SWM, The Forest Baltimore - General Manager

The General Manager of The Forest Baltimore is responsible for leading one of Maryland's most dynamic and evolving cannabis retail environments. This role is designed for a high-level retail operator and people-focused leader who thrives in fast-paced, growth-oriented businesses and understands how to balance operational excellence, customer experience, team development, and revenue growth. About Standard Wellness Maryland, LLC At Standard Wellness Maryland, we are driven by a vision of a world where cannabis is not only respected but embraced as a safe, natural path to healthier living. With a firm belief that health and wellness should empower and free us from judgment, our mission extends beyond the simple provision of cannabis products. We are committed to fostering a positive and enriching relationship with health, offering our clients not just products but a way to integrate cannabis into a holistic wellness regime. Our operational foundation is built on the highest standards of quality and sustainability, ensuring that every product we deliver is not only naturally grown but also contributes to the well-being of our planet. Join us in our journey to redefine wellness, inspire positive lifestyle choices, and create a culture where every individual can thrive. Description General Manager, The Forest Baltimore Location: The Forest - Baltimore, MD Reports to: Head of Retail, People, & Organizational Strategy Department: Dispensary Leadership POSITION OVERVIEW The General Manager of The Forest Baltimore is responsible for leading one of Maryland's most dynamic and evolving cannabis retail environments. This role is designed for a high-level retail operator and people-focused leader who thrives in fast-paced, growth-oriented businesses and understands how to balance operational excellence, customer experience, team development, and revenue growth. The General Manager will oversee all aspects of dispensary operations while helping drive the next phase of growth for The Forest through elevated retail execution, strong leadership presence, data-driven decision making, community engagement, and cross-functional collaboration. This leader will play a critical role in scaling the business through initiatives such as:Revenue and KPI optimizationAdvanced retail merchandising and customer journey developmentWellness and lifestyle retail expansionBulk flower and pre-roll program executionSeasonal campaigns and high-volume retail eventsTeam training and leadership developmentOperational efficiency and process improvementEnhanced loyalty and customer retention strategies The ideal candidate is strategic, hands-on, and someone who can analyze the business, lead and inspire teams, execute at a high level, and create an exceptional retail culture and customer experience. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Retail Leadership & Revenue GrowthDrive overall store performance through strong leadership, sales strategy, operational execution, and customer experience initiativesAnalyze KPIs including sales, AOV, UPT, labor, discounts, conversion, loyalty, and inventory performance to identify opportunities and drive business growthCollaborate with leadership to execute promotional strategies, merchandising initiatives, product launches, and experiential retail momentsLead floor strategy and sales culture initiatives that encourage upselling, customer engagement, and larger basket sizesSupport the rollout and execution of new business initiatives including wellness/lifestyle retail, bulk flower programs, and pre-roll production initiatives Operational ExcellenceEnsure operational consistency, organization, accountability, and execution across all departmentsDevelop, implement, and improve SOPs, workflows, and retail best practicesLead daily store operations while proactively identifying operational inefficiencies and recommending solutionsEnsure compliance with all state and local cannabis regulations, company policies, and inventory controlsPartner cross-functionally with compliance, inventory, marketing, finance, and cultivation teams Customer Experience & MerchandisingMaintain a best-in-class retail environment focused on hospitality, education, and elevated customer experienceLead merchandising strategies that support sales growth, operational flow, and customer engagementSupport seasonal campaigns, in-store events, vendor activations, and community-driven experiencesStay informed on customer trends, market trends, and emerging wellness and cannabis retail opportunities People Leadership & CultureRecruit, develop, coach, and retain high-performing teamsFoster a culture of accountability, collaboration, positivity, and operational excellenceLead performance management, development conversations, and succession planning for dispensary leadership and team membersSupport onboarding, training, and ongoing development initiatives for all retail staffCreate a team environment that balances high standards with strong morale and engagement Strategic CollaborationServe as a strategic thought partner to executive leadership regarding retail operations, staffing, customer experience, and growth opportunitiesCollaborate with marketing and leadership teams on promotional planning, campaign execution, and event strategyContribute ideas and solutions that improve revenue, efficiency, customer retention, and team performance IDEAL CANDIDATEStrong retail leadership background in high-volume, customer-focused environmentsProven ability to analyze data, identify trends, and drive sales growthExceptional leadership presence and communication skillsHighly organized with strong project management and prioritization abilitiesComfortable operating in a fast-moving and evolving business environmentPassion for hospitality, wellness, customer experience, and team developmentCannabis industry experience preferred but not required for the right operational leaderExperience with experiential retail, merchandising, wellness, hospitality, or lifestyle brands is a plusMust meet all eligibility requirements established by the Maryland Cannabis Administration (MCA), including successful completion of applicable background checks, licensing, and employee badging requirements SYSTEMS & TECHNOLOGY PROFICIENCYComfortable operating within fast-paced retail technology environments, including POS systems, inventory platforms, loyalty systems, reporting tools, and operational softwareWorking knowledge of cannabis and retail operational systems such as Dutchie, Alpine IQ, Metrc, mobile POS platforms, and related dispensary technologies preferredAbility to analyze and interpret operational and sales data to support decision-making, KPI tracking, and business growth initiativesProficient in Microsoft Office and collaboration platforms, including Excel, Teams, Outlook, PowerPoint, and WordComfortable creating reports, reviewing spreadsheets, communicating across teams, and managing operational follow-through through digital tools and project tracking systems WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKEStrong operational execution and accountabilityRevenue growth and KPI improvementHigh-performing and engaged team cultureElevated customer experience and community reputationClean, compliant, and organized operationsSuccessful execution of strategic retail initiatives and events Salary $80,000 - $90,000 per year