In the fast-paced and ever-evolving European cannabis industry, the scramble for top-tier talent is intensifying. Companies across the spectrum, from nascent startups to established entities in pharmaceuticals, tobacco, horticulture, and alcohol, are all vying for a competitive edge as they navigate into cannabis territory.
The question of ‘who and where are people hiring in the cannabis industry in Europe’ becomes increasingly pertinent for both employers strategizing their market entry or expansion and professionals seeking new, promising opportunities.
Insights from Lumino’s Founders
Nikita Cretu and Thomas Gray, the visionary co-founders of Lumino, Europe’s first dedicated cannabis recruitment firm, have been at the forefront of addressing the industry’s human capital challenges. Their insights shed light on the dynamics of talent acquisition in this unique sector.
Cretu emphasizes the importance of broadening the talent pool beyond traditional cannabis expertise: “We really wanted to leverage the experience of more developed and mature industries to solve problems that were new to cannabis, as well as helping the larger or more traditional companies that were moving into the cannabis industry to leverage cannabis knowledge with the right people. It’s a common misconception that we find only cannabis talent, people who know everything about the cannabis plant.”
Echoing this sentiment, Gray highlights Lumino’s strategic objective: “Our goal isn’t to recycle people within the industry; it’s to bring in professionals to help elevate the sector as much as possible. While we do of course take talent from within the industry, the further the role moves away from the physical plant, the more we seek and place talent from adjacent sectors that share regulators, like pharmaceuticals, alcohol or tobacco.”
Lumino’s Boutique and Consultative Approach
The unique characteristics of the cannabis industry require a tailored recruitment strategy, something Lumino has perfected over the years. Gray elaborates: “Due to the size of the industry, Lumino is also required to take a ‘more boutique’ and ‘consultative’ approach, aiming to act more like a business’ internal HR department than a traditional recruitment company.
“This approach allows for a nuanced understanding of the cannabis industry’s ever-evolving landscape, ensuring that recruitment strategies are as dynamic as the market itself.”
He further explains the importance of adaptability in this sector: “There’s not a cookie-cutter one-size-fits-all in this industry. It’s shifting, so we need to be constantly learning and developing.”
Who and Where Are the Hiring Trends?
The hiring landscape in the European cannabis industry is broad and varied, reflecting the sector’s diverse needs. Companies are actively seeking professionals for cultivation and production roles to ensure the supply of high-quality products. The demand for expertise in research and development is growing as businesses aim to innovate.
Sales and marketing professionals are sought after to navigate the challenges of promoting cannabis within strict regulatory frameworks. Additionally, there is a significant need for regulatory and compliance experts to ensure that companies adhere to the evolving legal landscape.
Lumino: A Thought Leader in Cannabis Recruitment
Lumino’s success in strategically placing talent across various segments of the cannabis industry, from small to large public companies and traditional sector giants moving into cannabis, underscores its role as a thought leader.
By addressing the misconception that cannabis recruitment is solely about industry-specific talent and highlighting the need for professionals from adjacent sectors, Lumino is not just filling positions but is also driving the professionalisation and strategic growth of the European cannabis industry.
In conclusion, as the cannabis industry in Europe continues to mature, the strategic partnership between companies and specialised recruitment firms like Lumino will be paramount. Lumino’s expertise, approach, and track record stand as a testament to their invaluable contribution to shaping the industry’s workforce, positioning them as an indispensable ally for businesses and professionals alike in navigating the cannabis sector’s dynamic landscape.
