Director, Regulatory Affairs

Who We Are: Schwazze (SHHwahZZ) is a purpose-driven, vertically integrated cannabis operator. We are building a leading seed-to-sale company with best-in-class dispensaries and exceptional cultivation capabilities. Driven by a high-performance culture, we combine customer focus and data-driven insights to unlock the plants full potential and improve the human condition. At Schwazze, you are not just an employee, you are part of a purpose-centered, performance-driven team where your contributions matter, your growth is supported, and your potential is limitless.We leadwith integrity, connection, engagement, excellence, and empowerment,fostering a culture where people thrive, communities flourish, and the industry moves forward. These values define our commitment to creating a supportive, positive workplace while delivering exceptional customer experiences. For more information, please visit our website:Job Title: Director, Regulatory Affairs Salary Range: $150,000 - $185,000 annually Position Type: Exempt, Salaried Location: Denver, Colorado (Main Office) or Boulder, CO (Satellite Office) Position Objective The Director, Regulatory Affairs provides enterprise-level leadership and execution across licensing, regulatory compliance, enforcement response, and agency relations cannabis operations in Colorado and New Mexico. This role owns and is accountable for enterprise regulatory compliance and license integrity with all applicable requirements issued by the Colorado Marijuana Enforcement Division (MED) and the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department (RLD), Cannabis Control Division (CCD), as well as relevant local, state, and federal regulations impacting cannabis operations. The role serves as the enterprise regulatory authority and external liaison for regulatory agencies, inspection readiness, and licensing integrity. This position has authority to escalate compliance risks to executive leadership and recommend operational suspension where necessary to protect licensure. Essential Functions Regulatory Compliance and Audit Management (40-45%) Serve as the organizations subject matter expert on cannabis regulations in Colorado and New Mexico, including: Colorado Marijuana Enforcement Division (MED) New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department (RLD), Cannabis Control Division (CCD) Act as the designated compliance officer responsible for protecting the companys licenses from suspension, revocation, or enforcement action. Own enterprise METRC (and BioTrac)/state tracking system compliance including reconciliation protocols, discrepancy investigation, and tag management across all cultivation and retail locations. Own the compliance framework around transaction-level data integrity. Lead all investigations of incidents where regulatory compliance or safety is compromised, analyzing root causes and implementing appropriate corrective and preventative actions. Direct all responses to regulatory investigations, notices of violation, administrative actions, and disciplinary proceedings. Lead preparation of position statements, corrective action plans, and settlement strategies in coordination with legal counsel Evaluate self-reporting obligations and regulatory disclosure requirements. Establish enterprise compliance controls designed to withstand regulatory scrutiny. Maintain defensible documentation practices for all licensed operations. Monitor, interpret, and operationalize regulatory changes issued by the federal government, state legislatures, state agencies, and local jurisdictions in Colorado and New Mexico. Translate regulatory requirements into clear internal policies, standard operating procedures, training materials, and operational guidance. Monitor local ordinance changes, manage conditional use permits, and maintain relationships with municipal clerks, city councils, and county commissioners across all statewide operating markets. Lead internal compliance audits and risk assessments to ensure continuous inspection readiness across all licensed facilities Evaluate, implement, and maintain compliance technology. Manage all regulatory inspections, including: Scheduling and coordinating inspections Escorting inspectors on-site Responding to requests for information Managing corrective action plans and post-inspection follow-up Coordinate preparation, submission, and tracking of regulatory filings, reports, and disclosures required by MED, RLD/CCD, and local authorities. Maintain strong working relationships with regulators to support proactive communication, issue resolution, and regulatory credibility. Develop and deliver ongoing compliance training programs using adult learning principles for employees at all levels. Licensing and Permitting Strategy (40-45%) Own the application, renewal, modification, and maintenance of all cannabis licenses and permits in accordance with: Colorado MED requirements New Mexico RLD/CCD licensing frameworks Local municipal and county approvals in both states Support corporate governance requirements and associated recordkeeping to maintain regulatory standing and licensure. Manage multi-license portfolios across cultivation and retail operations. Develop short- and long-term licensing strategies to support operational continuity, expansion, and risk mitigation. Partner with internal teams and external stakeholders to ensure timely, accurate, and compliant license submissions. Serve as the primary licensing advisor to Executive Leadership, providing regulatory updates, risk assessments, and strategic recommendations. Represent the organization in licensing-related meetings with regulators, municipalities, and community stakeholders. Anticipate differences in enforcement models between Colorado and New Mexico and proactively adjust compliance strategies. Maintain master control of license calendars, deadlines, contingencies, and conditional approvals Identify regulatory threats to licensure and develop mitigation strategies. Lead license defense strategy in the event of suspension, show cause orders, or disciplinary proceedings. Partner with M&A and Real Estate teams on license structuring, transfers, and local approvals - leading regulatory due diligence on acquisitions, own the post-close compliance integration playbook, and manage the license transfer pipeline. Advise executives on regulatory risk associated with operational decisions Operational Compliance and Risk (10-15%) Provide executive oversight of operational compliance programs, including safety, in partnership with designated Human Resources leadership. Design and maintain a compliance escalation matrix clear thresholds and decision trees for store-level issues. Coordinate with HR leadership regarding workers compensation exposure where regulatory implications exist. Promote a culture of safety accountability through leadership engagement, training, and consistent enforcement. Please note that the percentage allocations are a general estimate and may vary based on business needs and priorities.Additional duties may be required as needed to support overall operations. Education and Experience Bachelors degree required in Occupational Health and Safety, Environmental Health and Safety (EHS), Engineering, Public Policy or a related field required. Juris Doctor preferred but not required; licensure not required. Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive leadership experience in regulatory leadership in a highly regulated industry-Cannabis preferred. Demonstrated, hands-on experience working directly with: Colorado Marijuana Enforcement Division (MED) New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department (RLD), Cannabis Control Division (CCD) Demonstrated ability to exercise independent judgment in high-risk regulatory situations. Demonstrated responsibility for protecting active operating licenses. Experience managing enforcement actions, investigations, or administrative proceedings strongly preferred. Multi-state regulatory leadership experience strongly preferred. Experience managing regulatory audits, inspections, corrective actions, and enforcement correspondence. Strong background in training design and delivery using adult learning methodologies. Ability to influence, advise, and partner effectively with executive leadership, operators, and external regulators. Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills. Strong project management and organizational capabilities. Strong analytical and problem solving skills with an operational mindset. Ability to research and interpret complex laws, regulations, and other rules. High level of integrity and accountability with a willingness to hold themself and others to the standards set by executive leadership. Must be at least 21 years of age and able to obtain and maintain required cannabis credentials, including a Colorado MED Support Badge. Reliable transportation required for regular travel between facilities in Colorado and New Mexico. Working Conditions(Schedule, Environment, Travel) This role follows a hybrid schedule of up to two remote days and three on-site days. Travel between Colorado and New Mexico and occasional weekend work may be required. Regular physical presence required at retail and cultivation facilities. Exposure to fertilizer, dust, odors, high heat, low temperature, high and low humidity, high noise levels, vibrations, water, dry salts, allergens, pollen, dust, plant pathogens, other volatile organic compounds, and other environmental variables. Salary $150000 - $185000 USD per year recblid 41jv62lwf8evetlph5foe95ll5f58k

Created: 2026-03-04