Job overview
Are you an experienced Aseptic Services Pharmacy Technician with a passion for developing others?
Do you want to shape the future of our workforce ?
We are looking for a dynamic, motivated, and forward-thinking Lead Pharmacy Technician for Education & Training to join our expanding Preparative Services team at University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust.
This is an exciting senior leadership role that puts you at the heart of the Trust’s aseptic transformation programme. You’ll lead the design and delivery of our education and training strategy, help modernise our technical workforce, and ensure staff are fully supported to deliver safe, high‑quality aseptic preparation for our cancer services across Chichester and Worthing.
If you enjoy developing people, driving standards, and working collaboratively across multi‑professional teams, this is the perfect opportunity to take your career to the next level.
This role is eligible for visa sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route however sponsorship can only be provided where applicants meet the specific requirements set by UKVI, including the relevant skill and salary thresholds (£25000), and any role-specific criteria.
Main duties of the job
1. Lead, coordinate and continually develop education and training for all staff working within Aseptic Preparative Services.
2. Organise and deliver Level 2 and Level 3 training, and support candidates.
3. Function as Educational Supervisor for PIPC accreditation.
4. Support the implementation of new education‑focused digital systems and competency frameworks.
5. Develop and maintain training policies, SOPs and documentation across both sites.
6. Work closely with the Lead Pharmacist and Lead Technician for Aseptic Services to ensure a safe, compliant, and harmonised aseptic service.
7. Contribute to service improvement, national audits, and internal validation for compliance with legislation and peer‑review standards.
8. Provide leadership, supervision and appraisal for technical staff, supporting performance, workforce planning and staff development.
9. Collaborate with cancer services, Higher Education Institutions, and training partners.
10. Identify learning needs, contribute to training needs analysis and support Trust-wide education initiatives.
11. Participate in operational duties, rotas, audits, complaints handling, recruitment, and service development activities.
Working for our organisation
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always deliver Excellent Care Everywhere, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and 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, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 3) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
Candidate Pack
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
1. Leadership of Education & Training
You will be the Trust’s lead technical specialist for education and training within Preparative Services, responsible for developing a modernised, highly skilled aseptic workforce. This includes:
12. Designing and coordinating competency-based training programmes.
13. Leading technical training for assistants, student technicians, technicians and trainee pharmacists.
14. Supervising staff involved in training delivery and ensuring consistency, compliance and documentation.
15. Acting as Educational Supervisor and supporting pathways including Level 2/3 qualifications, PIPC, PGCert/PGDip programmes.
16. Working with HEIs and training bodies to maintain strong professional relationships and manage SLAs.
2. Service Quality, Governance & Compliance
17. Develop, implement and review aseptic training policies and SOPs.
18. Support internal and external audits, ensuring facilities meet regulatory standards and national guidance.
19. Contribute to risk assessments, incident reporting, policy review and cross-site harmonisation of practice.
20. Maintain accurate records, training logs and robust audit trails.
3. Workforce Planning & People Development
21. Identify training needs through appraisal and Training Needs Analysis.
22. Support recruitment, induction, appraisals, supervision, mentoring and workforce development planning.
23. Manage HR processes such as absence, performance and supporting staff wellbeing.
24. Create a positive learning culture that aligns with Trust values of being Compassionate, Inclusive and Respectful.
4. Service Improvement & Future Planning
25. Drive continuous quality improvement projects within aseptic services.
26. Support planning for future service models, regional developments and compliance with national objectives.
27. Work with senior pharmacists and technicians to enhance service resilience, safety and patient experience.
5. Operational & Clinical Support
28. Contribute to operational aseptic duties when required.
29. Support the safe supply of chemotherapy and supportive medicines.
30. Participate in rota elements such as late clinics, weekends and Bank Holidays.
31. Handle patient-related enquiries, complaints and problem solving in collaboration with the senior team.
Person specification
Professional Registration
Essential criteria
32. Registered Pharmacy Technician with the General Pharmaceutical Council.
Experience/Qualifications
Essential criteria
33. Expert knowledge and experience of pharmacy aseptic services.
Skills
Essential criteria
34. Experience of training other members of staff within an aseptic environment
35. Aseptic preparation and Good Manufacturing practice
Specific Requirements
Essential criteria
36. To be committed to further education.
37. Substantial post qualification experience of hospital pharmacy, including at specialist pharmacy technician team leader level and comprehensive experience in aseptic dispensing / processing
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
Essential criteria
38. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
39. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
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