At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Quality function and evolve compliance into a strategic growth enabler.
- Company: Cantourage UK, a pioneering medical cannabis company in a high-growth environment.
- Benefits: 36 days annual leave, performance bonus, private medical insurance, and wellness perks.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a rapidly evolving industry while ensuring regulatory excellence.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Responsible Person in pharmaceuticals and strong scientific background.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on innovation and quality in healthcare.
The predicted salary is between 84000 - 120000 ÂŁ per year.
Location: Shoreditch, London
Working Structure: Office Based (Thursday we work from home)
Reports to: Executive Director (Co-Founder)
Salary: Up to ÂŁ120K, plus annual bonus
Who are we?
Since medical cannabis was legalised in the UK in 2018, Cantourage UK has been building the infrastructure that makes this industry work - safely, compliantly and at scale. We operate across two deeply interconnected worlds: a regulated tele-health clinic, delivering high-quality patient care and a licensed pharmaceutical supply operation, powering the wider ecosystem. Together, they form a complex, high-trust system where clinical integrity, operational excellence and smart technology must work in lockstep.
With a strong foundation in place and ambitious growth ahead, we’re now looking for a Head of Quality to lead future-proof our pharmaceutical regulatory framework as we scale into the next phase of growth.
What’s the purpose of the role?
You will assume full leadership of the Quality function and formally act as Responsible Person (RP) for our WDA operation. This is not a maintenance role. It’s about evolving Quality from static compliance into a strategic growth enabler. Reporting to the Executive Director (License Holder), you will safeguard our MHRA and Home Office licenses while designing a proactive, technology-enabled QMS that supports scale, innovation and long-term regulatory credibility. You will operate at the intersection of regulatory authority, operational execution and strategic ambition, ensuring that compliance is not just an afterthought.
What impact will you have?
- Responsible Person & Regulatory Leadership
- Successfully assume the mantle of RP on our WDA license
- Maintain perpetual MHRA and Home Office inspection readiness
- Lead regulatory engagement confidently and authoritatively
- QMS Evolution & Quality by Design
- Conduct a comprehensive QMS gap analysis upon joining
- Transition static compliance processes into proactive, daily quality workflows
- Embed a “Quality by Design” philosophy across new initiatives and system changes
- Drive CAPA programmes and continuous improvement cycles that reduce risk year-on-year
- Strategic Licence & Authorisation Expansion
- Lead risk assessment and stakeholder alignment across new regulatory milestones
- Balance ambition with regulatory prudence in a high-growth environment
- Quality Leadership & Capability Building
- Provide structure, vision and technical upskilling to the Quality function
- Oversee and empower our Quality Assurance Officer
- Build a culture where quality ownership extends beyond the Quality team
- Data-Driven & Technology-Enabled Quality
- Implement data-led monitoring of Quality KPIs and risk indicators
- Leverage systems and automation to enhance compliance oversight
- Ensure compliance is embedded into digital workflows across Pharma and Clinic operations
What will you bring to the table?
- Eligibility to be named as a Responsible Person (RP) on a UK WDA licence, with demonstrable MHRA recognition
- Ideally 2-3 years’ experience acting as RP within a pharmaceutical wholesale or distribution environment
- Strong scientific or pharmaceutical background (degree in Pharmacy, Life Sciences or related field highly desirable)
- Deep expertise in Good Distribution Practice (GDP)
- Experience handling Controlled Drugs and unlicensed specials
- Proven ability to lead regulatory inspections and manage regulatory bodies confidently
- Experience building or evolving a QMS in regulated environments
If you have the following, it’ll be a huge bonus:
- Experience within a CBPM (Cannabis-Based Products for Medicinal Use) environment is advantageous, though we are equally open to candidates from broader unlicensed specials settings
- Exposure to preparing and winning applications for new pharmaceutical licenses
- Experience integrating technology or automation into QMS frameworks
- Background working in emerging or novel regulatory markets
Who wouldn’t thrive in this role?
- Someone who sees compliance as a reactive obligation rather than a strategic lever
- Someone uncomfortable holding firm in the face of commercial pressure
- Someone who prefers static processes over continuous improvement
- Someone who struggles to balance regulatory rigour with business growth
What do we offer?
- 36 day annual leave (includes your birthday + all UK public holidays)
- Performance based annual bonus
- Comprehensive private medical insurance
- ClassPass membership (gyms, fitness classes, yoga, massages & more)
- Cycle-to-work scheme
Head of Quality in City of London employer: Cantourage UK
Contact Detail:
Cantourage UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Quality in City of London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their values, mission, and recent news. We want to show that you’re genuinely interested and ready to contribute to their growth.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your answers to common interview questions, but keep it natural. We want you to sound confident and authentic, not like a robot reciting lines. Mock interviews with friends can really help!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A simple thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you fresh in their minds. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Quality in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Quality role. Highlight your experience with regulatory compliance and quality management systems, as these are key for us. Use specific examples that showcase your leadership skills and how you've driven quality improvements in previous roles.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the role and how your background aligns with our mission at Cantourage UK. Be sure to mention any relevant experience in the pharmaceutical industry and your approach to quality management.
Showcase Your Regulatory Knowledge: Since this role involves a lot of regulatory engagement, make sure to highlight your understanding of MHRA and Home Office requirements. Share any experiences where you've successfully navigated inspections or led compliance initiatives, as this will resonate with us.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cantourage UK
✨Know Your Regulations
Make sure you brush up on the latest regulations related to pharmaceutical quality and compliance. Being able to discuss your understanding of MHRA and Home Office requirements will show that you're not just familiar with the rules, but that you can also lead regulatory engagement confidently.
✨Showcase Your QMS Experience
Prepare to discuss your experience in evolving Quality Management Systems (QMS). Bring examples of how you've transitioned static compliance processes into proactive workflows, and be ready to explain how you would implement a 'Quality by Design' philosophy in this role.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Head of Quality, you'll need to provide structure and vision. Think about times when you've empowered teams or built a culture of quality ownership. Be prepared to share specific examples that highlight your leadership style and capability-building efforts.
✨Data-Driven Mindset
Since the role involves implementing data-led monitoring of Quality KPIs, come equipped with ideas on how to leverage technology for compliance oversight. Discuss any past experiences where you've used data to drive continuous improvement and reduce risk.