Senior Director, Quality
18 days ago
Morristown
Job Description The Senior Director of Quality will lead and evolve the quality systems and processes across Ascend Wellness Holdings ("AWH") manufacturing operations. This role is responsible for maintaining product integrity, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement initiatives that ensure the safety, consistency, and reliability of all AWH products. The Sr. Director will directly report to the Chief Operating Officer and oversee quality programs across all facilities, lead internal audits, manage cross-functional quality initiatives, and foster a culture of quality excellence. Location: Remote with travel expectation up to 30% of the time. We have a strong preference for candidates based in or near our states of operation in IL, MI, OH, PA, MD, NJ, MA. Key Responsibilities • Lead the execution and continuous enhancement of AWH's Quality Management Systems (QMS), including SOPs, deviation tracking, CAPA, and documentation practices., • Ensure compliance with all applicable state cannabis regulations, internal standards, and relevant GMP principles., • Oversee internal audit planning and execution across cultivation, processing, and packaging environments to drive readiness and accountability., • Monitor and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) related to quality, compliance, deviations, and customer complaints; implement corrective actions when needed., • Partner closely with Operations, Compliance, Cultivation, Supply Chain, and R&D to improve quality performance and ensure cross-functional alignment., • Supervise quality control (QC) testing, data integrity practices, and third-party lab coordination including Certificate of Analysis (COA) review and release procedures., • Manage root cause investigations and CAPA activities with cross-site teams to ensure timely and effective resolution of quality events., • Support recall preparedness and lead product quality incident responses in collaboration with Legal and Compliance teams., • Develop training programs that reinforce SOP adherence, GMP awareness, and quality ownership across functional teams., • Represent the quality function in inspections and audits conducted by regulatory bodies., • Be the voice of the customer within AWH: Keeping the customer at the center of our culture by ensuring all strategies, decisions, and actions prioritize product safety, consistency, and customer trust., • Lead and mentor Quality team across multiple facilities and markets., • Establish clear performance expectations, KPIs, and departmental goals aligned with company objectives., • Provide regular coaching, feedback, and development opportunities to support individual and team growth., • Conduct performance evaluations, manage corrective action plans when needed, and recognize strong performance., • Foster a high-performance culture focused on accountability, continuous improvement, and cross-functional collaboration., • Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences, Engineering, Quality Management, or a related field preferred but not required; equivalent industry experience considered., • Minimum of 6 years of experience in cannabis operations required, with at least 2 years in quality or quality-adjacent roles., • In-depth knowledge of GMP, HACCP, ISO, and cannabis-specific quality requirements., • Demonstrated success leading quality programs in multi-site, multi-state organizations., • Strong track record managing internal audits, non-conformances, and regulatory inspections., • Exceptional cross-functional communication, leadership, and project management skills., • High level of discretion and sound judgment in handling sensitive quality, regulatory, and business information. This position operates in a hybrid work environment. While standard duties may be performed remotely or in a professional office setting, the role will require regular visits to manufacturing operations sites. These environments may involve exposure to varying temperatures, strong odors, loud noise, and active production equipment. Physical Requirements While performing the duties of this job, this position is regularly required to sit and regularly use hand(s) to handle, grasp, feel, and or touch. This position is occasionally required to stand, walk and reach with hands and arms. This position is required to speak and listen regularly. 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, 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.
