UK Cannabis Production Manager
Location:
Nottingham (on-site, with potential flexible working)
Reporting to:
Executive Leadership Team
Employment Type:
Full-Time
Compensation:
£40,000–£65,000 base salary (depending on experience) + performance-based bonus + equity options after 6 months + benefits
About the Company
Our client is a leading medical cannabis company with operations across the UK, Germany, and Australia. They specialise in importing, manufacturing, and distributing premium medical cannabis products and are expanding rapidly within healthcare. With a focus on innovation and patient-centric services, the company is committed to disrupting traditional pharmaceutical pathways by delivering safe, compliant, and accessible solutions. Joining this organisation means being part of a pioneering team shaping the future of medical cannabis.
Role Overview
As Head of UK Cannabis Production, you will take primary responsibility for cannabis manufacturing at the Nottingham site. While the wider facility also manufactures non-cannabis products (which sit under the overall operations lead and company MD), you will own the cannabis production element—ensuring the highest standards of quality, compliance, and efficiency.
This strategic leadership role demands a big-picture thinker who drives operational excellence, leads diverse teams, and champions continuous improvement to support the company's growth ambitions.
Key Responsibilities
* Oversee all cannabis manufacturing activities to meet production targets, quality standards, and deadlines.
* Be accountable for cannabis-specific production processes—from goods receipt and stock control to batch manufacturing, order fulfilment, and dispatch.
* Develop and implement operational strategies to increase productivity and scalability.
* Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations, licences, and safety requirements related to medical cannabis production.
* Collaborate with supply chain, quality, and commercial teams to align production with demand forecasts.
* Lead workforce planning, talent development, and cultivate a motivated, high-performing team environment.
* Drive continuous improvement initiatives to optimise workflows, reduce costs, and improve efficiency.
* Manage production budgets, supplier relationships, and capital expenditure.
* Regularly report on cannabis production metrics, risks, and opportunities to senior leadership.
* Partner with quality and compliance teams to maintain high standards and regulatory adherence.
* Lead and contribute to cross-functional projects, including new product launches and production scale-up.
* Own and improve production data dashboards and factory management systems, working closely with tech teams.
Who You Are
Essential:
* At least 5 years' experience in a senior production leadership role, ideally within pharmaceutical, cannabis, or other regulated manufacturing environments.
* Deep understanding of GMP and regulatory frameworks applicable to medical cannabis production.
* Strong strategic thinker with a track record of driving operational improvements in fast-paced environments.
* Hands-on leader who balances detail-oriented management with big-picture business acumen.
* Experience managing cross-functional teams and collaborating effectively with multiple stakeholders.
* Excellent communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.
* Highly proficient in Excel and data analysis; SQL skills or willingness to learn are a plus.
* Comfortable using modern digital tools and factory management systems to enhance traceability and efficiency.
Preferred:
* Experience within the cannabis sector, with industry knowledge and established relationships across cultivation, manufacturing, and distribution partners.
Why Join?
This role offers an exciting chance to take ownership of cannabis manufacturing at a key production site within a fast-growing, innovative company at the forefront of medical cannabis. You will be instrumental in shaping operational excellence and directly impacting the availability of cutting-edge products that improve patient outcomes.If you are passionate about cannabis production leadership in a dynamic environment and want to make a tangible difference, this is a fantastic opportunity.