Pharmacy Procurement & Distribution Supervisor
The closing date is 28 May 2026.
We are seeking an enthusiastic and proactive individual to join the Pharmacy team at Great Western Hospital as a Pharmacy Procurement & Distribution Supervisor, offering the opportunity to develop leadership skills while contributing to a high‑impact, patient‑focused medicines supply service.
This role is open to applicants from either a Pharmacy or Procurement background. Applicants must be either:
* Registered Pharmacy Technician with the GPhC (or actively working towards registration)
* CIPS Level 4 Diploma or above (or demonstrable progress towards)
The post is offered at Band 5, with the option of appointment at Band 4 on a development basis for candidates who demonstrate strong potential. A supported development plan will be in place, with progression to Band 5 subject to the achievement of agreed competencies, experience and qualifications.
If this role interests you, we would encourage you to get in touch for an informal chat or to arrange a visit to meet the team and learn more.
Job Summary
To support the effective procurement, stock control, storage and distribution of medicines to ensure continuity of supply and patient safety across the Trust.
Main duties of the job
* Manage ordering activity, supplier relationships and medicine shortages, ensuring adherence to contracts, governance requirements and value‑for‑money principles.
* Provide day‑to‑day supervision and operational leadership for Pharmacy Procurement, Stores and Distribution staff.
* Support compliance with Good Distribution Practice (EU GDP) and WDA requirements, including preparation for internal and external audits and delivery of staff training.
* Contribute to the development, review and implementation of procurement and distribution procedures that improve efficiency, quality and resilience.
* Work collaboratively with pharmacy, clinical and non‑clinical colleagues to support medicines optimisation, dispensary services and patient care when required.
About Us
We are proud to be part of BSW Hospitals Group – a formal partnership between Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust and Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust. With a combined workforce of over 17,600 colleagues and a budget of £1.6 billion, the Group is united by a common purpose to deliver the best possible care to over 1 million people. We are creating a health and care system that works with the people we care for, reducing the differences people currently face in access, experience and outcomes, improving the experience of our colleagues and tackling shared challenges such as sustainability and finances.
Job Responsibilities
The post plays a key role in ensuring the safe, timely and cost‑effective procurement, storage and distribution of medicines across the Trust, in line with medicines legislation and Good Distribution Practice (EU GDP). The post holder will provide operational leadership across Pharmacy Procurement, Stores and Distribution, supervising staff, coordinating workload, managing medicines supply risks, and contributing to service improvement.
The role also supports delegations under the Trust’s Wholesaler Distribution Authorisation (WDA) and works closely with the Responsible Person to maintain full regulatory compliance.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
* Registered Pharmacy Technician with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) or working towards registration.
* Evidence of ongoing Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
* CIPS Level 4 Diploma or above (or demonstrable progress towards).
* Evidence of ongoing professional development in procurement or supply chain management.
* Willingness to undertake training in Good Distribution Practice (EU GDP 2013/C 343/01).
* Willingness to undertake training required to support Wholesaler Distribution Authorisation (WDA) responsibilities, including acting as an accredited trained person.
Desirable
* Accredited final accuracy checker qualification or willingness to work towards.
* Practice Supervisor Training or willingness to undertake.
* Formal leadership or management qualification.
* Training in NHS procurement frameworks or public‑sector purchasing regulations.
Experience
Essential
* Experience working in a hospital or healthcare pharmacy setting, including stores, procurement, or distribution functions.
* Experience in procurement, contract management or supply chain roles, preferably within the NHS or public sector, including value‑for‑money decision‑making.
* Experience in a regulated healthcare or pharmaceutical supply environment, such as hospital pharmacy, medicines supply chain or healthcare procurement.
* Experience managing ordering, stock control, and supplier relationships to ensure continuity of supply.
* Experience working to standard operating procedures, governance frameworks and audit requirements.
* Experience using IT systems for ordering and stock management.
Desirable
* Knowledge and clear understanding of Good Distribution Practice (EU GDP 2013/C 343/01) and other relevant regulations, guidance and quality standards.
* Experience working with medicine shortages and sourcing alternatives.
* Experience supervising and coordinating staff and operational workloads in high‑pressure environments, including directing activities, organising resources and monitoring performance.
* Line management experience, including appraisal and absence management.
* Experience supporting internal or external audits (e.g. GDP, MHRA, internal governance).
* Knowledge of Careflow MM, the hospital pharmacy computer system.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and such submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled Worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here: Criminal records checks for overseas applicants.
Employer Details
Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Great Western Hospital
Marlborough Road
Swindon
SN3 6BB
United Kingdom
Employer’s Website
https://www.gwh.nhs.uk/
£28,392 to £39,043 a year pro rata per annum
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