Director of Commercialization

Who We AreAscend Wellness Holdings (AWH) is a vertically integrated cannabis cultivator, processor, and retailer with assets in Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. Our mission is to shape the future of cannabis as a leading healthcare solution while delivering a premium, customer-focused retail experience. We are committed to building a high-performing team that is passionate about our products, our communities, and creating operational excellence across our growing footprint.The RoleDirector of Commercialization is responsible for leading the development and launch of new products with AWH's external partners in accordance with procedures set forth by AWH. The role will develop new formulations and dosage forms, line extensions, new packaging configurations, and product collaborations with outside partners. It provides overall project leadership, creates product concepts and standards, drives development activities, facilitates introduction into Operations, and keeps management updated on progress of key development activities.LocationRemote with 25–50% travel expectation. Strong preference to candidates located in IL, NJ, MA, OH.Key ResponsibilitiesDevelop and execute a comprehensive commercialization strategy for brand partnerships, aligning with AWH and partner brand priorities.Manage all aspects of brand partner relationships, including contract negotiation, investment & commercial discussions, new partner onboarding, performance tracking, financial metrics including P&L.Collaborate cross-functionally with sales, marketing, product, and finance teams to ensure seamless execution of brand partnership initiatives.Oversee project management for brand partnership commercial campaigns and product launches, ensuring coordination with partners, timely delivery, and quality execution.Analyze performance metrics and market trends to make informed decisions and recommendations to optimize strategies.Build and maintain strong relationships with brand partners, acting as the main point of contact.Provide regular performance reports and updates to senior management.Stay updated on industry trends and competitive landscape to identify potential growth and innovation areas.Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance effectiveness of brand partner management processes.Lead development of long-term brand partner roadmaps, aligning them with company objectives.Work with project management and cross-functional teams to ensure correct prioritization and execution of related projects.Support brand partners on innovation pipeline and go-to-market activities.Oversee and manage brand partner budgets and P&L.Suggest new product concepts within the development process.Create and maintain product development project plans.Ensure key development activities are planned, resourced, and executed by operations staff.Ensure execution of R&D stability and shipping studies prior to launch.Track decisions, agreements, and action items related to product developments.Identify packaging configurations for evaluation by the broader team and provide details necessary for sourcing.Create product quality standards and BOM for new products.Work with Finance and Operations to estimate cost of goods and margin before launch.Work with Operations to optimize manufacturability of new products.Lead transfer of new products between sites in the Ascend network.Maintain product launch schedule.Run monthly product development reviews with key stakeholders.Create weekly update reports for leadership.Identify packaging prototypes and facilitate selection of final configuration.Work directly with outside partners to launch licensed branded products.Act as primary point of contact with outside partners to resolve technical issues.Perform initial gap analysis for new product licensing opportunities.Assist in vetting new technologies for licensing.Create work instructions, SOPs, and policies related to product development.Follow all company policies and internal SOPs.Other duties as assigned.Supervisory ResponsibilitiesManages and motivates staff through influence without direct line authority.Trains, directs, and appraises staff.Issues written and verbal instructions; examines for conformance to regulations and policy.Qualifications & SkillsBachelor's degree in business, marketing, or related field; Master's preferred.5+ years in partnership management, new business management, or related roles, with 5–10 years of leadership experience.Minimum 4 years in the cannabis industry, manufacturing and/or sales and marketing preferred.Strong knowledge of legal cannabis industry, regulatory landscape, market trends, consumer preferences.Proven track record of managing and growing brand partnerships, ideally within cannabis, alcohol, beverage, CPG, or related industries.Demonstrated success in developing and launching innovative products from concept to commercialization.Comprehensive knowledge of cannabis dosage forms, strain categories, therapeutic effects, and medicinal administration.Strong understanding of commercial strategy, negotiation tactics, and financial management principles.Experience in managing Profit and Loss statements, analyzing revenue streams, identifying cost drivers, and implementing strategies to improve profitability.Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, building strong relationships with internal teams and external partners.Strong analytical mindset and problem-solving skills; ability to interpret performance data and make data-driven decisions.Strategic thinker aligning brand partnership strategies with broader business goals.Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and manage multiple priorities.Experience managing cross-functional teams and collaborating across departments.Passion for the cannabis industry and commitment to product excellence and consumer satisfaction.Comfortable in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.Willing to travel 25–50% to AWH facilities.Proficiency in Microsoft Project, Monday.com, and MS-Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word).Eligible candidates must be at least 21 years old, able to pass fingerprinting background check and drug screening; certain criminal convictions may disqualify candidates according to state regulations.Work EnvironmentThis position works both remotely, at home, and onsite in manufacturing and retail store environments. 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 RequirementsThe position occasionally requires lifting, pushing, pulling, or moving up to 25 pounds; using hands to handle, grasp, feel, or touch. The position frequently requires standing, walking, reaching with hands and arms, speaking and listening regularly.EEO StatementAscend Wellness Holdings, INC., ("AWH") and its subsidiaries is an equal-opportunity employer and celebrates 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.Additional InformationNothing 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 above and may change due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons. The statement is intended to describe the general nature and level of the work, not a complete list of all duties. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and perform any other job-related duties. All duties are essential functions and subject to possible modification to accommodate disabilities. This description does not create a contract or imply more than an at-will relationship.J-18808-Ljbffr