Lead Associate

Department: Retail
Employment Type: Full-Time
Reports To: General Manager / Assistant General Manager

Join Shangri-La Dispensaries and be part of a team focused on delivering a high-quality, welcoming cannabis experience rooted in education, consistency, and care. As a Lead Associate, you play a key role in shaping the customer experience on the sales floor while supporting team development and daily operations.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys leading by example, coaching others in real time, and contributing to a positive, accountable, and performance-driven environment.

Shangri-La Dispensaries was founded in 2019 with the goal of creating a premium cannabis experience centered on education, wellness, and trust. What began as a medical-focused organization has grown into a multi-state operator serving both medical and adult-use customers.

Across every location, we are committed to professionalism, compliance, and building an environment where both our team and our customers feel supported. As we continue to grow, we remain focused on developing strong leaders, improving operations, and creating meaningful career opportunities within the cannabis industry.

The Lead Associate supports store leadership in executing daily retail operations while guiding the sales floor and coaching team members. This role is responsible for delivering a high-quality, compliant customer experience, supporting sales performance, and maintaining strong standards in merchandising, inventory accuracy, and team development.

• Lead by example on the sales floor, delivering friendly, professional, and compliant customer service
• Coach Associates in real time on upselling, cross-selling, and effective product recommendations
• Support execution of promotions, specials, and featured product initiatives during each shift
• Assist in driving performance against store goals, including AOV, UPT, and customer satisfaction metrics
• Maintain a strong, positive presence on the floor during peak business hours

• Provide ongoing, in-the-moment feedback to Associates to reinforce service and sales standards
• Support onboarding and training of new team members, including product knowledge, systems, and compliance expectations
• Serve as a point of support during shifts, assisting with questions, customer concerns, and operational needs
• Escalate complex issues or concerns to store leadership as appropriate
• Model professionalism, accountability, and company values at all times

• Maintain a strong understanding of product offerings, effects, and current promotions
• Support Associates in delivering accurate, compliant product recommendations
• Reinforce ongoing product education and ensure team awareness of key product initiatives
• Stay informed on new products, vendor updates, and industry trends

• Maintain clean, organized, and fully stocked displays throughout the store
• Assist with merchandising updates, planograms, and product placement
• Ensure promotional materials are accurate, visible, and aligned with current campaigns
• Support overall store appearance to create a welcoming and professional environment

• Assist with inventory counts, cycle counts, and spot checks as assigned
• Support delivery intake by verifying products, quantities, and required documentation
• Ensure inventory records, logs, and reports are completed accurately and on time
• Follow all inventory handling and storage procedures to maintain accuracy and compliance
• Assist leadership in identifying and resolving discrepancies

• Promote a safe, respectful, and compliant environment for customers and team members
• Build trust with customers through a knowledgeable, supportive, and approachable demeanor
• Reinforce adherence to all state regulations and company policies
• Support a team culture focused on accountability, consistency, and continuous improvement

• Previous retail or customer service experience required; leadership or keyholder experience preferred
• Strong communication, coaching, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to multitask and perform in a fast-paced environment
• Basic understanding of sales metrics and performance goals
• Reliable, punctual, and flexible with scheduling, including evenings and weekends
• Must meet all state requirements for cannabis employment

At Shangri-La, we believe in transparent and competitive compensation that reflects both performance and contribution.

• Hourly Rate: Typically $21/hour (varies by market)
• Tips: Average approximately $4/hour, paid daily/weekly based on store performance
• Monthly KPI Bonus: Up to ~$300/month based on store performance metrics such as AOV and Preferred Brand Sales
• Employee Discount: Competitive product discounts
• Benefits (Full-Time): Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, and Paid Time Off

Salary : $4 - $21