.
• Accurate data entry and record-keeping
• Knowledge of customer marijuana policies, law, compliance, and regulations
• Ability to maintain a consistent teamwork mentality
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, changing, challenging, and busy environment
• Conflict resolution skills
• Basic math skills
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position provided no undue hardship would result.
• The individual is required to regularly sit at a computer and enter data for extended periods of time
• The individual is required to listen and talk to individuals and before groups in the performance of the job
• The individual is regularly called upon to deal with stressful situations and a high work volume
• The individual is regularly required to stand, walk, and drive for extended periods of time
• The individual is occasionally required to bend, stretch, and use hands to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls and to reach with hands and arms
• The individual is occasionally required to lift up to 25 lbs.
• The position requires some travel and scheduling flexibility
The duties and responsibilities described above may provide only a partial description of this position. This is not an exhaustive list of all aspects of the job. Other duties and responsibilities not outlined in this document may be added as necessary or desirable, with or without notice.
DISCLAIMER AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
All Prairie Island Indian Community employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.
The Prairie Island Indian Community Tribal Employment Rights Ordinance applies to this and all employment opportunities for the Community.
*See physical demand analysis for more detailed information.
Mission Statement: Prairie Island CBH, Inc. is a tribally owned cannabis company committed to being a source of pride for our community and the cannabis industry. We operate a highly controlled, high-quality, multi-faceted operation that provides a broad range of cannabis products and services.
Disclaimer and Conditions of Employment: All Prairie Island CBH, Inc., employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodation will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.
Due to the highly regulated nature of the commercial cannabis business, any offer and employment with the Company is contingent on passing several employment screenings, including without limitation, receiving an employee license from the Prairie Island Cannabis Regulatory Commission.
The Prairie Island Indian Community Tribal Employment Rights Ordinance applies to this and all employment opportunities for the Community.