Assistant Manager - Operations + Inventory

The Forest's mission is to improve quality of life through safe and easy access to cannabis by providing consistent, high-quality product through innovation, vertical integration and aggressive regulatory reform. We aim to create a new standard in the medical cannabis industry for quality, care, innovation, and education while still maintaining a focus and conscious understanding of how our decisions within the role effect the social and environmental impact in our community and for our customers. We're committed to a research-driven, customer-centric approach in all that we do, and we will work to have a lasting positive impact in our community Our Core Values include: One Team - We're all in this together Growth - Pride in growing our teams, footprint, patient base and ourselves Empathy - Compassion for our people and patients leads to success Accountability - Do what we say we will do and stand behind our actions Position Summary: The Assistant Manager - Operations + Inventory is a key leadership role responsible for supporting the General Manager in overseeing daily dispensary operations and inventory compliance. This role encompasses both operational leadership and inventory management responsibilities and is typically utilized in smaller or lower-volume locations, carrying expanded accountability for store performance, regulatory compliance, and financial controls. The Assistant Manager partners closely with the General Manager to lead the retail team, uphold company standards, and ensure a consistent and compliant guest experience. Essential Job Functions: Manager Responsibilities: Serve as Manager on Duty in the absence of the General Manager, with full responsibility for store operations, team leadership, cash controls, and inventory and regulatory compliance Lead by example on the retail floor, delivering an exceptional guest experience and reinforcing a guest-first service culture. Ensure all front-of-house and back-of-house workflows are executed accurately, efficiently, and in compliance with state regulations and company SOPs. Oversee opening and closing procedures, including inventory protocols, cash counts, and daily operational reporting. Ensure team members properly check in guests, guide product selection, and complete transactions in a timely and accurate manner. Address guest concerns, complaints, and service recovery situations promptly and professionally. Communicate daily promotions, product updates, and operational priorities to staff. Partner with management on facility needs, supply ordering, and maintenance requests. Stay informed on cannabis industry trends, product knowledge, and regulatory updates to support team education and compliance. Perform additional duties as assigned, including scheduling, daily role assignment, time and attendance tracking, and employee performance conversations. Maintain strict confidentiality of patient, guest, and business information. Inventory Oversight Owns vault/fulfillment maintenance, organization, and re-stocking of sales floor Collaborates with retail purchasing manager on inventory needs, guest requests, sell through and inventory management strategies Oversee inventory intake, product receiving and naming accuracy, transfers, cycle counts, audits, and reconciliation using state inventory compliance and POS systems. Maintain accurate and compliant inventory records for all cannabis and non-cannabis products. Responsible party for oversight of weekly destruction processes and associated documentation in accordance with state regulations. Investigate inventory discrepancies and partner with management on corrective action plans. Ensure all labeling, packaging, and documentation requirements are met at intake and point of sale. Ensure adherence to company cash handling policies, including register balancing, safe counts, daily cash reconciliation, and investigation of variances. People Management Support hiring, onboarding, training, and development of dispensary staff in partnership with the General Manager. Coach team members on service standards, sales behaviors, product knowledge, and compliance requirements. Provide real-time performance feedback and participate in performance evaluations and disciplinary processes as needed. Manage floor coverage, staffing levels, and break schedules to optimize guest experience and labor productivity. Qualifications Must be at least 21 years of age Must have a high school diploma, or the equivalent Must be able to pass all background check requirements and obtain licensing as set forth by the applicable state cannabis regulatory body Prior cannabis industry experience preferred but not required Minimum 2 years of retail, hospitality, or regulated industry experience, with at least 1 year in a leadership role preferred Must be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without an accommodation Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: This section outlines the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to be successful in this role. It is not intended to be an all-inclusive list. Knowledge of retail operations, inventory control, and customer service best practices. Proficiency with POS and inventory tracking systems and ability to learn new software quickly. Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and documentation accuracy. Effective communication and leadership skills with the ability to coach team members. Ability to multitask in a fast-paced, regulated environment.