Retail Operations Lead

The Retail Operations Lead supports and oversees daily back-of-house operations to ensure efficiency, compliance, and accuracy across Elevated Roots retail locations. This position assists the Operations Manager by coordinating product deliveries, overseeing vault organization, managing fulfillment workflows, and maintaining adherence to regulatory requirements.

The Operations Lead acts as the point of contact for the Operations team in the absence of the Operations Manager or Store Manager. This position requires strong organizational skills, leadership presence, and consistent attention to compliance in a fast-paced, highly regulated environment.

This position requires reliable, punctual, and consistent on-site presence to maintain compliant operations and accurate inventory control. The Operations Lead is expected to communicate promptly and professionally regarding attendance, coverage, and scheduling changes in alignment with company policy.

Core Responsibilities

Product Intake & Delivery Oversight

Manage incoming product deliveries by verifying manifests, METRC tags, and package quantities against purchase orders.

Utilize METRC to receive deliveries, move packages between rooms, split packages, and virtually destroy waste after approved physical destruction.

Verify all products meet packaging, labeling, and testing compliance prior to intake.

Reject and document non-compliant or inaccurate deliveries; escalate discrepancies to the Operations Manager or Purchasing team.

Upload and organize delivery documentation and maintain complete, compliant digital records.

Communicate professionally with delivery drivers during drop-offs to ensure proper receipt and documentation; vendor communications remain the responsibility of the Purchasing team.

Inventory Management & Compliance

Maintain strict compliance with Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) regulations (935 CMR 500.000), Elevated Roots SOPs, and state and local cannabis laws.

Monitor and organize vault inventory, ensuring products are correctly labeled, sealed, and stored by vendor and type.

Lead weekly physical inventory counts and sign off on verified counts performed; support the Operations Manager with monthly reconciliation and discrepancy review.

Assist with product destruction (wasting) of expired or damaged items by performing physical destruction and virtual waste logging in METRC, following all security and compliance procedures.

Maintain real-time inventory accuracy in the Seed-to-Sale (SOR/METRC) and POS systems by verifying data and performing authorized entries.

Access and perform duties in Limited Access Areas only as authorized under company SOPs and CCC regulations.

Immediately report any compliance, security, or inventory discrepancies to management.

Compliance & Record-Keeping

Ensure all cannabis handling, transfers, and virtual actions are performed in full compliance with CCC requirements and company SOPs.

Maintain organized and up-to-date logs for deliveries, waste, transfers, and audits to ensure readiness for CCC inspection or internal review.

Support audits and compliance checks by maintaining audit-ready documentation and assisting management with inventory verification.

Verify all product information in POS and METRC systems reflects accurate test results, expiration dates, and packaging data.

Team Support & Leadership

Lead daily task delegation for the Operations team, including labeling, condensing, restocking, and promotional preparation.

Provide on-the-floor coaching, training, and guidance to Operations Associates, ensuring adherence to SOPs and compliance standards.

Serve as a resource for Sales Associates regarding product details, delivery procedures, and general operational inquiries.

Support onboarding and training of new Operations team members in partnership with management.

Lead shift handoffs and ensure operational continuity when management is not present.

Foster collaboration and communication between Operations and Sales teams to maintain consistent workflow and service standards.

Operational Coordination

Assist with store opening and closing procedures, ensuring all security, compliance, and operational checklists are completed.

Ensure product readiness for in-store and online sales channels, including kiosk/menu updates.

Oversee maintenance of operational supplies, including labels, printer paper, and packaging materials.

Maintain clean, organized, and compliant workspaces within vault, fulfillment, and delivery areas.

Uphold all safety and sanitation procedures in accordance with Elevated Roots policies and CCC regulations.

Attendance & Reliability

Maintain regular, reliable, and predictable attendance as an essential function of this role.

Adhere to assigned schedules and provide advance notice of absences or delays in accordance with company attendance and leave policies.

Demonstrate accountability by ensuring assigned responsibilities are covered during scheduled shifts.

Recognize that excessive unscheduled absences or tardiness may impact compliance, operations, and continued employment eligibility.

Salary

Required Skills

Prior experience in cannabis operations, inventory management, or delivery intake required.

Proficiency with METRC and cannabis compliance protocols required.

Strong understanding of product intake, storage, and tracking in a regulated environment.

Excellent organizational, multitasking, and problem-solving skills with high attention to detail.

Demonstrated leadership and delegation abilities with proven experience guiding teams.

Effective communication and collaboration skills with internal and external stakeholders.

Demonstrated reliability, punctuality, and accountability in prior employment settings.

Must successfully complete all CCC-required Responsible Vendor and Marijuana Establishment Agent trainings prior to performing regulated duties.

Must be 21 years of age or older and eligible for employment in a licensed cannabis facility (background check required).

Variable and frequently changing schedules required, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Consistent on-site presence during scheduled shifts is required to meet operational and compliance needs; remote or off-site work is not available for this position.

Ability to stand, walk, bend, and move throughout the facility for extended periods.

Occasionally lift, move, or carry up to 30 lbs.

Work in secure, regulated environments with frequent movement between Limited Access Areas and retail spaces.

Maintain awareness of safety, compliance, and security protocols at all times.

Desired Skills

About Elevated Roots

Elevated Roots is a homegrown Massachusetts cannabis brand thats all about leveling up the industrywith honesty, quality, and community at the core. Our state-of-the-art cultivation facility delivers premium, in-house grown flower that meets the highest standards of production and sustainability.

With retail spots in Kingston and Halifax, and a third location coming soon to Abington, we offer more than your run-of-the-mill dispensary vibe. Weve built a space where customers dont just shopthey get guided by experts who care, explore premium selections, and walk away genuinely satisfied.

Were proud to be a brand that embraces diversity, creativity, and purpose. Whether were launching a Pride-friendly product line or sourcing legendary strains for our signature Nostalgia collection, we believe every personregardless of backgrounddeserves an elevated cannabis journey.

At Elevated Roots, youre not just joining a companyyoure joining a movement. One where sustainability matters, community voices matter, and doing things differently is part of the culture. Welcome to the elevated experience.

Benefits

At Elevated Roots, we believe our people are the heartbeat of the brand. Were building a team that grows together personally, professionally, and creatively. From day one, every employee is part of a community rooted in respect, collaboration, and purpose.

Heres what we offer:

• Competitive pay and opportunities for real career growth in a rapidly expanding company
• Comprehensive health coverage medical, dental, and vision plans to keep you feeling your best
• Paid time off and holidays, because rest is part of success
• Employee discounts
• A diverse, inclusive, and welcoming culture where authenticity is celebrated
• Ongoing training, mentorship, and advancement pathways for every role
• Team events, community partnerships, and plenty of good vibes inside and outside the workplace

Were not just shaping the future of cannabis were creating a workplace where everyone can thrive, grow, and feel proud of what they do.

Equal opportunity employer

Elevated Roots is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs.