Lead Budtender (Shift Lead)

As a Lead Budtender, you are the heartbeat of our store operations. You aren’t just a supervisor; you are a mentor, a compliance expert, and a brand ambassador who sets the tone for our entire team. 

Hours of Operation:

  • Sunday – Thursday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
  • Friday – Saturday: 8:00 AM – 1:00 AM
  • Must have some flexibility for early morning openings or late-night closing procedures.


What You’ll Do:

  • Lead the Floor: Remain visible on the sales floor to direct staff workflow and monitor traffic flow.
  • Champion Education: Serve as a knowledgeable cannabis educator, offering accurate product information and thoughtful recommendations.
  • Master Operations: Oversee opening and closing duties
  • Ensure Compliance: Enforce NYS Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) regulations, including in-store ID verification and surveillance policies.
  • Maintain the Vibe: Ensure the store is clean, organized, and “Audit Ready” by managing sanitation and product presentation.


As a Lead Budtender at our licensed New York State Retail Dispensary, you will play a pivotal role in overseeing the daily operations of the Customer Experience Associates or “budtending” team and directing the sales floor. This position requires a deep understanding of and passion for cannabis products, exceptional customer service skills, and effective leadership capabilities. Position will manage budtender staff and report to the General Manager.

Key Responsibilities:

Team Management:

  • Supervise and lead the budtending team, providing guidance, training, and support.
  • Foster a positive and collaborative work environment that reflects the dispensary’s values and standards.


Customer Service Excellence:

  • Ensure that budtenders deliver exceptional customer service, offering product knowledge, guidance, and creating a welcoming atmosphere for customers.
  • Develop and implement visual merchandising plans to keep stores looking fresh, relevant, and appealing.
  • Address customer inquiries, concerns, and provide product recommendations based on individual preferences.
  • Work with the budtender team to ensure floor readiness for opening hours.


Product Knowledge and Training:

  • Stay informed about the latest cannabis products, strains, and consumption methods.
  • Conduct regular training sessions to educate budtenders on new products, industry trends, and customer service best practices.
  • Assist in overseeing staff product sampling program.


Inventory Management:

  • Collaborate with inventory management teams to ensure accurate stock levels and availability of products.
  • Monitor product expiration dates and implement proper rotation procedures.


Sales Performance:

  • Set sales targets and monitor budtender performance to achieve and exceed sales goals.
  • Implement strategies to maximize upselling and cross-selling opportunities.
  • Optimize customer experience with a focus on quality, efficiency, and retention.


Compliance:

  • Ensure all budtending activities comply with relevant regulations.
  • Support implementation of necessary adjustments to dispensary practices based on changes in regulations.


Security Protocols:

  • Implement and enforce security measures to safeguard products, cash, and maintain a secure dispensary environment.
  • Ensure proper store opening and closing procedures.


Communication:

  • Facilitate effective communication between budtenders and other dispensary departments.
  • Relay important updates, policies, and procedures to the budtending team.
  • Assist in marketing development.


Shift Scheduling:

  • Develop and manage budtender work schedules to ensure adequate coverage during peak hours and special events.


Performance Evaluation:

  • Conduct regular performance evaluations for budtenders, providing constructive feedback and opportunities for improvement.


Qualifications:

  • 7+ years in a supervisory or managerial sale role in fast-paced retail environment, cannabis retail experience strongly preferred
  • Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills.
  • Proven leadership and team management abilities in a fast-paced retail or related environment.
  • In-depth knowledge of cannabis products, strains, and consumption methods.
  • Familiarity with POS systems and inventory management software.
  • Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.
  • Lift and carry up to 25 pounds.
  • Ability to stand for extended periods.
  • Must be 21 years of age or older.
  • At least achieved high school diploma or equivalent.


Our dispensary is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse work environment, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds and experiences to apply. We value the unique perspectives and talents that people of diverse backgrounds bring to our team, recognizing that diversity strengthens our ability to innovate and serve our diverse customer base effectively. We welcome applicants of any race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religion, disability, or any other characteristic that makes each person unique. Our goal is to create a workplace that reflects the rich tapestry of our community and ensures equal opportunities for everyone. Join us in embracing diversity and making a positive impact in the cannabis industry together.

  • ery shift.

How to Apply

If you are ready to lead the way in the New York cannabis industry, we want to hear from you.

Please send your resume and a brief cover letter expressing your passion for the industry to:

[email protected]

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