Lead Retail Associate

Lead Retail Associate

The Lead Retail Associate (Shift Lead) provides an exceptional experience for all customers and fellow team members. In this role, the Shift Lead will support Store leadership in day-to-day operations and lead by example as a positive, customer-focused retail associate. The Shift Lead may hold a state designation as the manager on duty, key holder, or agent in charge, and as such, will be responsible for coaching and training employees and resolving customer issues as needed. The Shift Lead will work closely and collaboratively with the store leadership team to drive results in a fast-paced environment while supporting the Companys core values and culture.

Major Areas of Responsibility include:

• Support store leadership in achieving sales goals and business growth.
• Lead by example and promote a service-minded retail environment.
• Demonstrate exceptional cannabis product knowledge and provide guidance to customers to ensure a positive experience.
• Open/close the store as needed and assign tasks as needed throughout the day to meet business demands.
• Perform and train the retail team on all retail tasks and responsibilities including, but not limited to, customer intake, sales, inventory, and POS transactions.
• Provide coaching in the moment to employees and escalate employee concerns or issues to store leadership in a timely manner.
• Ensure operational excellence by following SOPs, compliance regulations, and established internal processes; report any compliance issues, concerns, or violations to store leadership in a timely manner.
• In collaboration with store leadership, support all aspects of inventory management including but not limited to: ensuring inventory movement is properly documented and supporting regular audits and month/quarter/year-end inventory processes
• Identify opportunities for improvement and share findings with store leadership.

Minimum Qualifications (Skills, Knowledge & Abilities):

• All applicants must be at least 21 years of age
• 3+ years of retail or customer service experience
• Experience with cash handling and Point-of-Sales systems required
• Exceptional customer service and problem-solving skills
• Strong collaboration skills and the ability to contribute to a positive work environment
• Ability to coach and influence others
• Flexibility to work nights, weekends, and holidays as needed

Pay: $20.00/hour, plus benefits

Travel %: 0

FLSA status: Non-Exempt

This position will remain open for at least one week, until 10/29/2026 but may remain open beyond that time.

Additional Abilities Required:

This role is performed in a traditional retail setting which requires the ability to have a high stress tolerance and be flexible and adaptable. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand, walk, or sit for extended periods of time, use hands to perform manual tasks, use computer equipment such as POS and email, and lift or move up to 50 pounds (or more with assistance). Must be able to speak and communicate verbally with co-workers, customers, vendors, etc. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Note: Nothing in this job description restricts the companys right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this position at any time. Reasonable accommodations may be made in appropriate circumstances to enable individuals to perform the essential functions of the position.

About The Cannabist Company (f/k/a Columbia Care):

The Cannabist Company, formerly known as Columbia Care, is one of the most experienced cultivators, manufacturers and providers of cannabis products and related services, with licenses in 12 U.S. jurisdictions. The Company operates 77 facilities including 61 dispensaries and 16 cultivation and manufacturing facilities, including those under development. Columbia Care, now The Cannabist Company, is one of the original multi-state providers of cannabis in the U.S. and now delivers industry-leading products and services to both the medical and adult-use markets. In 2021, the Company launched Cannabist, its retail brand, creating a national dispensary network that leverages proprietary technology platforms. The company offers products spanning flower, edibles, oils and tablets, and manufactures popular brands including Seed & Strain, Triple Seven, Hedy, gLeaf, Classix, Press, and Amber. For more information, please visit

Recognized for its comprehensive benefits, ongoing training opportunities and commitment to diversity and equity inclusion both internally and with external vendors, The Cannabist Company has earned a spot on mg Magazines Americas Top Cannabis Industry Employers list.

The Cannabist Company provides full-time employees with an excellent benefits and compensation package including but not limited to competitive wages, paid holidays, vacation and sick time, 401K with company match, multiple health plan choices, dental, vision, pet and life insurances, 100% paid short-term disability, optional long-term disability insurance and more!