Director of Commercialization

Ascend 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 Director 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. This role will be responsible for developing new formulations and dosage forms, line extensions, new packaging configurations, and product collaborations with outside partners. This role will provide overall project leadership, creating product concepts and standards, driving development activities, facilitating introduction into Operations, and keeping management updated on overall progress of key developments activities.

Remote with 25-50% travel expectation. Strong preference to candidates located in IL, NJ, MA, OH.

• Develop and execute a comprehensive commercialization strategy for brand partnerships, aligning with AWH and partner brands priorities and goals.
• Responsible for the upkeep and management of all aspects of brand partner relationships, including contract negotiation, investment & commercial discussion, new partner onboarding, performance tracking, financial metrics including P&L, and ongoing communication.
• 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 brand partnership strategies.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with brand partners, acting as the main point of contact between them and AWH and ensuring all commercial activities are professionally managed.
• Provide regular performance reports and updates to senior management, highlighting key achievements, challenges, and opportunities.
• Stay updated on industry trends and competitive landscape to identify potential areas for growth and innovation within brand partnerships.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of brand partner management processes.
• Lead the development of long-term brand partner roadmaps, aligning their goals with our company's strategic objectives.
• Work with AWH's project management and cross-functional teams to ensure correct prioritization and execution of all related projects.
• Portfolio management: support brand partners on the management of the innovation pipeline and go-to-market activities.
• Budget management:
  Oversee and manage brand partner budgets and P&L.
• Suggest new product concepts within the product 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 Supply Chain to source.
• Create product quality standards and BOM for new products.
• Work with Finance and Operations to estimate cost of goods and margin…