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For our client, a licensed medical cannabis cultivation company based near Évora, we are seeking a Chief Operating Officer (COO).
The company is dedicated to producing the highest quality medical cannabis while upholding a deep respect for the planet, setting a new benchmark in the industry for ecological responsibility, innovation, and exceptional care throughout the entire cultivation process.
As COO, you will oversee all operational activities within the company's production facility, ensuring efficiency, compliance, and alignment with strategic objectives, while working in close collaboration with the CEO.
Your mission is to ensure that the company operates efficiently, safely, and in full compliance with European pharmaceutical standards, while effectively executing the strategic plan defined by the executive leadership.
You will combine hands-on operational oversight with strategic management, ensuring that each cultivation cycle, process, and finished product consistently meets the company's quality standards and regulatory requirements.
The ideal candidate is equally confident in the cultivation facility and in the boardroom, bringing extensive experience in GACP and GMP-compliant cannabis operations, combined with a strong business mindset, strategic vision, and proven leadership capabilities.
Previous experience in a similar leadership role within the Portuguese cannabis industry, along with a solid understanding of the local regulatory framework, are considered strong assets.
Employment type: Full-time, permanent
Work modality: On-site
Responsibilities
Manage and supervise all daily cultivation and production operations across the site(s).
Implement the company's operational strategy and ensure alignment with global business objectives.
Establish and monitor operational KPIs, budgets, and performance targets.
Oversee logistics, maintenance, and post-harvest operations to maximize efficiency.
Plan and oversee cultivation schedules, including propagation, growing, harvesting, and drying.
Ensure strict application of Good Agricultural and Collection Practices (GACP). Support the transition and compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (EU-GMP).
Maintain high standards of plant quality, ensuring consistency, potency, and pharmaceutical-grade microbiological profiles.
Oversee facility environmental controls (lighting, irrigation, climate, pest management) to optimize yield and quality.
Ensure all activities comply with Portuguese and European regulatory frameworks for medical cannabis.
Collaborate closely with the Qualified Person (QP) / Pharmacist Responsible to guarantee compliance with INFARMED and EU regulations.
Maintain detailed records, batch documentation, and traceability for all operations. Prepare for and support regulatory inspections and audits.
Enforce strict Health, Safety & Environmental (HSE) standards throughout the operation.
Translate company vision into tactical operational plans with clear milestones and accountability.
Forecast and manage operational budgets and resources.
Identify and implement process improvements to increase productivity, yield, and sustainability.
Contribute to strategic decision-making as part of the executive team.
Lead, mentor, and develop cross-functional teams (cultivation, QA/QC, maintenance, logistics).
Foster a culture of compliance, discipline, and continuous improvement.
Ensure all employees are properly trained in GACP/GMP principles and operational safety.
They Offer
Annual gross salary package between €70,000 and €75,000, complemented by performance-based bonuses
Comprehensive mobility support, with all fuel and company car rental costs covered
The opportunity to join one of Portugal's licensed leaders in medical cannabis production, contributing to the advancement of plant-based medicine across Europe
Requirements:
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Agronomy, Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or Industrial Engineering.
Additional certification in Operations Management, Quality Systems, or GMP Compliance is advantageous.
Proven track record in GACP/GMP-compliant environments (medical cannabis, herbal extracts, or pharmaceutical raw materials).
Demonstrated ability to manage teams and large-scale agricultural or production operations.
Strong understanding of EU pharmaceutical compliance and INFARMED regulatory expectations.
Excellent planning, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
Fluent in English (Portuguese proficiency is a plus).
Hands-on, proactive, and adaptable, equally comfortable in the field and the boardroom.
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