Job Advert
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.
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.
Due to legislative changes from 1 April 2025, this post may require a different level of criminal records check done than is currently the case. If the post is assessed as a "regulated role", your appointment will be subject to joining the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme. If there is any change to what is currently required, this will be confirmed by either the Hiring Manager or the Recruitment Team. For more details on these changes please visit: Disclosure Scotland Changes .
Business Support Officer
Pharmacy Business Function
NHS Lothian Pharmacy & Medicines Service
West Port
Band 4 | 1.0 WTE | 37 Hours | Permanent
Pay Scale £30,353 - £33,016
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced and forward-thinking administrator to join our Pharmacy Business Function established following service transformation. This role is within the People team however there will be a strong crossover within the People and Performance teams, creating new ways of working for HR, recruitment finance and health & safety processes within our centralised teams. This role is integral to developing, implementing, and maintaining systems to ensure the smooth day to day running of the pharmacy and medicines service.
About the role
With experience in a previous business or administrative role you will have intermediate/ advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office packages, data input and supervisory experience. These roles are based at West Port, with a further move planned in the next 12-18 months, however there will be regular travel to pharmacy departments on hospital sites to support the relevant teams.
Why Join Us?
The vision for the Pharmacy & Medicines Service is to deliver clinically led, person-centred services to ensure patients across Lothian get the best from their medicines and pharmacy services. We are focussed on creating an environment where each person in the team has the opportunity to flourish, develop and make best use of their skills.
About you
With experience in a previous business or administrative role you will have:
* Intermediate/advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office packages and data input.
* Strong interpersonal and communication skills
* Educated to SCQF level 8, e.g., HND level in a business administration/other relevant subject or have significant equivalent level of experience
* You must show initiative and prioritise work, manage your own workload and maintain high standards with excellent attention to detail
* Background or experience in data analysis desirable
* Knowledge and experience of the NHS would be advantageous
About NHS Lothian
At NHS Lothian, we are committed to fostering equality, diversity, and inclusion in our workforce. Serving a population of 900,000, we are the second-largest health system in Scotland and home to one of its four teaching boards. Join a dynamic organisation that values innovation, research, and excellence in healthcare delivery.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
For further information on what is included in the role and the skills/experience we’re looking for, please refer to the job description and person specification linked below. However, we understand that there's only so much a job pack can convey. If you’d like to learn more about this exciting role, the team you’ll be joining, or the opportunities available, we warmly encourage you to get in touch with the hiring manager.
This is a great chance to have an informal discussion, ask questions, and explore how this role aligns with your career goals. Please contact:
Mary Purves, Business Support Manager, People Team
mary.purves@nhs.scot
Karen Mackenzie, Head of Business Function
karen.mackenzie11@nhs.scot
Take the first step toward a rewarding career in pharmacy - apply now!
For internal candidates: Please ensure that you have discussed your application with your line manager and that a completed and signed 'Pharmacy Secondment Approval Form' has been authorised prior to attending your interview.
If you choose to use artificial intelligence (AI) or other tools to assist in writing your application, it's essential to personalise this information, particularly your supporting information section. While AI can help streamline the writing process, these tools cannot fully grasp the context or requirements of the job you’re applying for. By submitting your application, you confirm that all answers are your own work, reflect your personal knowledge, skills and experience, and have not been solely produced by AI or similar technologies.
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.