Job Summary
Are you an experienced Quality Assurance Pharmacy Technician or Clinical Pharmaceutical Scientist ready to advance to a specialist leadership role? We are seeking a dedicated Quality Assurance Specialist for Aseptic Services with leadership capabilities and quality assurance experience to join our team. The Cancer Services Division at UHB delivers world class cancer care to patients from across the country, with specialised services in oncology and haematology. In this specialist role you will support the Deputy Quality Assurance Manager in managing the day‑to‑day provision of the quality assurance service within the aseptic units, ensuring quality systems are in place and GMP standards are maintained.
Main Duties, Tasks & Skills Required
* Manage the day‑to‑day provision of the Specialist Technical Pharmacy Quality Assurance (QA) service within the Aseptic Unit.
* Develop and maintain systems related to the Pharmaceutical Quality System to ensure compliance with current Good Manufacturing Practice.
* Ensure day‑to‑day cost‑effective use of resources and encourage cost awareness in other Technical Services team members.
* Advise the Deputy QA Manager of resources required for on‑going quality issues related to the QA service.
* Plan and organise the schedule of QA tasks with all trust pharmacy sites providing aseptic services. Where appropriate, participate in performing QA monitoring and validation tasks to include process, operator and equipment validation; interpret and communicate the resulting data to all relevant pharmacy / logistics staff, verbally and in the form of written reports and presentations.
* Monitor and prioritise workload and allocate work to technical staff to ensure the efficient use of staff and other resources.
* Continually develop and maintain the QA documentation system.
* Promote best GMP practice and a patient‑focused service.
Qualifications
Essential Education
* GCSE Mathematics and English (Grade B/5) and four other subjects including Science (Grade C/4)
* GCSEs: Mathematics, English and Science (Grade C/4 or equivalent) and two other GCSEs (Grade C/4) and successful achievement of the pharmacy service skills Level 3 NVQ qualification (or equivalent)
* Three A levels, one of which is a relevant science subject and Mathematics B/5 (GCSE or equivalent)
* Degree in science or humanities and Mathematics B/5 (GCSE or equivalent)
* MPharm, MRPS, or science degree with advanced qualification
* Specialist higher Diploma (Masters) in technical services (e.g. National course in Pharmaceutical Technology & Quality Assurance, or Scientific Training Programme) or working towards it
Essential Professional Qualification
* Level 3 Diploma in Principles and Practice for Pharmacy Technicians
* BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Pharmaceutical Science and Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Pharmacy Service Skills
* Equivalent as defined by the General Pharmaceutical Council
* Professional Registration with the GPhC
* Clinical Pharmaceutical Scientist training (complete)
* Eligible for registration with an appropriate professional body (e.g. RSC or RSB or HCPC)
Desirable Education
* Leadership and Management qualification or equivalent knowledge and experience
Desirable Professional Qualifications
* Dispensing Accuracy Accreditation – West Midland scheme or equivalent
* Accredited Checker Technician
* Leeds University course in Aseptic Preparation and Dispensing of Medicines / Aston University course in Technical Pharmacy Training in Aseptic Processes or willingness to complete
* Leeds University Aseptic Services for Manager course or willingness to complete
* South West Technical Services PIPC course – Pre and In process checking or willingness to complete or Accredited Checker Technician
Experience
Essential Experience
* Currently practicing as a registered pharmacy technician with at least three years post‑qualification experience or eligibility for registration with RSB or RSC and currently practising within their code of ethics
* Significant experience within a hospital pharmacy setting
* Experience of the specialist function for area of responsibility
* Experience in delivering training and supervision of others
* Working under pressure, prioritising work as appropriate to achieve deadlines
* Experience of planning workload according to departmental priorities
Desirable Experience
* Experience of developing work processes and associated procedures
* Experience of undertaking appraisals
* Experience in staff management
* Experience of chairing meetings
Knowledge
Essential Knowledge
* Specialist knowledge of clean room practice and technology and its practice application in aseptic preparation
* Knowledge of Good Distribution Practice (GDP), MHRA licensing requirements, COSHH
* Understanding of clinical governance and its implications for service including quality and audits
Desirable Knowledge
* Knowledge of HR policies and procedures
* Full knowledge of the pharmacy supply process from procurement to receipt of drugs at ward level
* Knowledge of ward staffing and management structure
* Knowledge of drug costs
Additional Criteria
* Able to or understand and work within Trust policies of data protection, equal opportunities, health and safety and meet differing needs of patients
* Reliable and conscientious approach to work… Good communication skills – written, verbal and electronic
* Ability to work on own or within a team, able to act as team leader, motivating others
* Able to co‑ordinate work flows
* Able to determine and manage staff working patterns
* Ability to check the work of others
* Good organisational skills
* Ability to accept responsibility for specific work areas
* Demonstrate problem solving skills; demonstrate ability to develop, implement and follow SOPs
* Demonstrates ability to be flexible
* Participate in the personal development and review systems of staff
* Make judgements in involving a range of facts or situations
* Accountable for own actions and those of others
* Good patient counselling skills
* Identify and fulfil training needs
* Assist in the recruiting and selection process
* Project leadership skills – ability to negotiate and implement
Personal Attributes
* Good interpersonal skills
* Reliable
* Punctual
* Self‑motivated
* Able to manage difficult and stressful situations
* Able to recognise limitations of self and job role
Other Factors
* Ability to travel to other Trust sites
* Flexible to work in accordance with service needs
* Committed to abide by the Trust vision and values
* Able to manage sickness absence in accordance with Attendance Management Policy
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Salary and Contract
Pay scheme: Agenda for Change
Band: Band 6
Salary: £39,959.00 to £48,117.00 yearly
Contract type: Permanent
Working pattern: Full‑Time, Flexible Working
Job Location
Trustwide – Mindelsohn Way, Birmingham, West Midlands, B15 2TH
Contact
Lucy Delaney, Deputy Quality Assurance Manager – lucy.delaney2@uhb.nhs.uk | 01213 718667
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