Job Title: Commercial Manger
Location: Reading / Hybrid
Reports to: CEO / Founder
Company Stage: Startup
Industry: Medical Cannabis
Role Overview
The Commercial Manager will lead the company’s revenue growth strategy across sales, partnerships, pricing, and market expansion in the UK. As a key member of the leadership team, this role is responsible for building and executing the commercial strategy in a fast-paced, highly regulated cannabis environment.
The ideal candidate combines strategic thinking with hands-on execution, thrives in startup settings, and has a strong understanding of cannabis market dynamics, compliance constraints, and go-to-market execution.
Key Responsibilities
Commercial Strategy & Growth
* Develop and execute the company’s overall commercial and revenue strategy
* Identify and prioritize new market opportunities, channels, and customer segments
* Build strong relationship with stakeholders in medical environment
Sales & Partnerships
* Build, lead, and scale the sales function (wholesale, B2B)
* Establish and manage strategic partnerships (clinics, dispensaries, distributors and pharmacies)
* Negotiate and close key commercial agreements and contracts with clinics and distributors or pharmacies
* Support key accounts and high-value relationships
Market & Customer Insight
* Monitor market trends, competitor activity, and regulatory changes
* Translate customer insights into product positioning, offers, and go-to-market plans
* Collaborate with category manager on brand positioning, campaigns, and customer acquisition strategies
Cross-Functional Leadership
* Work closely with Board of Directors to ensure commercial plans are executable and compliant
* Align commercial priorities with supply chain, production capacity, and inventory planning
* Contribute to company-wide strategic planning and investor discussions
Compliance & Risk Management
* Ensure all commercial activities comply with cannabis regulations
* Partner with legal/compliance teams to manage risk in sales, marketing, and partnerships
Required Qualifications
* 5+ years of experience in commercial leadership, sales leadership, or business development
* Proven track record of driving revenue growth in a startup or high-growth environment
* Experience in cannabis, regulated industries or strong cannabis market knowledge
* Strong negotiation, deal-making, and stakeholder management skills
* Data-driven mindset with experience in forecasting, pricing, and performance metrics
Preferred Qualifications
* Direct experience in cannabis (distribution, cannabis clinics)
* Experience scaling teams and commercial operations from early stage to growth phase
* Understanding of cannabis compliance frameworks
* MBA or equivalent business experience
Key Competencies
* Strategic thinking with hands-on execution
* Entrepreneurial mindset and comfort with ambiguity
* Strong leadership and communication skills
* Commercial acumen and financial literacy
* High ethical standards and compliance awareness
What We Offer
* Opportunity to shape the commercial direction of a fast-growing cannabis startup
* Competitive salary plus equity/bonus opportunities
* High-impact leadership role with direct access to founders
* Dynamic, mission-driven work environment