Overview
We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Lead Pharmacist to provide strategic leadership for medicines procurement, stores, and distribution across the University Hospitals Liverpool Group (UHLG). This senior role is pivotal in ensuring compliant, efficient, and value-driven medicines supply, aligned with national frameworks and Trust objectives. The successful candidate will lead a multi-site team, manage substantial budgets, and drive innovation in supply chain resilience. Collaboration with regional and national networks, as well as internal and external stakeholders, is essential to optimise patient outcomes and fiscal stewardship.
Responsibilities
* Strategic Leadership & Procurement – Develop and implement the strategic vision for medicines procurement, stores, and distribution across UHLG. Ensure compliance with national frameworks, MHRA regulations, and Trust policies. Lead contract negotiations, monitor supplier performance, and drive cost efficiencies. Oversee medicine supply resilience, including managing shortages, recalls, and alternative sourcing.
* Operational & Financial Management – Manage a multi-million-pound medicines budget, ensuring value for money and financial governance. Optimise stock control systems, reducing waste and ensuring availability of critical medicines. Monitor purchasing trends, contract adherence, and report on financial performance to senior leadership.
* Stakeholder Engagement & Governance – Represent UHLG at regional and national procurement forums, influencing policy and best practice. Collaborate with clinical teams, suppliers, and NHS partners to ensure seamless medicine supply. Lead incident investigations, risk management, and compliance with safety alerts (e.g., MHRA, CQC).
* Team Leadership & Service Development – Line manage the Pharmacy Operations Manager and multidisciplinary procurement teams. Drive workforce planning, training, and professional development for staff. Implement innovation in procurement processes and digital systems (e.g., EPMA integration).
* Clinical & Quality Assurance – Provide specialist clinical pharmacy input to a designated specialty (sessional basis). Ensure safe handling of high-risk/unlicensed medicines and adherence to quality standards. Lead audits, KPIs, and continuous improvement initiatives across procurement and distribution.
This role combines strategic oversight with hands-on leadership to ensure a reliable, cost-effective, and patient-focused medicines supply chain.
Qualifications
Essential
* Vocational Masters Degree in Pharmacy
* One year pre-registration training and experience, meeting the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain's examination requirements
* Member of the General Pharmaceutical Council of Great Britain
* Diploma or MSc in Clinical Pharmacy or equivalent experiential learning
Desirable
* Leadership/Management Qualification or equivalent experiential learning
Skills
* Computer literate – ability to use a range of software including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
* Knowledge of legislation relating to pharmacy services: production and quality assurance
* Excellent written communication skills
Experience
* Significant experience as a qualified hospital pharmacist within a range of clinical areas, including medicines management or a named clinical specialty
* Experience in management and supervision of staff
* Experience in education and training of staff
* Experience in a variety of clinical specialties and in risk management and incident investigation
Other
* Commitment to continuing professional development / education
* Methodical with attention to detail
Regulatory & Immigration
Disclosure and Barring Service Check – This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975; a disclosure check will be required.
Certificate of Sponsorship – Applications from job seekers who require UK Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications.
UK Registration – Applicants must have current UK professional registration.
Employer details
Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Aintree University Hospital, Liverpool, L9 7AL
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