Inventory/Purchasing Manager in Shelton, Washington at Island Enterprises Inc

POSITION SUMMARY

The Inventory Manager is responsible for the strategic planning, procurement, control, and performance of all inventory across the retail operation. This role owns purchasing decisions, vendor relationships, inventory accuracy, and product availability while ensuring full compliance with Washington State and tribal cannabis regulations. The Inventory Manager works cross-functionally with Marketing, Finance, IT, and Store Operations to align inventory strategy with sales performance, promotions, and customer demand.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

· Develop and execute purchasing strategies aligned with store demand, using sales trends, seasonality, and historical data to forecast inventory needs.

· Maintain optimal stock levels to balance availability, cash flow, and risk, while monitoring performance through POS and analytics tools.

· Manage and track all product orders across categories, ensuring accuracy and timely resolution of delivery issues, defective products, and discrepancies.

· Manage vendor relationships by identifying, onboarding, and evaluating partners aligned with quality, pricing, and brand standards, while negotiating terms and maintaining accountability for performance.

· Resolve vendor issues and collaborate with Marketing to support vendor events, brand activations, and the organization of product assets.

· Ensure full compliance with Washington State LCB, Tribal regulations, and internal SOPs while maintaining accurate traceability systems.

· Oversee inventory records, product intake, and transfers to ensure audit readiness, and partner with finance to support proper documentation and reconciliation.

· Supervise and develop inventory staff, providing training on systems, intake procedures, and compliance standards while delegating day-to-day execution tasks.

· Collaborate cross-functionally with store management, marketing, IT, and finance to align inventory needs, product performance, system accuracy, and financial reporting.

· Oversee product availability and accuracy across POS and online platforms, ensuring alignment between inventory, e-commerce, and system integrations.

· Provide strategic oversight of loyalty and promotions while partnering with Marketing to align inventory with campaigns, product pairings, and pricing strategies.

· Analyze sales and product performance data to optimize assortment, inventory levels, and purchasing strategies while tracking key KPIs such as sell-through, turnover, margins, and aging inventory.

· Partner with Marketing to evaluate promotion effectiveness and vendor performance, conducting ROI analysis to inform and adjust future purchasing decisions.

· Attends and/or facilitates all mandatory meetings and training.

· Maintains confidentiality at all times.

· Maintains awareness and sensitivity to Native American Culture.

· Performs other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

? This position has supervisory responsibilities.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or ability required.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

· Demonstrate strong knowledge of cannabis products and their effects, with the ability to lead by example in customer education and service.

· Maintain consistent attendance and accountability while overseeing cash handling procedures and ensuring accuracy and compliance across all transactions.

· Ensure adherence to safety, security, and operational procedures, proactively identifying and addressing risks.

· Communicate effectively with customers and team members, using sound judgment and problem-solving skills to manage day-to-day operations, support staff, and maintain a high standard of customer experience.

COMPUTER SKILLS

? POS scanning systems preferred.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Education Required:

· High School Diploma/GED and 6 years relevant experience in customer service in the cannabis industry. OR

· Associate of Arts Degree in a related field and 4 years progressive work experience. OR

· Bachelor’s Degree in a related field and 2 years progressive work experience. OR

· Masters in related field.

Experience preferred: Prior retail or cannabis industry experience, along with knowledge of Washington State cannabis regulations. Experience working in regulated environments is also beneficial.

A combination of education and experience may be considered as a substitute for a degree requirement.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the essential functions of this position, employees will be required to:

? Frequently required to sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel with frequent hand and wrist movements, and talk or hear, climb or balance, and stop kneel, crouch or crawl.

? Stand in place for several hours at a time; walk and reach with hands and arms.

? Regularly lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.

? Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

? Frequently use harp knives, box cutters, etc.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work is performed in a fast-paced retail environment and may require evenings, weekends, and holidays. Employees must always adhere strictly to compliance and security protocols.

Other Requirements: Must be able to pass a criminal background check and follow the Squaxin Island Tribe's drug policies.