Inventory Manager

Zen Den; Wareham (MA); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Zen Den is looking for an experienced Inventory Manager to oversee all inventory operations in Massachusetts, supporting Cape Cod retail growth.

This role requires strong skills in inventory management, including enforcing FIFO practices and vendor negotiation. The ideal candidate will have 2+ years of experience in a regulated industry, with specific emphasis on cannabis.

The position offers hybrid working conditions depending on the needs of the business, including some fieldwork across Cape Cod.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of inventory management experience, preferably in cannabis retail.
• Strong understanding of margin management and COGS.
• Proven experience with FIFO practices.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a healthy product mix and enforce FIFO practices.
• Conduct inventory reconciliations daily.
• Document root causes of inventory discrepancies.

Skills

Inventory management

Vendor negotiation

Attention to detail

Data analysis

Understanding of margin management

Knowledge of Massachusetts CCC regulations

Tools

Metrc

Seed-to-sale tracking systems

Cannabis POS systems

Job description

A confidential Massachusetts cannabis retail operator is seeking an Inventory Manager to take full ownership of 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.

This role will support retail operations in the Cape Cod market, including the company’s current Orleans location and future expansion into Hyannis. Candidates based on the South Shore, Cape Cod, or surrounding Massachusetts communities are encouraged to apply.

The Inventory Manager will be responsible for:

• Maintaining a healthy product mix
• Enforcing FIFO practices
• Managing product flow from intake through sale
• Monitoring margins, sell-through, and slow-moving inventory
• Ensuring every unit in the building is tracked and accounted for in compliance with Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) regulations

This position is connected to retail operations on Cape Cod, with some flexibility for hybrid administrative work depending on business needs, inventory cycles, and leadership approval.

What you’ll do:

• 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 inventory discrepancies promptly
• Document root causes and corrective actions related to inventory variances
• Monitor shelf life across all product categories
• Proactively manage markdowns, vendor returns, or product movement before expiration
• Maintain full compliance with Massachusetts CCC regulations and all applicable local rules
• Manage inventory entries, transfers, adjustments, and disposals in Metrc accurately and in real time
• Verify incoming product shipments against manifests, invoices, and lab testing documentation, including COAs
• Ensure all products are properly entered into inventory before being made available for sale
• Prepare for and support CCC audits or inspections related to inventory
• Stay current on Massachusetts cannabis regulations that impact inventory operations
• Support purchasing decisions based on sales trends, product performance, margin, and customer demand
• Maintain a healthy and profitable product mix across categories
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date product menus in the POS system
• Ensure pricing, descriptions, and lab results are accurate and current
• Manage product intake logistics, including delivery scheduling, receiving, and storage
• Communicate with vendors regarding product availability, delivery issues, returns, and credits
• Provide regular reporting to leadership on inventory levels, purchasing spend, margin performance, sell-through rates, slow-moving inventory, shrinkage, product aging, and expiration risk
• Flag slow-moving inventory and recommend strategies to move product
• Recommend promotions, markdowns, or vendor returns when appropriate
• Communicate proactively with the General Manager about stock levels, vendor issues, and compliance concerns
• Translate inventory data into clear, actionable insights for leadership and the sales team

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
• Experience with seed-to-sale tracking systems
• Metrc experience strongly preferred
• Experience with cannabis POS and inventory management platforms
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
• 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
• Ability to turn inventory data into actionable insights for leadership and the sales team
• Reliable, self-directed, and comfortable owning a function independently
• Direct Metrc experience
• Background in retail buying or procurement

Nice to have:

• Direct experience with Massachusetts cannabis retail operations
• Experience with inventory analytics or reporting tools
• Knowledge of cannabis product categories, trends, and consumer preferences on Cape Cod, the South Shore, or similar seasonal markets

Work environment:

• This role supports cannabis retail operations in the Cape Cod market, including Orleans and future Hyannis operations
• Candidates must be able to travel to Cape Cod locations as needed for inventory operations, receiving, audits, vendor coordination, and retail support
• Some administrative responsibilities may be completed remotely depending on business needs
• This is not a fully remote position
• 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.