Head of Cannabis Operations & Compliance

Ascend Wellness Holdings (CSE: AAWH.U / OTCQX:AAWH); Barry (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Ascend Wellness Holdings (CSE: AAWH.U / OTCQX:AAWH) is seeking a Director of Operations in Barry, IL, to manage a large-scale operation with 400+ employees. The role involves overseeing various functions including Dry, Cure, and Packaging while ensuring efficiency and compliance with regulations. Candidates should have 8–10 years of experience in operations management and possess strong leadership and operational skills. This position requires onsite work in a manufacturing environment and adherence to safety standards.

Qualifications

• 8–10 years of experience leading operations in manufacturing, warehousing, and logistics.
• 5+ years in large-scale commercial operations with management experience.
• Proven ability to lead teams and drive performance.

Responsibilities

• Oversee operations across multiple functions including manufacturing and logistics.
• Analyze operational data to enhance production and efficiency.
• Manage budgets and monitor financial performance.

Skills

Leadership

Operational Acumen

Data-Driven Decision Making

Project Management

Communication Skills

Regulatory Compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)

Job description

Who We Are

Ascend 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.

Who We Are

Ascend 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 Role

The 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, IL

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee a large-scale operation of 400+ employees, including frontline staff, supervisors, and department leaders
• Direct day-to-day operations across greenhouse, extraction, processing, packaging, warehousing, maintenance, and security functions
• Drive operational performance by establishing KPIs, setting clear objectives, and regularly reviewing progress with leadership teams
• Analyze and interpret operational data to optimize production, efficiency, and overall site performance
• Ensure seamless cross-functional communication across cultivation, compliance, sales, processing, packaging, shipping, materials, and maintenance teams
• Maintain a safe, compliant work environment by enforcing safety standards, cGMP practices, and all regulatory requirements
• Evaluate existing SOPs, identify opportunities for improvement, and implement scalable, process-driven solutions Oversee automation equipment lifecycle, including procurement, installation, performance optimization, and preventative maintenance
• Partner with Facilities and Maintenance teams to implement preventative maintenance programs, critical parts planning, and facility enhancements to support uninterrupted operations
• Collaborate 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 operations
• Manage operational budgets, monitor financial performance, and identify cost-saving opportunities while maintaining quality and output standards
• Regularly report on operational performance, KPIs, and key initiatives to Executive Leadership Team, providing insights and recommendations to drive decision-making
• Build and maintain strong vendor relationships to support operational needs and drive cost efficiencies
• Lead, coach, and develop high-performing teams, fostering a collaborative, accountable, and people-first culture
• Ensure alignment with company policies, procedures, and HR standards across all teams
• Participate in ongoing professional development and industry education to stay current with best practices
  
  
  

Qualifications & Skills

• 8+ years of progressive experience leading manufacturing, warehousing, and logistics operations in high-volume environments
• Bachelor's degree preferred
• 5+ years of experience within large-scale commercial operations, including 2+ years in a management-level role
• Proven ability to lead and develop teams, drive performance, and foster a people-first, high-accountability culture
• Strong operational acumen with demonstrated success managing risk and making data-driven decisions
• Experience operating in highly regulated environments with a track record of maintaining strict compliance standards
• Expertise in operations management, organizational development, lean manufacturing principles, and strategic planning
• Strong 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 professionalism
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint
• High attention to detail with strong organizational and time management skills
• Working knowledge of technical, scientific, and regulatory principles related to the cannabis industry preferred
• Ability and willingness to relocate to a location within driving distance of the facility
  
  
  

Regulatory & Compliance Requirements

• Must be 21 years of age or older and able to pass all required pre-employment screenings
• Must be and remain compliant with all applicable state and local regulations
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Registered Agent Card in the applicable state of operation
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge of all relevant laws, regulations, and compliance requirements to ensure 100% facility compliance
  
  
  

Core Competencies

• Operates with integrity, professionalism, and accountability; consistently builds trust and upholds organizational values
• Ability to follow direction, internalize training, and execute with consistency and focus
• Communicates clearly and effectively across all levels of the organization
  
  
  

Work Environment

This 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 Requirements

While 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 Statement

Ascend 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.