Phat Panda

Pay: $19.00/hour
Schedule: Full-time (weekend availability required)

Hiring Timeline: We anticipate filling this position in mid-August 2026 as we prepare for the next phase of our Somerville transition. We encourage interested candidates to apply early, as interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis.

Job Summary

The Inventory Lead is a key operational leader responsible for ensuring inventory accuracy, regulatory compliance, and efficient product movement from receiving through sale. Serving as the bridge between the Inventory Associate and Inventory Manager, this role provides day-to-day direction to the inventory team by assigning tasks, monitoring workflow, and providing real-time guidance to support accuracy and productivity.

The Inventory Lead does not have formal people management responsibilities such as hiring, scheduling, performance management, or discipline, but plays an essential role in supporting the Inventory Manager by promoting operational excellence, maintaining compliance with Massachusetts cannabis regulations, and ensuring exceptional internal service to the retail team.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

• Receive and verify incoming product shipments, ensuring accuracy against purchase orders, invoices, and state regulatory requirements.
• Verify all products are compliant with METRC and properly labeled before being transferred to inventory or the sales floor.
• Barcode and enter new inventory into the Point of Sale (POS) system while ensuring accurate product information and pricing.
• Organize and maintain backstock, vault, and sales floor inventory to maximize efficiency and product accessibility.
• Lead daily, weekly, and monthly cycle counts, inventory audits, and physical inventory counts; investigate discrepancies and communicate findings to the Inventory Manager.
• Monitor inventory levels to maintain adequate stock while minimizing product shortages and overstock situations.
• Track cannabis waste, quarantined inventory, damaged products, and upcoming expirations while ensuring all destruction procedures comply with state regulations and company policy.
• Assign daily tasks and provide real-time direction to Inventory Associates during receiving, order fulfillment, restocking, and inventory processing.
• Coordinate with Retail Floor Leads and Sales Associates to ensure timely fulfillment of online, curbside, and in-store orders.
• Assist with product transfers, vendor returns, reconciliations, and inventory adjustments.
• Create and maintain accurate records for unavailable inventory, damaged goods, and inventory variances.
• Support implementation and enforcement of inventory control procedures and compliance standards.
• Maintain accurate documentation required by state cannabis regulations and company policies.
• Assist customers on the sales floor as needed and serve as a product knowledge resource for team members.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and secure inventory workspace.
• Perform general housekeeping duties throughout the facility, including inventory areas, breakrooms, restrooms, and retail spaces.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

To perform this position successfully, an individual should possess the following qualifications:

• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Minimum of two (2) years of inventory experience in retail, warehouse, distribution, or cannabis operations required.
• Previous lead or team leadership experience preferred.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and mathematical skills.
• High attention to detail with the ability to identify and resolve inventory discrepancies.
• Experience using Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word.
• Experience with Point of Sale (POS) systems and seed-to-sale software such as METRC preferred.
• Knowledge of cannabis products, strains, consumption methods, and state compliance regulations preferred.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Successfully pass all required background checks.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Skills & Competencies

The ideal candidate will demonstrate the ability to:

• Thrive in a fast-paced, highly regulated retail environment.
• Lead by example and provide effective task direction without formal supervisory authority.
• Prioritize multiple responsibilities while maintaining exceptional attention to detail.
• Adapt quickly to changing business needs and operational priorities.
• Communicate professionally and effectively with customers, vendors, and team members.
• Work independently while collaborating across departments.
• Demonstrate integrity, accountability, and sound decision-making.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding inventory, security, and business operations.
• Deliver excellent customer service while promoting cannabis education.

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Associate degree or coursework in Business, Supply Chain Management, Logistics, or a related field preferred.
• Two to three (2–3) years of relevant inventory, warehouse, retail, or cannabis experience preferred.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Certificates, Licenses & Registrations

• Valid Massachusetts driver's license or other government-issued identification.
• Must meet all Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission employment eligibility requirements.

Physical Requirements

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

• Stand and walk for up to 8 hours per shift.
• Sit for extended periods as needed.
• Lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds safely and repeatedly.
• Frequently bend, squat, kneel, twist, reach overhead, and climb ladders as necessary.
• Regularly move inventory, boxes, and merchandise throughout the facility.
• Perform repetitive hand and wrist movements associated with inventory processing and computer use.
• Perform routine cleaning and maintenance tasks, including sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, taking out trash, and maintaining inventory areas, breakrooms, restrooms, and retail spaces.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Phat Panda is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace for all employees. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.