Job overview
This post offers a unique opportunity for an experienced Pharmacy Technician to specialise in medicines procurement and pharmacy digital systems (including ePMA, Wellsky, and Powergate). You will combine technical, operational, financial, and leadership responsibilities to support the safe, efficient, and innovative delivery of medicines across South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust.
The role includes deputising for the Pharmacy Procurement and IT Systems Manager, supervising day to day activities of pharmacy procurement, and contributing to service development. You will play a key role in ensuring robust supply chain processes, financial governance, and optimisation of digital systems that underpin patient safety.
Main duties of the job
1. To assist in the management of the Purchasing and IT functions in SLaM Pharmacy
2. To supervise the purchasing functions
3. To manage staff in stores
4. To manage the ward top-up service on the Maudsley site
Working for our organisation
South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (SLaM) provide the widest range of NHS mental health services in the UK as well as substance misuse services for people who are addicted to drugs and alcohol. We work closely with the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), King's College London and are part of King's Health Partners Academic Health Sciences Centre. There are very few organisations in the world that have such wide-ranging capabilities working with mental illness. Our scope is unique because it is built on three major foundations: care and treatment, science and research, and training.
By coming to work at SLaM, you will gain experience of being part of an organisation with a rich history and international reputation in mental health care. You will have access to professional development and learning opportunities, and have the chance to work alongside people who are world leaders in their field. SLaM delivered more than 14,000 training experiences in 2014; providing an extensive range of learning opportunities for staff at all levels. In addition, our working relationship with King's Health Partners allows those working at the Trust to get involved in academic research.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Procurement & Supply Chain
5. Supervise purchasing, invoicing, and stock management processes, ensuring compliance with regional contracts (CMU), Trust financial procedures, and national guidelines.
6. Assist in the purchasing of medicines, equipment, and resources using Wellsky ordering and Powergate.
7. Ensure stock is managed effectively and minimising waste.
8. Liaise with suppliers to resolve shortages, negotiate best prices for unlicensed/over-labelled medicines, and pursue cost-saving opportunities.
9. Clarify price discrepancies, follow up credits, and amend supplier/product data on pharmacy systems.
10. Attend regional/national procurement meetings in the absence of the Procurement Manager.
11. Support controlled drug stock checks, date checks, and rolling audits in line with GDP and governance standards.
12. Provide medicines information and advice to healthcare staff within scope of practice.
13. Liaise with clinical pharmacists where supply shortages may impact on patient care and propose solutions.
IT Systems & EPMA
14. Act as deputy IT systems lead, supporting Wellsky and Wellsky
15. Provide first-line technical support to pharmacy staff, escalating complex issues where needed.
16. Collaborate with Trust digital teams to ensure accurate ePMA build and data transfer for new medicines and suppliers.
17. Contribute to system development and optimisation projects to improve workflow, accuracy, and efficiency.
18. Deliver training and maintain SOPs for pharmacy IT processes.
Leadership & Supervision
19. Lead and support the procurement and IT team in the absence of the Pharmacy Procurement & IT systems Manager.
20. Supervise ATOs, trainee pharmacy technicians, PTPTs, and trainee pharmacists in procurement and IT processes.
21. Contribute to recruitment, training, and competency assessments.
22. Lead daily huddles/meetings to disseminate information, allocate tasks, and foster team effectiveness.
23. Support rota management.
Governance, Audit & Service Development
24. Support the creation, implementation, and review of SOPs, policies, and governance frameworks relating to procurement and IT.
25. Undertake audits of procurement processes, stock management, and IT system accuracy; contribute to KPI development.
26. Investigate procurement errors or stock discrepancies and take appropriate corrective action.
27. Ensure compliance with Health & Safety, COSHH, and safe handling of medicines policies.
28. Participate in service development projects to improve efficiency, reduce turnaround times, and maximise cost savings.
Financial & Data Management
29. Assist with preparation of monthly reports on procurement activity, financial performance, KPIs, and savings initiatives.
30. Ensure procurement activity aligns with the Trust medicines budget and identify opportunities for efficiency.
31. Provide data for FOIs, benchmarking, Pharmex/Exend, and Trust governance reports.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
32. NVQ Level 3 Pharmaceutical Sciences or a recognised equivalent
33. Registration with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) as a Pharmacy Technician
Desirable criteria
34. Accredited Checking Technician
35. Practice Supervisor
36. CIPs
37. Member of the Association of Pharmacy Technicians (APTUK)
Skills
Essential criteria
38. Excellent verbal and written communication
39. Ability to write and implement procedures
40. High level of knowledge of all Microsoft applications and pharmacy stock control systems
41. Ability to work under pressure
42. Good organisational skills
Experience
Essential criteria
43. Significant Hospital Pharmacy experience
44. Management or supervisory skills
45. Experience in a similar post
46. Significant purchasing experience
47. Experience liaising with Trust finance department and wholesaler finance to resolve disputes
Desirable criteria
48. Experience of Racial Awareness/Diversity Training
49. Previous experience of consortia purchasing
50. Evidence of project work
51. Experience building medicines on ePMA
Knowledge
Essential criteria
52. Stock Control and GDP
53. Knowledge of NHS purchasing systems i.e Powergate, Wellsky, eProcurement, Crystal Reports
54. Knowledge and relevant experience of ePMA with respect to drug configurations, formulary management and trouble shooting
55. Knowledge of the ePACT system and ability to run reports
56. Understanding of stock control, logistical systems and financial systems for medicines