Human Resources Manager

Ascend Wellness Holdings (CSE: AAWH.U / OTCQX:AAWH); Athol (MA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Ascend Wellness Holdings is seeking a Human Resources Manager for their Athol, MA location. This role focuses on partnering with leadership in cultivation and operations, managing hr functions, and ensuring employee engagement. A successful candidate will have over 5 years of HR experience, preferably in manufacturing, and will possess strong strategic and tactical capabilities. The position requires a Bachelor's degree in Human Resources or related field and offers a dynamic work environment that emphasizes innovative HR solutions.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive experience in Human Resources, preferably in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong assessment skills and good judgment regarding HR opportunities.
• Must operate at both strategic and tactical levels.

Responsibilities

• Partner with site leadership on all aspects of human resources functions.
• Manage and mentor the onsite HR team, including hiring and performance management.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws.

Skills

Employee engagement

Talent management

Strategic thinking

Microsoft Suite proficiency

Strong communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources or related discipline

Human Resources certification (e.g., PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP)

Tools

HRIS/payroll systems

Job description

Who We Are

Ascend Wellness Holdings (AWH) is a leading, vertically integrated multi‑state cannabis operator focused on building strong brands, delivering best‑in‑class retail experiences, and operating with discipline at scale. As we continue to grow, we are investing in the systems, processes, and leadership required to operate a complex, regulated business with consistency, speed, and accountability.

The Role

The Human Resources Manager supports the Athol, MA and Amesbury, MA Cultivation and Operations teams. The HR Manager will establish their role as a trusted partner who collaborates with the Cultivation and Operations leadership team and associates to help build and strategically drive the organization. Our ideal candidate must have a history of employee engagement, and development routines across a highly dynamic and evolving footprint. Both strategic and hands‑on, the HR Manager welcomes solving challenging problems, builds strong relationships, develops the on‑site Human Resources team, and thrives on having a direct connection to the Cultivation and Operations team at the site.

Location

This role is primarily based onsite Monday–Friday at our Athol, MA cultivation and operations facility, with occasional travel to provide onsite support at our Amesbury, MA location.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with site leadership on all aspects of human resources functions at the location, various aspects of our people practices:
  • Planning, organizing, and maintaining the HR strategy including staffing needs, organizational design, talent management/development.
  • Developing, recommending, and implementing human resources policies and procedures assuring buy‑in from site leadership.
  • Administering compensation programs and practices including administration of the annual performance review and merit/salary planning activities.
  • Managing leaves of absence and ensuring compliance with applicable regulations.
• Responsible for routine and recurring HR programs and processes including benefits administration at the site and open enrollment annually; payroll practices and procedures.
• In conjunction with the Human Resources team at the site, assures accurate and complete employee records are maintained, files, badging process, and reports, policies, and procedures are in place to effect continual improvements in efficiency of HR services performed.
• Participate in onsite Cultivation and Operations Leadership staff meetings and HR required meetings as scheduled.
• Manage, coach and mentor the onsite HR team including all aspects of the employee relationship - hiring, development, career pathing, performance management, goal setting, etc.
• Partners with site supervisors, HR staff and managers on all performance documentation and associated progressive discipline including providing guidance on complex, specialized, and sensitive questions and issues arise; may be required to administer and execute routine tasks in delicate circumstances such as providing reasonable accommodations, investigating allegations of wrongdoing, and terminations.
• Partner with Environmental Health and Safety and Compliance to assure effectiveness of employee safety programs and protocols.
• Collaborate with site Leadership to define the Cultivation and Operations organizations strategy and goals; identify ways to support this strategy through talent management.
• Collaborate with HR peers in a joint effort to identify opportunities within our talent management programs/processes, partner with appropriate functional leaders across the HR team to address Talent Acquisition, Total Rewards, Learning and Development, Employee Relations, Communications.
• Assist with driving performance, engagement, and development of our HR Cultivation and Operations site teams.
• Ensure effective delivery of programs/processes related to employee performance, engagement, and development in partnership with our Learning and Development team.
• Partner with HR peers on employee relations to monitor employee concerns and address issues, conduct investigations and coach the team as needed.
• Manage and monitor key performance indicators for the location (e.g. turnover) and recommend/drive programs to improve KPI results.
• Model the highest standards of integrity, confidentiality, and professionalism.
• Maintains compliance with and knowledge of:
  • Federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, and recommended best practices; reviews policies and practices to maintain compliance.
  • Trends, best practices, and new technologies in human resources and talent management.
• This role may include additional responsibilities and duties as assigned.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, or related discipline preferred; an Associate's degree may be substituted with equivalent experience.
• Human Resources certification (e.g., PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP) a plus.
• 5+ years of progressive experience in Human Resources, preferably in a manufacturing or operations environment.
• Demonstrated experience supporting a unionized workforce, including interpretation and administration of collective bargaining agreements (CBAs), grievance handling, and participation in labor relations activities.
• Must operate at both strategic and tactical levels, with the ability to translate strategy into actionable execution.
• Strong assessment skills coupled with excellent judgment and perspective on Human Resources opportunities.
• Ability to build and deliver an HR strategy using knowledge of the organization and associates and relying on solid generalist experience.
• Quick learner that has passion for innovative HR solutions and process improvement.
• Adept at being a player/coach, balancing hands‑on execution with team leadership and development.
• Experience leading and managing an HR team.
• Microsoft Suite; Intermediate Excel proficiency; experience working in HRIS/payroll systems, and various other HR platforms.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with an ability to communicate ideas simply and persuasively.
• Strong execution, interpersonal savvy, ability to build rapport, and effectively interface/collaborate with employees at 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 celebrates the population of differences and does not discriminate in its 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.