Lead Budtender

Essential Employment Services•Seymour, CT

About The Position

The Lead Budtender, also referred to as a Retail Personal Service Provider Lead, works under the direct supervision of the Store Management team. The role uses strong communication and customer service skills to ensure patients and customers receive a high level of service. The Lead Budtender leads by example, motivates team members, and helps the dispensary operate efficiently, productively, and accurately while ensuring patients feel valued and respected. The position includes key-holder duties, support for training staff, cash handling and reconciliation, inventory support, customer education and product recommendations, and maintaining compliance with applicable cannabis regulations. The role also involves working in a fast-paced retail environment and performing the physical activities needed to assist customers and manage products and inventory.

Requirements

Must be at least 21 years old, as required by state law.
At least 2–3 years of experience working in a dispensary or in a customer service role within the cannabis industry.
Strong understanding of cannabis products, strains, consumption methods, and their effects, with the ability to educate customers and team members.
Ability to provide exceptional customer service, resolve issues professionally, and create a welcoming environment for patients and customers.
Ability to lead by example, motivate team members, and help ensure efficient dispensary operations.
Strong verbal and written communication skills and ability to interact effectively with customers, team members, and management.
Understanding of and adherence to local and state cannabis laws and regulations, including ID verification and product compliance.
Ability to keep the dispensary organized, manage multiple tasks, and use time effectively.
Experience operating a point-of-sale system and accurately handling cash, debit, and credit transactions.
Ability to work collaboratively with budtenders and dispensary management.
Willingness to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
Ability to handle customer complaints or issues professionally while maintaining a positive environment.
Ability to handle, label, and manage products and inventory accurately to meet compliance standards.
Ability to stand for extended periods, lift and carry up to 30 pounds, reach, bend, squat, and walk around the dispensary.
Manual dexterity to handle transactions and products, open and close containers or packaging, label products, and operate a point-of-sale system.
Ability to occasionally use ladders or step stools to access products on high shelves.
Good vision and hearing for reading labels, processing transactions, and communicating in a busy environment.
Ability to adapt to a fast-paced, high-energy environment with changing customer flow and tasks.

Nice To Haves

Previous leadership or supervisory experience.

Responsibilities

Serve as a key holder by opening and/or closing the dispensary.
Assist the Store Management team with training Personal Service Providers, ensuring compliant and accurate dispensing and payment processing.
Prepare register drawers for opening; close and reconcile cash and debit transactions; prepare daily bank deposits of the previous day’s sales; and count and record daily cash tips.
Participate in inventory management and restocking as directed by the Inventory Lead.
Assist the Store Manager in coordinating staff break schedules to maximize customer support during busy periods.
Troubleshoot customer service issues professionally and with authority.
Ensure products are accurately labeled and stored according to regulatory compliance standards.
Help customers select products and provide recommendations based on their preferences.
Educate customers about strains, products, and consumption methods.
Process sales transactions and handle cash and credit card payments.
Stay informed about new products, strains, and industry trends.
Maintain a positive attitude and contribute to a welcoming team environment.
Participate in ongoing education and professional development as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned by management.