Market Lead, Central-East, Ontario

Full job description
The Market Lead is responsible for overseeing the operations, staff development, and brand execution across a small group of Tokyo Smoke branded stores. This role bridges the gap between store-level management and regional oversight by ensuring consistency in standards, coaching store managers, supporting operational efficiency, and acting as a liaison between the stores and the broader corporate or regional team. The Market Lead will focus on performance improvement, cost control, compliance, and driving sales across their assigned locations, based on the direction of their Regional Operations Manager.

Key Responsibilities

Store Operations Oversight

Visit stores regularly to assess operations, support managers, and address performance issues.
Ensure each store is meeting company standards for cleanliness, merchandising, health safety, and customer service.
Assist in resolving store-level operational challenges and streamline processes for efficiency and consistency.
People Leadership

Provide coaching, mentorship, and performance feedback to Store Managers.
Support the recruitment, onboarding, and succession planning of store-level leadership.
Facilitate knowledge sharing, cross-training, and team development initiatives across the district.
Manage performance improvement plans and escalate disciplinary issues appropriately.
Sales Financial Performance

Monitor store KPIs, analyze sales reports, and identify trends and improvement areas.
Work with Store Managers to implement sales-driving strategies, manage labour costs, and control inventory shrink.
Oversee and approve store schedules to ensure alignment with customer traffic and business needs.
Brand Execution Customer Experience

Ensure store presentation, product displays, and customer engagement align with the Tokyo Smoke brand standards.
Support store teams in executing local marketing events, product launches, and promotions.
Implement corporate initiatives and collect/store feedback to improve programs.
Inventory Compliance

Monitor inventory practices and ensure proper controls and systems are followed to manage shrink and prevent loss.
Audit POS transactions and support stores in reconciling financial discrepancies.
Ensure all assigned stores meet AGCO compliance standards and internal policy requirements.
Project Participation

Assist with new store openings, renovations, or transitions within the assigned district.
Contribute to hiring, merchandising, and training plans for new locations.
Act as the project lead for small-scale store improvement projects.
Qualifications

Minimum 7 years experience in retail or related service industry, including 2+ years in a multi-store or senior management role.
High School Diploma required; post-secondary education in Business, Retail Management, or a related field is an asset.
Experience in the cannabis industry or other regulated retail environments is strongly preferred.
Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate teams across multiple locations.
Strong financial acumen, analytical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and scheduling/payroll systems (e.g., Humanity).
Exceptional communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to travel regularly between store locations within the assigned district.
Valid cannabis certification for your province.
Strong understanding of provincial cannabis regulations and retail compliance.
Must pass a criminal background check.
Schedule Working Conditions

Must be available for travel to stores across the district.
Flexible to work weekdays, evenings, weekends, and holidays based on business needs.
SUPERVISORY REQUIREMENTS:

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