Senior Manager, Infused Products

We are seeking an innovative and results-driven Senior Manager, Infused Products to support our cannabis-infused products engineering and development initiatives. This role involves managing technical aspects of product development from concept to commercialization, optimizing production processes, and ensuring our products meet the highest standards of quality, safety, and compliance. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Commercialization, Manufacturing/Operations, Quality Assurance, and Marketing, to drive efficiency, innovation, and product excellence.

Location: Hybrid, and must be located within a comfortable commute to AWH's Franklin, NJ or Amesbury or Athol, MA facilities with approximately 50% travel. Relocation assistance available.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the development of new cannabis-infused products, ensuring they meet consumer needs and market trends.
• Manage the technical aspects of the product development lifecycle, from ideation to commercialization, in support of the Director of Commercialization.
• Develop and implement strategies based on Lean manufacturing principles to optimize production processes and reduce waste.
• Lead process validation to ensure all production methods are effective, robust, and compliant with regulatory standards.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using statistical process control (SPC) and other tools to enhance product quality and efficiency.
• Oversee the development and maintenance of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and ensure all processes are well-documented.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Product Development, Manufacturing, Quality Assurance, and Marketing, to support successful product launches.
• Support Design of Experiments (DOE) and Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) to improve process reliability and product quality.
• Monitor Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to track manufacturing performance and identify areas for improvement.
• Provide technical support and troubleshooting expertise to the production team to resolve processing issues and escalate as needed.
• Train and develop manufacturing teams on new processes and technologies to ensure smooth scaling of new products.
• Maintain relationships with suppliers and vendors, overseeing the sourcing of key materials and components, and negotiating cost-effective solutions while ensuring quality consistency.
• Ensure compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), quality standards, and cannabis regulatory requirements.
• Manage and prioritize multiple technical projects simultaneously, ensuring alignment with company goals and timely delivery.
• Lead root cause analysis for product or process issues and implement corrective actions as necessary.
• Foster a collaborative and positive work environment, encouraging innovation and teamwork.
• Prepare technical reports and communicate effectively with senior leadership regarding progress, challenges, and opportunities in product engineering.
• Coordinate with external partners, including contract manufacturers and suppliers, to support product scale-up, commercialization, and technology transfer.
• Create and maintain comprehensive project documentation, including project plans, technical reports, and status updates.
• Conduct product testing, including stability and shelf-life studies, to ensure consistency and efficacy of final products.
• Conduct sensory evaluations of new products to ensure optimal flavor, texture, and consistency, working closely with the product development team.
• Participate in internal and external quality audits, identify potential gaps, and ensure prompt implementation of corrective actions.
• Develop comprehensive training materials and conduct workshops to ensure smooth handoff of new processes and methods to production staff.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization in workspaces, ensuring all lab and production areas meet safety and operational standards.
• Utilize data analytics to identify trends, enhance decision-making, and drive strategic improvements in the product development process.
• Stay current with technological advancements and emerging trends in cannabis product engineering to maintain a competitive edge.
• Travel to various facilities as required to support product development, validation, and technical transfer activities (up to 50% travel).
• Ensure the effective use and maintenance of cannabis-specific production equipment, such as extraction systems, distillation units, infusion machinery, rotary evaporators, vacuum ovens, and decarboxylation systems.
  
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related STEM discipline (Master's degree preferred).
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Must pass a comprehensive background screening.
• Compliance with all legal and company regulations for working in the cannabis industry.
• Must be approved by the D.O.A. to receive and maintain an Agent badge.
• Must possess a valid state ID.
• Ability to obtain and maintain state badging requirements for the cannabis industry (requires background check and state review).
• Ability to travel up to 50%.
  
  

Experience

• 5-10 years of experience in product engineering, process optimization, or related roles, preferably in the cannabis industry.
• Proven experience managing technical aspects of product development projects, from concept through commercialization.
• Hands-on experience with Lean manufacturing, SPC, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience in scaling processes and supporting manufacturing teams during new product launches.
• Knowledge of Quality Management Systems (QMS) and familiarity with GMP and cannabis regulatory standards.
• Experience with DOE, FMEA, and other process optimization tools.
• Experience in leading cross-functional teams and managing vendor relationships.
• Demonstrated experience managing multiple complex technical projects and delivering results on time.
• Experience with project management tools such as Microsoft Project or equivalent software.
  
  

Company Overview

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.

EEO Statement

Ascend Wellness Holdings, LLC 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.