Director of New Product Innovation

Trulieve; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading cannabis company seeks a Director of New Product Innovation in Phoenix, AZ. The role involves shaping the product innovation strategy across cannabis categories and overseeing the innovation pipeline. The ideal candidate has 5+ years in product innovation, strong leadership skills, and a deep understanding of cannabis regulations. A flexible work schedule with 45+ hours weekly and up to 50% travel is required.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in product innovation or brand management.
• At least 2+ years in cannabis or regulated industries.
• Proven track record of launching innovative products.

Responsibilities

• Define and own the product innovation strategy for cannabis categories.
• Partner with executives to align innovation initiatives.
• Build business cases for new products including financial modeling.

Skills

Product innovation

Brand management

R&D

Leadership

Communication

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, or related field

MBA or advanced degree

Job description

Direct message the job poster from Trulieve

Overview

The Director of New Product Innovation is responsible for shaping and leading the company’s product innovation strategy across all cannabis categories, including flower, concentrates, vapes, edibles, beverages, and wellness products. This leader will oversee the end-to-end innovation pipeline—from opportunity identification through commercialization—ensuring new products are consumer-driven, operationally feasible, and compliant with regulatory requirements.

As a senior leader, the Director of New Product Innovation will drive cross-functional collaboration, mentor product innovation teams, and play a critical role in positioning the company as a market leader through differentiated product offerings.

Responsibilities

• Define and own the long-term product innovation strategy and pipeline for all cannabis categories.
• Partner with executive leadership to align innovation initiatives with business objectives, revenue goals, and brand positioning.
• Build business cases for new products, including financial modeling, resource planning, and ROI analysis.
• Oversee the innovation process from concept development in partnership with R&D through regulatory approval, production, and market launch.
• Ensure projects are prioritized, resourced, and executed within timelines and budgets utilizing the PMO team process.
• Champion innovation frameworks and stage-gate processes to streamline product launches.
• Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing innovation team (managers, specialists, R&D partners).
• Drive collaboration with marketing, sales, operations, R&D, and supply chain to ensure market readiness and executional excellence.
• Serve as a senior innovation ambassador, fostering a culture of creativity, accountability, and consumer-first thinking.

Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Food Science, Chemistry, or related field (MBA or advanced degree strongly preferred).
• 5+ years of experience in product innovation, brand management, or R&D, with at least 2+ years in cannabis, CPG, or regulated industries (alcohol, pharma, food & beverage).
• Proven track record of successfully developing and launching innovative, revenue-driving products.
• Strong expertise in innovation pipeline management, P&L ownership, and stage-gate processes.
• Deep understanding of cannabis regulations, compliance, and testing standards.
• Demonstrated leadership in building and mentoring high-performing teams.
• Exceptional business acumen, project management, and communication skills.
• Visionary leader with the ability to translate insights into bold product strategies.
• Entrepreneurial and consumer-driven mindset with commercial discipline.
• Ability to influence stakeholders at all levels, from executives to field teams.
• Creative problem solver who thrives in a fast-paced, highly regulated environment.
• Passion for cannabis innovation and driving industry evolution.

Additional minimum qualifications

• Must possess a valid driver’s license
• Must be able to pass a level 1 and level 2 background check
• Must be at least 21 years of age
• Must function independently, and have flexibility, personal integrity, and the ability to work effectively with residents, personnel, and support agencies

Physical requirements

• Constantly required to move/traverse throughout entire facility, including tight spaces
• Accurately communicate and exchange sensitive information and ideas with others, including members of the public; observe/inspect details at varying ranges; operate computing devices
• Occasionally required to manipulate objects of varying sizes and weights (e.g., products, packaging, tools, office machinery): push/pull objects up to 50lbs; lift/carry/position objects up to 50 lbs.; ascend/descend stool/ladder/steps; position self and/or objects at floor level (e.g., crouch, stoop, kneel, crawl)
• Must have visual and auditory acuity with or without aids to perform all functions of the position
• Frequently required to remain in a seated position

Work schedule

45+ hours weekly with flexible hours and travel as needed. Must be available to work evenings, weekends, and holidays. Travel up to 50% of the work schedule to support the needs of the business.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Trulieve supports a drug-free workplace.

Location

Phoenix, AZ