Company Overview
We are boutique cannabis consulting firm seeking consultants and sub-contractors as we scale our business. Our firm specializes in providing comprehensive consulting and highly hands-on management services to retail businesses, particularly in the cannabis industry. Our focus is on optimizing operations, compliance, and customer and employee experience to help dispensaries and retailers maximize efficiency and profitability. We pride ourselves in helping companies achieve their optimal operational (and financial) potential by leading with empathy and encouraging clients to embrace innovation and empowered and rewarding employee cultures.
Job Overview
We welcome a wide variety of skillsets to apply – even if we don’t need you right away, our clients’ needs are everchanging, so you might end up being just the person we need at some point down the line!
Currently, we are seeking support in our Retail and Operations sector to help provide expert guidance and hands-on execution to our cannabis dispensary clients in Illinois. The ideal candidate has hands-on experience managing retail stores, preferably in the cannabis industry, along with expertise in merchandising management, including strategic and intentional product purchasing and promotions coordination with a proven track record driving traffic and revenue. Experience with Dutchie for point-of-sale, e-commerce, and operations management is a major plus. This role is perfect for an ambitious and detail-oriented professional with a strong background in retail operations, compliance, and process optimization who can assess business performance, implement best practices, and drive operational efficiency
Duties & Responsibilities:
Our relationships with our clients are not traditional client-consultant transactions. We treat our clients’ operations as if they were our own – fully committed to the success of their businesses, and we expect our subcontractors to embrace the same approach. We spend ample time at dispensaries, are always on call for our clients’ stakeholders and employees, and in some cases, directly supervise the clients’ employees on their behalf. All duties and responsibilities would be done in collaboration with and under the supervision of our team.
- Retail Operations & Management: Assess and optimize store operations, staffing, and customer service strategies to improve efficiency and profitability, including pulling and analyzing reports and evaluating performance metrics and KPIs.
- Purchasing & Inventory Control: Develop and execute purchasing strategies, manage vendor relationships, and optimize inventory levels to reduce waste, address stagnant inventory, and increase revenue while mitigating stockouts and negotiating the best pricing and discounts, as well as overseeing back-end credits, from vendors to maximize profit margins. Source and maintain new vendors and products, both cannabis and non-cannabis.
- Promotions & Marketing Coordination: Work with retail teams to develop and execute weekly and event-based promotions, coordinate with vendors to support discounts, analyze promotion effeicacy, and suggest improvements. Support retail teams in the backend setup of discounts, troubleshooting discounts, and marketing efforts.
- Data-Driven Decision Making: Analyze sales data, customer trends, and inventory performance and turnover to provide data-driven recommendations and to help develop and implement relevant strategies. Analyze sales data, inventory turnover, and financial reports to make data-driven recommendations.
- SOP Development & Compliance: Ensure all operational processes align with local, state, and industry regulations, particularly in the cannabis sector. Develop and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs), as well as relevant training programs, to enhance workflow, inventory management, and customer experience.
- Training & Team Development: Conduct trainings and provide coaching to retail staff and management on operational best practices, point-of-sale systems, and customer service and sales strategies.
- New Store Openings & Expansion Support: Assist businesses with store launches, including support with staffing and training, store setup and merchandising, and on-site training and ongoing development.
- Stay Industry-Informed: Keep up with regulatory changes, technology advancements, and market trends to provide cutting-edge insights to clients and to keep clients ahead of the competition.
- Other Projects & Assignments: Ability to “wear many hats” is a must. Versatility and willingness to try new things and take on new projects is vital to ours and our clients’ success.
Skills & Abilities:
- Committed to “Why” communication, especially in proposing, implementing, and enforcing strategy and process.
- Proven record of success in people management and developing strong teams with the ability to adapt to various learning styles in coaching and training.
- Experience with inventory management software and data analytics tools. Expertise with Dutchie POS and e-commerce systems is highly preferred.
- Savvy in various technologies and software including, but not limited to, Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, etc.), Dropbox, Google Suite, Canva, and others.
- Strong understanding of Illinois cannabis laws and regulations is preferred.
- Excellent communication and coaching skills, both written and verbal, driven by an empathetic approach.
- Strong problem-solving abilities and a strategic, data-driven mindset.
- Flexible and adaptable with the ability to work effectively and with integrity both independently and in a team setting.
Education, Experience, & Other Qualifications
- Minimum 5 years experience in fast-paced retail management or related field with an inspirational leadership approach, preferably in cannabis, including oversight of day-to-day store operations.
- Proven track record in purchasing, vendor management, and promotional planning, including product management assortment, controlling inventory levels, mitigating stockouts, and protecting profits margins.
- Bachelor’s Degree or greater is preferred
- Previous consulting, freelance, or contract work is highly preferred.
- Must have reliable transportation with the ability to commute and/or travel to various client locations in Illinois.
- Must have personal computer, preferably including a laptop, a mobile phone, and reliable access to the internet.
- Ability to pass background check and obtain Dispensary Agent certification through IDFPR.
Work & Compensation
- Competitive compensation based on experience either project-based, hourly, or a combination of both.
- Flexible work schedule with the ability to work both remotely and on-site as needed.
- Opportunity to collaborate with industry experts, expand your professional network, and build your portfolio by being a part of helping cannabis business develop and grow.
- Work outside of pre-determined projects, contracts, and commitments is not guaranteed. PLEASE NOTE: This is a contract (a.k.a. 1099) role.
Job Types: Temporary, Contract
Pay: From $35.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
Application Question(s):
- What is your desired hourly rate?
- Why are you interested in this contract role?
- Tell us what makes you the best candidate for this role.
Experience:
- Purchasing and Promotions Coordination: 1 year (Preferred)
- Dutchie POS and Ecommerce: 1 year (Preferred)
- Retail management: 5 years (Preferred)
- Consulting, Freelance, or Independent Contractor work: 1 year (Preferred)
Ability to Commute:
Willingness to travel:
Work Location: On the road
