What are the responsibilities and job description for the Inventory Manager position at Zen Den Company?
About the Role
We are a cannabis retail operation on Cape Cod looking for an Inventory Manager to take full ownership of our product inventory from receiving through sale. This is not just a counting and stocking role. We need someone who thinks like a buyer, understands margins, and knows how to keep product moving. You will be responsible for purchasing decisions, maintaining a healthy product mix, enforcing FIFO practices, and making sure every unit in the building is tracked and accounted for in compliance with Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) regulations.
What You'll Do
FIFO and Inventory Control
- Enforce strict first in, first out (FIFO) practices across all product categories to minimize waste, expiration, and write-offs
- Conduct daily inventory reconciliations to ensure physical counts match what is reported in the POS and seed-to-sale systems
- Develop and maintain SOPs for receiving, stocking, rotating, and disposing of product
- Perform regular cycle counts and periodic full physical inventory audits
- Investigate and resolve any inventory discrepancies promptly, documenting root causes and corrective actions
- Monitor shelf life across all product categories and proactively manage markdowns or returns before expiration
Compliance and Seed-to-Sale Tracking
- Maintain full compliance with Massachusetts CCC regulations and all applicable local rules
- Manage all inventory entries, transfers, adjustments, and disposals in Metrc accurately and in real time
- Ensure all incoming product shipments are verified against manifests, invoices, and lab testing documentation (COAs) before being entered into inventory
- Prepare for and support any CCC audits or inspections related to inventory
- Stay current on changes to Massachusetts cannabis regulations that impact inventory operations
Vendor and Product Management
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date product menus in the POS system, including pricing, descriptions, and lab results
- Manage product intake logistics including delivery scheduling, receiving, and storage
Reporting and Communication
- Provide regular reporting to leadership on inventory levels, purchasing spend, margin performance, sell-through rates, and shrinkage
- Flag slow-moving inventory and recommend strategies to move it (promotions, markdowns, returns to vendor)
- Communicate proactively with the General Manager about stock levels, vendor issues, and any compliance concerns
What We're Looking For
- 2 years of inventory management experience, preferably in cannabis retail or another highly regulated industry
- Strong understanding of margin management, COGS, and how purchasing decisions impact profitability
- Demonstrated experience with FIFO inventory practices
- Proficiency with seed-to-sale tracking systems (Metrc experience strongly preferred)
- Experience with cannabis POS and inventory management platforms
- Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills and a track record of maintaining accurate inventory records
- Comfortable negotiating with vendors and making data-driven purchasing decisions
- Familiarity with Massachusetts CCC regulations or ability to get up to speed quickly
- Strong communication skills. You can translate inventory data into actionable insights for leadership and the sales team
- Reliable, self-directed, and comfortable owning a function independently
Nice to Have
- Direct experience with Massachusetts cannabis retail operations and Metrc
- Background in retail buying or procurement
- Experience with inventory analytics or reporting tools
- Knowledge of cannabis product categories, trends, and consumer preferences on Cape Cod or in similar seasonal markets
Work Environment
- This role is on-site at our Orleans, MA location
- Physical requirements include standing for extended periods, lifting up to 50 lbs, and working in a retail and storage environment
- Schedule may include weekends and holidays based on business needs
We are an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Pay: From $55,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person
Salary : $55,000