Cannabis Buyer - Massachusetts

Fernway Cannabis Buyer Job Description:

Fernway: A Company That Puts The Team First

Fernway is an industry-leading cannabis brand that is actively expanding into innovative product categories and new state markets. Our unwavering commitment to premium quality cannabis products, exceptional customer service and strategic partnerships is what sets us apart. We pride ourselves on nurturing an employee-first culture that has helped catapult us to the top of the industry.

Position Summary:

The Cannabis Buyer is responsible for ensuring that only the best quality cannabis is used in Fernway Flower and Joints. This responsibility entails procuring the best quality flower available wholesale, as well as building and managing a supply chain of Fernway-exclusive cannabis genetics over time. As a result, this position requires extensive market research as well as a deep understanding of cannabis product quality and best practices in cannabis cultivation. The role also requires strong skills in negotiating pricing, relationship management, inventory management, and budget management.

Professional cannabis cultivation experience is required. Professional experience as a cannabis buyer is preferred but not required. The job is full-time and requires up to 75% travel within Massachusetts with weekly onsite HQ meetings in Northampton, MA. Reliable transportation and willingness to travel is required.

Experience the Fernway Advantage:

• Generous annual leave: 13 paid holidays and up to 3 weeks PTO (hourly and salaried staff alike)
• Comprehensive health coverage: company-sponsored health (60% for individuals and their families), dental, and vision insurance
• Extra benefits: PSL, FSA, life insurance, 401(k) with match, discounted pet insurance and gym membership
• Exclusive employee discounts on our premium cannabis products
• Mileage and quarterly oil change reimbursement
• Flexibility to thrive: Hybrid work schedule (onsite in Northampton 1-2 days per week)

Responsibilities:

• Build and maintain a regularly-updated list of available batches of cannabis available for purchase
• Source and negotiate deals for cannabis material for Fernway products
• Build and document an extensive network of cannabis cultivators in State who are interested in supplying cannabis material for Fernway products
• Travel to cannabis cultivation facilities to evaluate their facility, growing practices, and quality control check the cannabis material for partnership with Fernway
• Build and manage a supply chain of Fernway Flower using Fernway-exclusive genetics
• Partner with Supply Chain Team to determine purchasing needs
• Partner with Sales Team to determine how to support sales needs
• Partner with Quality Team to ensure product quality specifications are met
• Partner with Operations Team to manage logistics
• Help set up co-packers and advise them on best practices
• Co-packers: Routine onsite visits
• Co-packers: Bring any needed supplies
• Co-packers: Assist with best practices
• Maintain both cultivator and co-packer relationshipsEnsure co-packers have consistent supplies
• Ensure co-packers are getting COA’s, manifests, invoices, shipment timing etc.
• Communicate regularly with top cultivators to ensure strong relationships are maintained
• Build trust with both co-packers and cultivators by being reliable, communicative and positive to work with

Provide swag to important co-packers and cultivators

• Keep in communication with the Sales Team regarding what is selling well and determine if supplier relationships should be maintained
• Create sustainable reciprocal partnerships
• Create demand plans to be executed by co-packers
• Attend events to network and build relationships

Essential Job Functions

• Ability to travel throughout the assigned state on a daily basis with your own vehicle
• Ability to travel within cultivation facilities while maintaining a positive and constructive disposition

Requirements:

• Deep cannabis cultivation and product knowledge, including how to quality control check cannabis material, an understanding of market trends and consumer behavior.
• Knowledge of cannabis packing standards, production flow, and production planning
• 3 years of professional cannabis cultivation experience (experience as a cannabis buyer is a plus)
• Persuasiveness, objection-handling, negotiation, and strategic thinking
• Highly approachable & friendly personality
• Manage relationships with suppliers
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing
• Ability to work a flexible schedule
• High degree of professionalism and productivity
• Skilled in relationship building
• Punctuality and excellent time-management skills
• A high degree of integrity and ethical conduct
• Comfortable with technology & computers
• Strong attention to detail
• General understanding of cannabis & cannabis culture
• Must have own reliable vehicle

COVID-19 considerations:
All employees are required to be fully vaccinated and boosted.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Fernway provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. Fernway is dedicated to building a diverse team.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $65,000.00 - $70,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Northampton, MA 01060: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Application Question(s):

• How would you approach making procurement decisions to meet the needs as identified in the Job Description?
• Please identify your experience with negotiations, purchasing and establishing partnerships.
• What key factors are attributable to a poor cultivation operation?
• What factors would you take into consideration when evaluating flower quality, as well as quality control in cultivation centers?

Experience:

• professional cannabis cultivation: 3 years (Required)
• Creating Professional Reciprocal Partnerships: 1 year (Required)

Willingness to travel:

• 75% (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Northampton, MA 01060

Salary : $65,000 - $70,000