Vice President Retail Operations

Our new Chief of Stores is looking to hire a VP of Retali Operations to oversee the planning, enablement, and execution of strategic initiatives in the field to deliver on annual and long-term goals. AWH continues to be in growth mode and remains committed to our goal of making cannabis available to all!

This leader will engage with a cross-functional team of the Retail Stores, Inventory Management, Operations, and Finance to align priorities, roadmaps, and address any roadblocks. This leader also leads partners with the Regional VPs to drive results in fast-paced, demand-driven environment and drive consistency as appropriate.

This position is remote with significant travel requirements, however, preference will be given to qualified applicants in or near markets in which we operate (OH, PA, NJ, MD, MI, MA, IL)

Primary Responsibilities

• Evaluate non-merchandise spend to identify cost savings opportunities throughout the fleet, evaluate and ensure expense management controls are in place to ensure fiscal responsibility at the dispensary level
• Collaborate with the marketing and communications team to refine omni-channel strategies to continuously deliver a seamless end to end customer experience that spans both online and stores.
• Other duties as assigned
• Develop and lead the retail operations, with responsibility for defining team strategy and project plans to execute initiatives.
• Primary liaison between the executive management team and store leaders to ensure that all information is communicated in a timely, consistent, and brand appropriate manner.
• Establish the rules of engagement to ensure that clear expectations are set and agreed upon between business units while fostering collaborative working relationships with retail operations to drive business growth, strategic initiatives and global operational standards.
• Stay informed of new technology and cannabis industry initiatives to drive innovation and efficiency within stores.
• Spearhead compliance of back of house standards through regular store visits and audits.
• Spearhead secret shopper program and leverage findings to improve and drive consistency in the customer experience
• Drive operational excellence in stores by creating consistent and efficient back of house standards/uniformity across the entire store fleet.
• Partner with the finance and accounting department to manage store expenses and drive cost savings.
• Manage store opening, expansion, relocation and closing process to ensure consistent execution.
• Develop and implement effective menu management strategies and tactics to ensure accuracy and a frictionless customer experience
• Partner with the finance and accounting department to analyze store incentive programs to recommend changes that will drive top line growth and/or expense savings.
• Lead the store workforce management team to drive efficiencies in store scheduling, payroll forecasting, reporting and administration of incentive programs.

Job Requirements

• Ability to manage ambiguity and move forward during change
• Self-starter, highly resourceful and capable of operating at a high level with little supervision
• Ability to think strategically and develop achievable long-term goals
• 10+ years of retail and operational experience, specifically in field operations, workforce management and communications
• Strong project planning skills and project management skills
• Strong communication, critical-thinking, and presentation skills; including the ability to provide written and verbal direction effectively
• Bias for action; ability to lead strategy and execute
• Ability to work well as part of a diverse, cross-functional team
• Ability to work in a fast paced, dynamic environment and prioritize workload to manage multiple projects with strict deadlines
• Demonstrated leadership, interpersonal skills, communication, facilitation, and presentation skills
• Ability to pro-actively plan, schedule, and execute multiple tasks simultaneously
• Retail operations experience in the Cannabis industry a plus
• Ability to connect and communicate effectively with virtual business partners (by phone, email, and/or other technology)
• Demonstrated track record as an outstanding problem-solver, including an ability to gather and analyze data and quickly identify key issues
• High professional standards regarding customer service and confidentiality
• Strong organizational, project management and time management skills to successfully implement strategic initiatives from initial idea through execution
• Proactive, self-motivated, and able to work in a fast-paced, deadline driven environment
• Ability to work in a fast paced, ever changing, spontaneous environment
• Bachelor's degree in business or related field preferred
• Highly proficient in all MS office products (Proficient Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Adobe, and Outlook)
• Demonstrated creativity and innovation in implementing programs that fit business needs
• Strong quantitative, analytical skills with attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to travel as needed; estimated at 70% of the time
• Must be a collaborative team player
• Demonstrated record of results and agility in how results are achieved