At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Quality function and evolve compliance into a strategic growth enabler.
- Company: Join Cantourage UK, a pioneer in the medical cannabis industry.
- Benefits: Enjoy 36 days annual leave, private medical insurance, and a discretionary bonus.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to innovation and quality.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a rapidly growing sector while ensuring regulatory excellence.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Responsible Person in pharmaceuticals and strong scientific background required.
The predicted salary is between 84000 - 120000 £ per year.
Location: Shoreditch, London
Working Structure: Office Based (Thursday we work from home)
Reports to: Executive Director (Co-Founder)
Salary: Up to £120K, 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 Practices (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 with 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 days annual leave (which includes your birthday and public holidays)
- Discretionary annual bonus
- Comprehensive private medical insurance
- ClassPass Membership (great for gyms, fitness classes, yoga, massages & more!)
- Cycle-to-Work Scheme
Equal opportunity declaration: Cantourage UK is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a workplace that is free from discrimination and harassment. We celebrate diversity and are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.
Head of Quality in London employer: Cantourage UK
At Montu UK, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive and innovative environment for our Trainee Pharmacy Dispensers in Winnersh. With paid training, a generous holiday allowance, and a strong emphasis on professional growth, our team culture fosters collaboration and development, ensuring you have the tools to succeed in your pharmacy career while enjoying a healthy work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Quality in London
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Get involved with organisations such as the Royal Pharmaceutical Society or your local pharmaceutical professionals' network. Being an active member can boost your credibility and may even lead to job referrals in top organisations like Cantourage UK.
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When you're applying for roles, don't rush it! Take the time to customise your applications for specific positions, showcasing relevant skills and experiences that align with what Cantourage UK is looking for. A tailored application can really make you stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Quality in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in the pharmaceutical industry, it's crucial to highlight any relevant experience you have. Whether that's internships, lab work, or even related coursework, make sure to weave this into your CV and cover letter. We want to see how your background aligns with the role you're applying for at Cantourage UK!
Emphasise Your Understanding of Regulations:The pharmaceutical industry is heavily regulated, so it's important to indicate your familiarity with industry standards and regulations. In your cover letter, mention any training or certifications you've received that are relevant, or discuss projects where you’ve navigated compliance. This will show Cantourage UK that you're not just a fit for the job but also a safety-conscious candidate!
Tailor Your CV to Be Result-Driven:Craft your CV to highlight quantifiable achievements, especially if you have previous roles in pharmaceuticals or related fields. Use metrics to demonstrate your impact, such as improved processing times or successful project completions while working on trials. This analytical approach will resonate well with hiring managers at Cantourage UK!
Convey Your Passion for the Industry:In your cover letter, express why you are passionate about working in the pharmaceutical sector. Whether it’s your desire to contribute to groundbreaking drug research or improve patient outcomes, let it shine through! At Cantourage UK, we value candidates who are truly enthusiastic about their work—you might just stand out from the crowd.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cantourage UK
✨Understand the Science
Make sure you brush up on key pharmaceutical concepts and recent developments in the industry. You might get asked some technical questions during the interview at Cantourage UK that show your grasp of drug development processes or regulatory requirements, so be ready to discuss them clearly.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
If you have any hands-on experience or internships in a laboratory setting, be sure to highlight these in your responses. Think about the projects you worked on, the methodologies you used, and the impact you made. It's all about telling a story that connects your background to the role you're applying for.
✨Know Their Products
Take some time to familiarise yourself with Cantourage UK’s product range and recent breakthroughs. Understanding their portfolio not only shows your enthusiasm for the role but also allows you to ask insightful questions that demonstrate your interest in actively contributing to their projects.
✨Be Ready for Regulatory Scenarios
In a full-time pharmaceutical role, understanding the regulatory landscape is crucial. Prepare for situational questions that may test your problem-solving skills concerning compliance and safety standards. You could be asked how you'd handle a hypothetical issue regarding a drug’s market release, so think through your approach.
