CEO (Medical Cannabis)

Location: Western Province, Sri Lanka

Full-time, Onsite position (Relocation/Visa Support Possible)

Our client is a licensed producer leading the charge in Sri Lanka’s newly emerging medical cannabis export industry. As one of only seven awarded licenses, they are positioned to set the gold standard for cultivation, processing, and global distribution of EU-GMP medicinal cannabis products. 

This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of Sri Lanka’s cannabis sector while expanding into international markets.

About the Role

The CEO will be responsible for overseeing the company’s strategic growth, operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and financial performance. This executive leader will work closely with the Executive Committee and the Board of Directors to drive the company’s vision, build a high-performing team, and ensure the organization becomes a world-class cannabis exporter.

The ideal candidate will have experience in regulated industries, preferably in legal medical cannabis cultivation, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, or FMCG. A strong understanding of GACP, GMP, and the international medical cannabis supply chain is required. Previous experience leading a corporation based in Asia or with significant regional business dealings is strongly preferred.

This is a full-time, onsite role requiring full commitment and relocation. Work visa & relocation support is available for the right candidate.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and execute the company’s vision, mission, and long-term strategic plans to establish a leading presence in the global medicinal cannabis market.
• Operational Management: Oversee all facets of the business, including cultivation, processing, compliance, finance, and sales.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure full adherence to Sri Lanka’s cannabis regulations and international export standards, including GACP and EU-GMP.
• Financial Oversight: Manage budgets, financial planning, and investments to drive profitability and long-term sustainability.
• Business Development: Expand international partnerships, negotiate distribution agreements, and establish a strong presence in key export markets.
• Team Building & Leadership: Recruit, mentor, and lead a high-performing team, fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and compliance.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Act as the primary representative for government relations, investors, and key industry stakeholders.
• Risk Management: Identify and mitigate potential operational, financial, and regulatory risks to protect the company’s long-term interests.
• Product & Market Expansion: Drive research and development efforts to diversify product offerings and improve market competitiveness.

Key Competencies

• Visionary leadership with a strong ability to execute strategic initiatives.
• Deep understanding of regulatory frameworks, including international cannabis trade laws.
• Strong financial acumen with experience managing P&L and fundraising.
• Excellent stakeholder management, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Proven ability to build and lead a high-performing team in a dynamic industry.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a passion for innovation and sustainable growth.
• Adaptability and problem-solving skills in a highly regulated market.
• Strong understanding of supply chain, cultivation, and global cannabis export logistics.
• Proven experience navigating business environments in Asia, with a strong understanding of regional business practices and stakeholder engagement.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Business, Agriculture, Pharmaceuticals, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8+ years in executive leadership roles, preferably in regulated industries such as cannabis, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, or FMCG.
• Experience managing international operations, supply chains, or exports within the legal cannabis industry.
• Strong track record of regulatory compliance in highly controlled industries.
• Demonstrated experience in a similar role in the global cannabis industry.
• Experience raising capital, managing investor relations, and scaling startups is an asset.
• Proven experience navigating business environments in Asia, with a strong understanding of regional business practices and stakeholder engagement.

Relocation and work visa support will be provided for the right candidate.

🌍 Please Note: At Emerald Lane Recruitment, we truly appreciate every application we receive. Due to the high volume of interest in our roles, our team will carefully review all submissions and contact candidates whose skills and experience align with the requirements of the position. We are committed to ensuring a fair, inclusive, and respectful recruitment process that adheres to global HR best practices. If you don’t hear from us this time, please know that your application will be kept on file for future opportunities that may be a better fit. Thank you for considering a role with us!

Looking to explore a new job in the global cannabis industry? Find all our active roles at https://emeraldlanerecruitment.com/