Job overview
We’re looking for an organised and proactive team player to join our Pharmacy Dispensary team at University Hospitals Sussex. As a Senior Assistant Technical Officer, you’ll play a key role in ensuring patients receive their medicines safely, efficiently and on time — while helping the NHS reduce waste through our new return and recycle medicines initiative.
We’re looking for someone with strong attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and a genuine commitment to teamwork and patient care. You should enjoy problem-solving, be confident using IT systems, and take pride in improving processes.
In return, you’ll join a friendly, forward-thinking pharmacy team where “better never stops.” You’ll receive full training, opportunities to develop, and the chance to contribute to meaningful improvement projects that make a real difference to patients, the NHS, and the planet.
Main duties of the job
As a Senior Assistant Technical Officer, you’ll help ensure the safe, efficient and accurate supply of medicines to patients across the hospital. You’ll supervise day-to-day dispensary workflow, support and train junior staff, and maintain high standards of safety and service.
A key part of the role will be leading the return and recycle of medicines — identifying items suitable for reuse, reducing waste and supporting the Trust’s sustainability goals. You’ll also manage stock levels, process prescriptions using electronic systems, and respond to queries from patients and clinical staff.
We’re looking for someone who is organised, accurate and a great communicator, with a strong commitment to teamwork and patient care. This is a fantastic opportunity to develop your skills, support innovation, and make a real difference to both patients and the environment.
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex (UHSx), diversity is our strength, & we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness & experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, & can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) & a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients & staff with the same compassion & empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above & beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our candidate information pack & wellbeing programme, for staff which is extensive & designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.
As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching & training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us & throughout your career we will help you to grow & develop. We hope that in choosing UHSx you are choosing a long & happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make & feel valued for all that you do.
We look forward to receiving your application & the start of your journey with UHSx.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please note: This role does not meet the minimum criteria for visa sponsorship under the current UK immigration rules, which set specific salary and skill thresholds. As such, we are unable to provide sponsorship for this post. Applicants will therefore need to already have the right to work in the UK to be considered. We include this information at the outset to provide clarity and avoid unnecessary inconvenience for applicants.
Role Summary
1. Supervision: Support and guide Band 2 ATOs, ensuring tasks are carried out safely and efficiently, and assist with staff training and competency sign-off.
2. Returns and Recycling: Lead the dispensary’s return and recycle programme, identifying medicines suitable for reuse in accordance with Trust policy to reduce waste and environmental impact.
3. Stock Management: Maintain effective stock control within the dispensary; perform stock counts, expiry checks and ensure medicines are stored safely and rotated correctly.
4. Communication: Liaise with pharmacists, technicians, ward staff and patients to resolve queries promptly and ensure timely medicine supply; communicate effectively within the team.
5. Service Quality: Follow all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), ensuring compliance with legal, safety and governance requirements.
6. Continuous Improvement: Participate in audits, service evaluations and improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency and sustainability within the pharmacy.
7. Teamwork: Contribute to a supportive and collaborative working environment, promoting the Trust’s values of compassion, respect and professionalism.
Person specification
Essential & Desirable
Essential criteria
8. NVQ Level 2 in Pharmaceutical Sciences (or equivalent qualification/experience)
9. Experience working in a pharmacy environment with understanding of dispensing processes
10. Strong attention to detail and numeracy skills; able to perform accurate pharmaceutical calculations
11. Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly with patients, colleagues and healthcare professionals
12. Evidence of teamwork, reliability and ability to prioritise workload to meet deadlines
13. Commitment to professional development, learning and upholding Trust values
Desirable criteria
14. NVQ Level 3 in Pharmaceutical Sciences or willingness to complete
15. Previous experience working in a hospital pharmacy or similar healthcare setting
16. Experience supervising or training junior pharmacy support staff
17. Experience handling patient or customer queries in a busy environment
18. Evidence of involvement in service improvement or sustainability initiatives (e.g. medicines return/recycle)
19. Understanding of confidentiality, data protection and safe systems of work
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Essential criteria
20. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
21. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
Important information for applicants:
A Note on AI Use in Applications
We value the individuality and authenticity that each candidate brings to the application process. While AI tools are increasingly accessible, we strongly discourage their use in completing your application. Your responses should reflect your own voice, experiences, and motivations—elements that are essential to a fair and accurate evaluation.
Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content may misrepresent your abilities and could result in your application being rejected. We encourage you to take the time to present your genuine self, as this helps us better understand your potential and ensures a transparent selection process.
Closing Adverts Early: In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.
Some of our adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, the advert will close once the cap has been reached. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in the position to prevent you from missing out on applying for the opportunity.
Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.
DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check. We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.
Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for the roles that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure that you meet this criteria.
UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications