Brand Partnerships Manager

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced professional to fill the role of Brand Partnerships Manager. This strategic position is responsible for managing all aspects of our third-party brand business, including project management, commercial strategy, performance reporting, strategy alignment, P&L management, and relationship upkeep. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in driving the growth and success of both AWH and of our brand partners by ensuring all related activities and tactics are in alignment with our overall business objectives and delivering exceptional value to both AWH and our partners.

This role requires a general manager mindset and someone who combines great commercial and business management acumen that will ultimately be responsible for the combined growth of AWH and our brand partners' businesses.

Location: Remote with approximately 30% travel to our cultivation facilities and dispensaries. Strong preference to candidates who reside in or near NJ, MA, IL, or PA.

Primary Responsibilities:

• 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.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in business, marketing, or a related field; Master's degree preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in partnership management, new business management, or related roles, with at least 5-10 years of demonstrated leadership skills including team management, mentorship, and coaching.
• Proven track record of successfully managing and growing Brand Partnerships, ideally within cannabis, alcohol, beverage, CPG or other related industries will be an asset.
• Strong knowledge of the legal cannabis industry, including its regulatory landscape, market trends, and consumer preferences preferred.
• Demonstrated success in developing and launching innovative products from concept to commercialization.
• Strong understanding of commercial strategy, negotiation tactics, and financial management principles.
• Demonstrated experience in effectively managing Profit and Loss statements, including analyzing revenue streams, identifying cost drivers, and implementing strategies to improve profitability.
• Proven ability to develop products that deliver the right attribute to consumers while delivering on the companies and partners' priorities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain strong relationships with internal teams and external partners.
• Strong analytical mindset and problem-solving skills; ability to interpret performance data and make data-driven decisions.
• Strategic thinker who can align brand partnership strategies with broader business goals.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Experience managing cross-functional teams and collaborating with stakeholders across various departments.
• A passion for the cannabis industry and a commitment to driving product excellence and consumer satisfaction.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.
• Proficiency in MS-Office with emphasis on Excel, PowerPoint, Word.

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.