Overview
We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Senior Pharmacy Technician to join our team. The post holder will be a reliable and professional individual with a strong work ethic and the ability to lead by example.
The successful candidate will demonstrate excellent leadership and communication skills, the ability to motivate, support and develop others within the team, and commit to delivering high‑quality, patient‑focused services. Applicants must demonstrate a clear commitment to the NHS values, including treating colleagues and service users with respect and dignity, promoting equality and inclusion, and contributing to a positive and supportive working environment. Strong organisational skills, professionalism, and a proactive approach to problem‑solving are essential.
This is a full‑time post, working 37.5 hours per week (7.5 hours per day), Monday to Friday. The role requires at least one late‑evening shift until 6:30 pm and participation in weekend cover on a rota basis.
Preference will be given to internal Trust staff and individuals with 'Priority' and 'At Risk' status, including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon, who can display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification.
Main duties of the job
Responsible for ensuring the accurate and efficient supply of all medicines to University Hospitals Plymouth and external customers.
Manage the day‑to‑day operational performance of all areas of the Supply Department including Dispensary, Distribution and Logistics to meet internal and external deadlines.
Manage day‑to‑day transport and logistics services, ensuring contractual conditions are met and all courier services deliver pharmaceuticals in line with Good Distribution Practice, Medicines Healthcare and Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and Home Office guidelines.
Ensure external customer activity complies with the requirements of the Wholesale Dealers Authorisation (Human) and relevant contractual arrangements.
Deputise for the Lead Pharmacy Technician – Commercial Services in attendance at service and contract review meetings with internal and external customers, where needed.
Support the Senior Lead Pharmacy Technician – Supply & Commercial Services with the development and delivery of an exemplar patient‑centric supply service.
Job responsibilities
* Schedule and manage the daily workload for the Dispensary, Distribution and Logistics services, allocating resources appropriately.
* Ensure work is processed timely to comply with cut‑off times and delivery schedules.
* Manage and ensure all processes align with standard operating procedures, safe systems of work and the legal framework for the supply of medicines.
* Oversee the performance of the Supply team ensuring patient flow is maintained.
* Prioritise the dispensary TTA workload using Salus, EPMA and other relevant sources.
* Ensure the timely completion of complex discharge patients’ TTAs to meet discharge times or booked transport.
* Monitor operational performance, flex resources as appropriate to maintain patient flow.
* Identify bottlenecks and escalating issues to the Assistant Director of Pharmacy when necessary.
* Manage stock, keep accurate levels and minimise medicines obsolescence or waste.
* Review ward stock lists regularly to meet clinical area demands.
* Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements relating to wholesale dealing and good distribution.
* Supply medicinal products to pharmacies and other lawful suppliers to meet UK patient needs.
* Manage temperature excursions in line with Good Distribution Practice and licensed conditions.
* Support medicines recalls and alerts management.
* Perform general dispensary duties: receive prescriptions, take payments, issue drugs, counsel patients and carers, issue drugs to healthcare professionals.
* Dispense inpatient, outpatient and discharge prescriptions, clinical trials, cytotoxics and controlled drugs.
* Check final accuracy of items dispensed by other members of staff.
* Supervise Pharmacy Technicians, PSA, SPSA, Pre‑registration Pharmacy Technicians and Foundation Pharmacists.
* Investigate disparities in stock balances and amend the computer system, maintain documentation.
* Conduct schedule 3–5 stock checks, investigate discrepancies, provide reports and escalation to the Director of Pharmacy.
Person Specification
Knowledge & Experience
* Sound proven understanding of hospital pharmacy services.
* Demonstrable experience organising an operational service on a day‑to‑day basis.
* Demonstrable experience supervising or managing staff.
Qualifications
* National BTEC or NVQ3 in Pharmaceutical Sciences (or equivalent).
* Registered Pharmacy Technician with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).
* Management qualification within a large clinical setting or equivalent.
* Willingness to undertake study leading to qualifications required for career advancement.
* Good communication skills, written and verbal, with ability to demonstrate fluency, clarity and effectiveness at all levels.
* Teaching and tutoring skills.
* Ability to prioritise workload.
* Recruitment training and interview skills.
* Counselling skills.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a submission to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Equal Opportunities Statement
We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, as diversity strengthens our teams.
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