Grow Ohio, Inc. is hiring: Retail Assistant Manager in Zanesville

Who We Are

Grow Ohio is an Ohio-based company headquartered in Zanesville, Ohio. We are a Level 1 Cultivator, Processor and Dispensary operator licensed by the State of Ohio's Division of Cannabis Control. Grow Ohio has a state-of-the-art medical marijuana facility which houses our cultivation and processing operations in Newton Township, OH. Grow Ohio is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Job Summary

The Retail Assistant Manager (RAM) is a key member of the store leadership team, supporting the Retail Manager. This role is essential in leading, communicating, and executing all aspects of daily retail operations, with a focus on personnel, processes, and performance at the assigned location. The RAM is responsible for overseeing successful store and shift operations while driving operational excellence and staff accountability. As a Retail Leader, the RAM ensures a productive staff culture and positive morale, maintaining high associate performance through timely communication and coaching. The role involves effectively managing operational and personnel challenges that may arise during shifts, ensuring the team consistently meets standards for processes and policies to achieve retail goals, essential business metrics, and personnel development to foster a strong reputation and successful team.

This position leads all facets of store operations, initially focusing on establishing licenses, creating and implementing policies, staffing, and training to cultivate a competent, service-oriented, and compliant team culture. Key responsibilities include effective management of inventory and relevant systems and processes. As a critical member of the store leadership team, the RAM facilitates effective planning and clear communication of daily assignments, expectations, and announcements to ensure successful execution of daily plans and responsibilities. Additional duties include efficient staff scheduling and management, supporting team performance, and ensuring a positive customer experience in the retail environment. As a front-line leader, the RAM manages personnel through HR processes, coaching, and development. The RAM is responsible for opening and closing the store and managing all associated tasks and processes, ensuring consistent store cleanliness and organization, and enforcing compliant operations. Additionally, the RAM oversees point-of-sale operations, supports internal audit processes for inventory, supplies, and fiscal items.

The ideal candidate is an experienced, practical leader with strong communication skills and social awareness. They should have a professional background in cannabis-focused retail management with proven expertise in personnel and operations oversight. This role requires critical thinking, effective communication with diverse staff, customers, and leadership, and a commitment to delivering high-quality customer service and operational efficiency. The Retail Assistant Manager reports directly to the Retail Manager.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The following represents a non-exhaustive list of the duties and responsibilities of this position:

Leadership

• Foster a positive, professional work environment that promotes clear expectations, professionalism, teamwork, growth, and mutual respect across all assigned retail locations.
• Oversee daily staffing, planning, compliance, and goal achievement for retail staff, ensuring that all policies, personnel, and operations at Ohio dispensary locations meet company standards.
• Facilitate staff communication, training, and adherence to DCC guidelines in alignment with state and local cannabis dispensary regulations.
  • Support the Retail Manager in training retail teams.
  • Ensure completion of internal and external compliance tasks, such as inventory and record audits.
• Enforce all DCC regulations, SOPs, and processes in store operations.
• Proactively address and manage issues, communicating updates to appropriate parties.
• Recommend improvements in operations, policies, and procedures to the Retail Manager.

Buildout & Dispensary Stand-Up

• Advise on strategic decisions related to the design and construction of retail locations.
  • Provide input on selecting dispensary operating and digital management platforms.
• Lead training and implementation of company policies and procedures across retail stores, working with the Retail Manager and HR on retail-specific personnel policies and handbooks.
  • Support the development, training, and maintenance of SOPs for store management and staff.
  • Optimize operational processes to enhance efficiency and accountability.
• Collaborate with HR and retail leadership to create staffing structures, establish clear job descriptions, and define role expectations.
  • Lead store staff set up and training to meet quality standards and timelines.
  • Support the development and rollout of training programs, maintaining organized training records.
  • Assist the dispensary management team in planning staff onboarding and scheduled training programs.
• Establish benchmarks and timelines for task completion, ensuring alignment with strategic goals.

Retail Operations

• Support and lead store and staff to optimize performance, morale, and growth.
  • Ensure adherence to HR policies and oversee performance evaluations, coaching, and development for staff.
• Foster a customer-focused experience, leading staff to prioritize exceptional service, satisfaction, and brand loyalty.
  • Ensure dispensary staff's product knowledge and compliance with regulations.
  • Promote positive customer experiences through professional and policy-driven problem resolution.
  • Stay informed on industry regulations and best practices, training staff as necessary.
• Manage daily and weekly staffing and scheduling in alignment with Retail Manager guidance and processes.
• Oversee smooth daily store operations, including timely communication on inventory and asset management.
• Ensure professional communication with staff, support areas, and vendors for seamless operations.
• Support marketing plans, promotions, and product displays across locations.
  • Provide feedback on marketing strategies and support timely promotional execution.
  • Manage and troubleshoot digital platforms (POS, ECOM, METRC, etc.) and facilitate vendor events with store management.
  • Drive sales performance in alignment with marketing initiatives and events.
• Implement, support, and maintain security protocols to safeguard employees, customers, and inventory.
  • Operate security systems and ensure compliance with rules to protect assets and personnel.
• Counter diversion by effectively managing inventory and cash flow through approved protocols and situational awareness.
• Plan and execute cleaning, supply management, and staff protocols.
• Maintain optimal stock levels, minimize shrinkage, and meet sales goals.
  • Oversee inventory and cash management.
  • Support inventory control systems, conduct regular audits, and ensure compliance with state regulations.
• Maintain positive relationships with vendors and suppliers, providing feedback to the Retail Manager on procurement decisions.
• Ensure compliance with DCC rules and regulations in all customer interactions and store activities.
• Report any issues or challenges promptly to the Retail Manager and leadership.

Business and Budgetary

• Support the Retail Manager in financial and sales reporting and forecasting for retail performance.
  • Ensure completion, accuracy, and timeliness of financial reports.
• Monitor financial sales performance and guide store management in meeting sales goals.
• Assist the Retail Manager in creating the dispensary operating budget and ensuring accountability in budget execution.

Qualifications

• Preferred bachelor's degree in business administration, retail management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in retail management, preferably in the cannabis industry.
• Strong understanding of cannabis regulations and compliance in Ohio.
• Proven track record of driving sales and enhancing customer experience.
• Excellent leadership and team management skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in retail management software and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.

Physical Requirements

• At least 21 years of age.
• The ability to lift 75 pounds regularly.
• The ability to respond quickly to sounds.
• The ability to move safely over uneven terrain or in confined spaces.
• The ability to see and respond to dangerous situations.
• The ability to wear personal protective equipment properly.
• The ability to sit or stand for up to 12 hours at a time.
• The ability to work in bright/hot/humid conditions.
• The ability to complete fine motor functions.
• Lifting, standing, sitting, walking, bending, reaching, push/pull, repetitive use of hands, grasping use of hands, visual activity.

This is a full-time position with variable hours required. Candidates with weekend availability are required. You will have to complete a State/Federal background check, as well as a drug screening pre-employment. Grow Ohio offers a competitive compensation package with attractive benefit offerings. Benefits include Medical, Dental, Vision, Basic Life, Short Term Disability, and Voluntary Life.