Overview
We're looking for a forward-thinking, collaborative and innovative pharmacy technician or pharmacist with strong communication and analytical skills, with a successful track record in pharmacy procurement. You will lead the merging of two legacy sites procurement teams ensuring process alignment and efficient way of working. You will also provide expert procurement advice and input, including monitoring of stock holding, contract changes, quality improvement, efficiency, savings and wastage management- leading and supporting a team of pharmacy technicians and invoicing/ordering staff cross-site. In return, you'll join a supportive and forward-thinking pharmacy team with access to professional development and leadership support - helping you deliver excellent care every time.
Responsibilities
* Lead, plan, manage, develop and participate in the provision of safe, high quality and cost-effective medicines procurement and supply service to the University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust and external units via appropriate Service Level Agreements.
* Negotiate purchasing agreements with the Pharmaceutical Industry and other suppliers within predetermined guidelines.
* Work closely with the Purchasing Department to evaluate Controls Assurance Standards and supply management.
* Monitor service performance using an evolving set of performance indicators.
* Identify annual contributions towards Cost Improvement Programme or other efficiency or savings programmes and implement changes to deliver savings.
* Liaise with representatives of the Pharmaceutical Industry and other suppliers to resolve issues relating to product availability, level of service and price.
* Merge the pharmacy procurement teams and processes across UHSussex Trust.
* Support the supply, governance and efficiency of medical gases across the organisation; be an active member in the Medical and Laboratory Gases Group.
* Be a Responsible Person (RP) for the management of the wholesale distribution authorisation (WDA) and ensure compliance with Good Distribution Practice (GDP) principles.
* Lead the provision of pharmacy procurement across all sites of University Hospitals Sussex NHS Trust and monitor service performance to maximise the quality and depth of pharmacy information and reporting.
* Identify and implement annual savings or efficiency programmes; ensure service complies with mandatory and statutory legislation and that this is evidenced, documented and reported.
* Develop a cutting-edge strategy for the service taking into account patient and Trust needs, external audits, legislative guidance and new ways of working.
* Oversee and manage all purchasing within the Pharmacy department to ensure timely purchases and adequate stock while controlling stock holding value.
* Utilise CMU negotiated contracts, develop strategic partnerships with main suppliers, and participate in consortium purchasing.
* Investigate and rectify anomalies in ordering and drug receipt processes; review performance and benchmarking information and implement recommendations as appropriate.
* Support strategic development of the pharmacy service by working with the Pharmacy Board.
* Ensure invoices are processed to Finance with minimal delay; write and update Standard Operating Procedures for purchasing and receipt.
* Be a delegated budget holder for the Procurement Team; ensure expenditure stays within budget and appropriate income is collected; maintain high-level understanding of budgetary management and reporting.
* Monitor pay budget and consider skill-mix or configuration changes to improve efficiency or address recruitment challenges.
* Participate in regional and national procurement groups; review tenders, adjudicate contracts, and liaise with manufacturers to improve supply chain; implement policies from the MGC regarding pharmaceutical purchasing.
* Develop automated methods for order processing, stock receipt and invoice entry onto the CMM Pharmacy computer system.
* Be responsible for supplier qualifications under wholesale requirements to ensure Wholesale Licence terms are met.
* Record procurement-related quality issues in the pharmacy quality system; participate in WDA and Home Office Controlled Drugs licence inspections.
* Ensure purchasing work supports Trust prescribing guidelines and implement changes as necessary; liaise with Finance for accounting arrangements for CMM stock control and reconciliation processes.
* Maintain membership of the medical gases group to support governance, supply and efficiency of medical gases; promote full use of EXEND and VEND and other tools to reduce slow-moving lines and wastage.
* Be responsible for waste management in relation to stock lines, seeking opportunities to reduce waste.
Important information for applicants
A Note on AI Use in Applications: We value individuality and authenticity. While AI tools are accessible, we strongly discourage their use in completing applications. Your responses should reflect your own voice, experiences, and motivations. Applications relying heavily on AI-generated content may misrepresent your abilities and could be rejected.
Closing Adverts Early: We may close adverts earlier than specified if there is exceptional interest. Some adverts have application caps; submit early to avoid missing out.
Flexible Working: If you would like to explore flexible working options, please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.
DBS Checks: We undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check for new employees where eligible; offers placed in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.
Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome where criteria are met. Visit gov.uk for details. Applicants must ensure they meet eligibility.
UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications.
This role is eligible for visa sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route, subject to meeting specific requirements and role-specific criteria.
At UHSussex we are committed to the NHS values and to diversity, inclusion, and learning. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds and provide support to help you grow and develop within the organisation. Please see the accessibility and onboarding information available through the application process.
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