Waterside Pharmaceuticals is a medicinal cannabis cultivation and wholesale business based in Aberdeenshire, operating under a Home Office Controlled Drugs Licence and MHRA Wholesale Distribution Authorisation.
As we continue to scale, we are seeking a Site Manager to take ownership of day-to-day operations, security, infrastructure, and site-level performance at our Aberdeenshire facility. This is a key hands-on leadership role within a regulated life sciences environment. The successful candidate will combine operational oversight with direct, practical involvement in site activities, taking ownership of day-to-day execution and performance.
The Role
Reporting to the COO, you will be responsible for operational performance, physical security systems, facilities, and the delivery of site activities across cultivation, laboratory, maintenance, security and GMP manufacturing.
Onsite QA/QC will play a large part of this role for day-to-day management, operating within the wider company quality framework under the oversight of the CSO, CLO, COO. and RP. You will ensure compliance with GACP, and GDP standards, maintaining regulatory control and inspection readiness for the Aberdeenshire facility, whilst supporting the phased implementation and sustained compliance of GMP activities, embedding robust standards into routine site operations.
Key Responsibilities
Lead daily operations inc; cultivation, quality, security, compliance, maintenance & manufacturing
Drive site financial performance through effective budgeting, cost control, and operational efficiency
Ensure compliance with Home Office, GACP, MHRA, GDP, health & safety, and GMP standards
Oversee management of approved contractors and service providers
Support audits, inspections, and authority visits
Maintain site risk assessments and drive corrective and preventative actions
Coordinate preventative maintenance and continuous improvement initiatives
Foster a culture of safety, regulatory compliance, quality, accountability, and security awareness
About You
You will bring operational leadership experience within a pharmaceutical manufacturing or similarly regulated life sciences environment.
You should have:
Experience managing operations within a GMP-controlled manufacturing setting
Strong understanding of regulatory compliance and quality systems
Experience overseeing controlled production environments with inspection exposure
Knowledge of facilities, utilities, and health & safety management
Proven leadership capability, with the ability to set direction and lead by example
A proactive, hands-on approach with strong organisational and communication skills
Experience within controlled drug or high-security environments is advantageous but not essential.
To Apply
Please submit your application via LinkedIn, including a summary of your experience relevant to this role and why the position interests you.
Why Join Waterside?
Our mission is to deliver safe, efficacious, and affordable medicine that transforms the lives of patients. Operating within a rapidly evolving and emerging UK market, this is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a sector with significant long-term potential. You will join a collaborative team and play a central role in strengthening operational performance, regulatory excellence, and sustainable growth as we continue to expand our capabilities.