Job overview
PLEASE NOTE THAT WE WILL ONLY ACCEPT APPLICATIONS FROM STAFF CURRENTLY EMPLOYED BY SWANSEA BAY UNIVERSITY HEALTH BOARD.
We are seeking a motivated and highly organised Senior Pharmacy Assistant to join our Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) team within the Aseptic Services Unit. This is a key role supporting the safe preparation of aseptic medicinal products for patients across the Trust.
You will act as a line manager to a designated team of Pharmacy Assistants, ensuring high standards of practice and compliance with regulatory requirements. This role requires excellent attention to detail, strong communication skills, and a commitment to quality and patient safety.
This role is suitable for internal applicants only.
Main duties of the job
1. Line Management: Lead and support an allocated team of Pharmacy Assistants, providing guidance, training, and performance management.
2. Environmental Monitoring: Oversee and deliver the regular programme of environmental monitoring to ensure the aseptic unit operates safely and meets regulatory standards.
3. Aseptic Preparation: Participate in and supervise the preparation of aseptic medicinal products in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and local policies.
4. Pre and In-Process Checking (PIPC): Use PIPC accreditation to supervise cleanroom operations, carry out product checks, packaging and labelling, and ensure accurate reconciliation.
5. Quality System Support: Contribute to the maintenance and ongoing development of the Pharmaceutical Quality System (PQS).
6. Training & Competency: Lead the planning, delivery and assessment of training for Pharmacy Assistants, Pre-Registration Technicians, Pharmacy Technicians and Trainee Pharmacists.
7. System Use: Operate specialised electronic systems for environmental monitoring, stock control, quality activities, and patient-specific documentation.
8. Rostered Work: Participate in the departmental rota, including weekdays, evenings, weekends, and bank holidays.
9. Mentorship: Act as a mentor, expert witness and assessor, providing constructive feedback and development planning.
Working for our organisation
We believe staff are our best asset and we want you to be happy and confident about starting your career here in Swansea Bay University Health Board.
As one of the biggest healthcare groups in the UK we can offer a wealth of professional training and development opportunities in an innovative, forward-thinking organisation.
You might be a nurse or doctor, maybe you specialise in a health science/therapy or can offer skills in one of our support services - we have a job for you.
There are also apprenticeships, work placements and volunteering roles available.
We are an inclusive employer and welcome applications from everyone whatever their sex; religion or belief; race; age; sexual orientation; gender identity or, whether they are pregnant or have recently been on maternity leave, married or are in a civil partnership; or, whether they are disabled.
Our values - Caring For Each Other, Working Together and Always Improving, show that our commitment to equality is at the heart of everything we do.
If you want excellent career and training opportunities while living on the doorstep of some of Europe's most spectacular scenery, with all the benefits of a thriving and cosmopolitan city - look no further.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
A comprehensive and detailed overview of the primary duties and responsibilities associated with this position is available in the job description.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
10. BTEC in Pharmaceutical Science with NVQ level 3 Pharmacy Services or Principles of Aseptic Pharmaceuticals Processing (Level 3) plus training and experience to degree or equivalent level of knowledge and experience.
11. Registered Pharmacy Technician with General Pharmaceutical Council, or Registered Science Technician with Science Council
Desirable criteria
12. Accredited Pre and In-Process Checking Operator
Experience
Essential criteria
13. Experience working in a Hospital Pharmacy Aseptic Unit / Technical Services
14. Experience in training and supervision of trainees
15. Knowledge of principles of GMP
Desirable criteria
16. Experience of working with NHS / Pharmacy procurement systems
Aptitude
Essential criteria
17. Quality oriented – strives to deliver continuous improvement and organisational abilities
18. Manual skills to perform complex manipulations in isolators
19. Ability to work as part of a team
20. Ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines
21. Clear understanding of limits of own decision making
22. Ability to communicate effectively with other healthcare professionals and external contractors
23. Computing skills: ability to use Microsoft Office applications e.g., Word, Excel, Outlook
Swansea Bay University Health Board is committed to supporting its staff and processes to fully embrace the need for bilingualism thereby enhancing service users experience. In our commitment to increase the number of staff able to communicate in Welsh with patients and professionals, we would particularly welcome applications from Welsh speakers.
Equality remains at the centre of the Health Boards policy-making, service delivery and employment practices. We value the diversity of our staff and welcome applications from people from protected groups under the Equality Act 2010, this specifically includes age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/reassignment, race, religion, disability, pregnancy and maternity and marriage and civil partnership.
Employer certification / accreditation badges
Applicant requirements
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Welsh language skills are desirable