Director Of Operations

Who We AreAscend Wellness Holdings ("AWH") is a vertically integrated cannabis cultivator, processor and provisioning center operator with assets in Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, Ohio and Pennsylvania. We seek to foster a robust and inclusive cannabis industry through a premium, unmatched customer-focused retail experience. We are looking to build a world-class team that will help carry out our mission of helping to shape the future of cannabis as a leading healthcare solution. We are committed to improving the quality of our patient's lives by offering unrivaled quality, consistency and meticulously curated products that satisfy our customers unique, individual needs. When it comes to customer service experience, our dispensaries will set a new standard of excellence, emphasizing health and wellness by a highly knowledgeable team. A team that is committed to our values, our people, and our communities; we are looking for people who are inspired by our vision and stay dedicated to our mission as we continuously expand.The RoleThe Director of Operations assesses the needs of the company and finds ways to contribute to the big picture by ensuring daily operations run smoothly and as efficiently as possible. This role will manage Dry, Cure, Post Harvest, Lab, Kitchen, Packaging, Fulfillment, Materials, and Transport. The Director of Operations will coordinate directly with grow, maintenance, sales, and compliance managers. This position will maintain working relationships with business-to-business partners to ensure there is open communication and maintain a great working partnership. This position reports to the VP, Operations.Location: Barry, ILKey ResponsibilitiesLead and oversee a large-scale operation of 400+ employees, including frontline staff, supervisors, and department leadersDirect day-to-day operations across greenhouse, extraction, processing, packaging, warehousing, maintenance, and security functionsDrive operational performance by establishing KPIs, setting clear objectives, and regularly reviewing progress with leadership teamsAnalyze and interpret operational data to optimize production, efficiency, and overall site performanceEnsure seamless cross-functional communication across cultivation, compliance, sales, processing, packaging, shipping, materials, and maintenance teamsMaintain a safe, compliant work environment by enforcing safety standards, cGMP practices, and all regulatory requirementsEvaluate existing SOPs, identify opportunities for improvement, and implement scalable, process-driven solutions Oversee automation equipment lifecycle, including procurement, installation, performance optimization, and preventative maintenancePartner with Facilities and Maintenance teams to implement preventative maintenance programs, critical parts planning, and facility enhancements to support uninterrupted operationsCollaborate with the Director of Cultivation to drive grow planning and maximize yield and efficiency across all cultivation cycles (cloning, transplanting, feeding, harvesting, and processing)Provide direct oversight of Dry, Cure, Post Harvest, Lab, Kitchen, Packaging, Fulfillment, Materials, and Transport functions, ensuring alignment, efficiency, and compliance across all post-harvest and production operationsManage operational budgets, monitor financial performance, and identify cost-saving opportunities while maintaining quality and output standardsRegularly report on operational performance, KPIs, and key initiatives to Executive Leadership Team, providing insights and recommendations to drive decision-makingBuild and maintain strong vendor relationships to support operational needs and drive cost efficienciesLead, coach, and develop high-performing teams, fostering a collaborative, accountable, and people-first cultureEnsure alignment with company policies, procedures, and HR standards across all teamsParticipate in ongoing professional development and industry education to stay current with best practicesQualifications & Skills8+ years of progressive experience leading manufacturing, warehousing, and logistics operations in high-volume environmentsBachelor's degree preferred5+ years of experience within large-scale commercial operations, including 2+ years in a management-level roleProven ability to lead and develop teams, drive performance, and foster a people-first, high-accountability cultureStrong operational acumen with demonstrated success managing risk and making data-driven decisionsExperience operating in highly regulated environments with a track record of maintaining strict compliance standardsExpertise in operations management, organizational development, lean manufacturing principles, and strategic planningStrong project management skills with the ability to prioritize, execute, and deliver across multiple initiatives Excellent interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills with a high level of business acumen and professionalismProficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Outlook, and PowerPointHigh attention to detail with strong organizational and time management skillsWorking knowledge of technical, scientific, and regulatory principles related to the cannabis industry preferredAbility and willingness to relocate to a location within driving distance of the facilityRegulatory & Compliance RequirementsMust be 21 years of age or older and able to pass all required pre-employment screeningsMust be and remain compliant with all applicable state and local regulationsAbility to obtain and maintain a Registered Agent Card in the applicable state of operationMaintains up-to-date knowledge of all relevant laws, regulations, and compliance requirements to ensure 100% facility complianceCore CompetenciesOperates with integrity, professionalism, and accountability; consistently builds trust and upholds organizational valuesAbility to follow direction, internalize training, and execute with consistency and focusCommunicates clearly and effectively across all levels of the organizationWork EnvironmentThis position is based onsite in a manufacturing environment. The role requires working in conditions that may include loud noise, elevated temperatures, humidity, and exposure to strong odors. Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is required.Physical RequirementsWhile performing the duties of this job, this position is regularly required to sit and use hand(s) to handle, grasp, feel, and/or touch. The position is occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms. The position is required to speak and listen regularly and may occasionally need to lift or move materials, event supplies, or equipment weighing up to 25 pounds.EEO StatementAscend Wellness Holdings, INC., ("AWH") and its subsidiaries is an equal opportunity employer and celebrate the population of differences and does not discriminate in its hiring / hiring practices, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.Nothing in this job specification restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Critical features of this job are described under various headings above. They may be subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons. The above statements are strictly intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of employees in this position.This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" relationship.recblid 52ql0rzuif9l0chax3f5ae4rkye87p