NHS Scotland is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. To this end, NHS Scotland welcomes applications from all sections of society.
As from 1/4/26, the Agenda for Change full-time working week will be reducing from 37 to 36 hours per week. Part time hours will be reduced pro-rata. However, there will be a corresponding increase in the hourly rate so that pay will not be affected.
Please note: we anticipate a high level of interest in this position and may close the vacancy early once a sufficient amount of applications are received. Therefore, please make sure you complete and submit your application at an early stage.
We will fully support disabled candidates, and candidates with long-term conditions or who are neurodivergent by making reasonable adjustments to our recruitment policy and practices.
To work in the United Kingdom, there is a legal requirement for an individual to demonstrate that they have the relevant permission to work in the country. This permission is, without exception, granted by the UK Visa and Immigrations Service. Further information on what NHS Scotland Boards are required to do to check this as well as what your responsibilities include can be found in the further information for this vacancy.
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1. Show us the real you: Your application should reflect your skills, experience, and motivations authentically.
2. Use AI wisely: It’s fine to use AI for ideas or to check spelling and grammar, but don’t let it write your answers.
3. Why this matters: Applications that rely on AI-generated content may be withdrawn. By applying, you confirm your responses are based on your own knowledge and achievements.
Tip: Think of AI as a helper, not a substitute. We want to understand you—not an AI tool.
This post requires the post holder to have a PVG Scheme membership/record. If the post holder is not a current PVG member for the required regulatory group (i.e. child and/or adult) then an application will need to be made to Disclosure Scotland and deemed satisfactory before they can begin in post.
Please note: As this post is part-time, the salary will be pro-rata.
West Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership
LEAD PHARMACY TECHNICIAN- PRIMARY CARE
AFC Band 6 – 0.8 WTE – permanent
Salary Scale: £41,608-£50,702
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a highly motivated and experienced pharmacy technician to provide professional leadership and management within the Primary Care Pharmacy Team in West Lothian HSCP to lead delivery of the pharmacotherapy service.
Across West Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP), pharmaceutical care and prescribing efficiency projects are delivered by a team of around 50 pharmacy professionals, including pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, pharmacy support workers and administrators. Our teams work across General Practices, a Pharmacotherapy Hub, care homes and community hospitals covering the whole of West Lothian.
Partnership working is at the heart of our values. We collaborate closely with colleagues across the multi-disciplinary team, including Community Pharmacy, to deliver the highest quality care for everyone in Lothian.
If you are enthusiastic about improving pharmaceutical care and want to play a key role in the delivery of innovative, high-quality primary care pharmacy services, we would love to hear from you.
Why join us?
At NHS Lothian, we value innovation, teamwork, and professional growth. As part of our pharmacy team, you’ll benefit from:
4. A supportive and forward-thinking environment that values learning, development and wellbeing
5. The opportunity to work on impactful projects that directly improve patient outcomes and reduce health inequalities.
6. A chance to be part of one of Scotland’s largest and most innovative health systems.
7. You will be a key part of a collaborative and supportive multidisciplinary team, where your ideas and contributions are valued.
8. This role provides professional development opportunities including developing advanced leadership and management skills.
About the role
This role offers the opportunity to work closely with GP practices, practice staff, community pharmacy colleagues, care home staff and community hospital teams to promote safe, effective, evidence-based and cost-efficient prescribing across the HSCP.
Key responsibilities
9. Lead delivery and development of the pharmacotherapy service, working with the Advanced Clinical Pharmacists and other Lead Pharmacy Technicians
10. Support, train, develop and line manage the pharmacy technician team working in primary care
11. Contribute to the delivery of pharmacotherapy services and the prescribing action plan across 20 GP practices, care homes and community hospitals.
12. Provide leadership, guidance and support to the wider multidisciplinary GP practice-based workforce.
About you
You will be an experienced and confident pharmacy technician, registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council, with a passion for improving pharmaceutical care in primary care settings.
You should have:
13. Substantial post-qualification experience in pharmacy practice and a keen interest in developing the pharmacy technician profession
14. Proven management and leadership experience, including line management responsibility
15. Experience of resolving conflict and negotiating with colleagues to bring positive resolution
16. Strong communication, analytical and IT skills
17. Good knowledge of medicines management and current developments in GP practice-based pharmacotherapy work
18. A flexible, adaptable and self-directed approach, with excellent organisational abilities
Essential qualifications:
19. Registered Pharmacy Technician with the General Pharmaceutical Council.
20. National Certification in Pharmaceutical Sciences or equivalent.
21. SVQ level III qualification in pharmacy sciences or equivalent.
22. HNC in Pharmacy Services Development and Management, equivalent qualification or experience based on the Lothian HNC Mapping Equivalency process.
About NHS Lothian
NHS Lothian serves a population of 900,000 across Edinburgh, East Lothian, Midlothian, and West Lothian. As Scotland’s second-largest health system, we are one of four teaching Boards, fostering strong partnerships with universities and research institutions. Our Pharmacy & Medicines Service is dedicated to delivering clinically led, person-centred care, ensuring the best possible outcomes for our patients.
To discuss this opportunity further reach out today – we’d love to hear from you.
To arrange for an initial discussion about the role please contact:
Carol Holmes, HSCP Lead Pharmacist, West Lothian