217151 Business Support Assistant (AP)

NHS Scotland; Scotland; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

NHS Scotland is seeking a proactive Business Support Assistant to join the Pharmacy Business Function, providing essential administrative support. The role involves maintaining administrative systems, liaising with various teams, and engaging in improvement activities. Ideal candidates will have strong communication skills and relevant experience in administration, with opportunities for personal and professional growth within a supportive team environment.

Qualifications

• Experience in a previous business or administrative role.
• Knowledge and experience of the NHS is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Provide administrative support to the Pharmacy Business Function.
• Liaise with Pharmacy colleagues and leadership.
• Engage with improvement activities within the Business Function.

Skills

Microsoft Office packages

Data input

Minute taking

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Education

SCQF level 7 (SVQ3 or HNC)

Job description

NHS Scotland is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. To this end, NHS Scotland welcomes applications from all sections of society.

We will fully support disabled candidates, and candidates with long-term conditions or who are neurodivergent by making reasonable adjustments to our recruitment policy and practices.

Business Support Assistant

Pharmacy Business Function

NHS Lothian Pharmacy & Medicines Service

West Port

Band 3 | 1 WTE | 37 Hours

Fixed Term/Secondment 18 months

Pay Scale £26,869 - £28,998 or tap here to eter text.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced and forward-thinking administrator to join our Pharmacy Business Function in providing administrative support to the Pharmacy & Medicine Service working within the People Team. This team is split into Site Based and Central Team roles.

About The Role

• Provide administrative support to the Business Function and hospital pharmacy departments. This role is integral to development, implementation, and maintenance of administration systems to ensure the smooth day to day running of the pharmacy services.
• Post holder will liaise with Pharmacy colleagues, staff and leadership of all levels throughout the department providing guidance and support in alignment with NHSL policies and procedures.
• Role is within the central team and is based predominantly at West Port, however will be required to provide cross cover support on all NHSL main hospital sites, supporting on-site BSAs to maintain the provision of an effective, efficient and collaborative administrative service.
• Engage with and provide support for improvement activities within the Business Function.
• Development, implementation, and maintenance of personnel, project and administration records for the Business Function and Pharmacy departments within the directorate.
• Responsibility for providing administrative and clerical duties to support the Pharmacy Directorate as required, including minute taking.
• Take on additional responsibilities and ad-hoc assignments as requested, ensuring the smooth functioning of the Business Function and wider Pharmacy department.
• Ensure all confidential information is handled with the highest level of discretion.
  
  

Why Join Us?

We are focussed on creating an environment where each person in the team has the opportunity to flourish, develop and make best use of their skills. This role offers an excellent opportunity to be involved within a team providing support to the Pharmacy & Medicines Service. Our team values collaboration and ensuring you will be well-supported as you take on this rewarding role.

About You

With experience in a previous business or administrative role you will have:

• Intermediate/advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office packages, data input and minute taking.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Educated to SCQF level 7, (SVQ3 or HNC) in a business administration/other relevant subject or have equivalent level of experience in a similar administrative role.
• You must show initiative and prioritise work, manage your own workload and maintain high standards with excellent attention to detail.
• A proactive, highly organised and capable manner of managing multiple tasks and priorities.
• Knowledge and experience of the NHS would be advantageous.
  
  

This role is currently based at West Port (Business Function Team base) and will be required to provide cover on other NHSL sites within the service. There will be a potential move of the service in 2026 to another location, not yet confirmed.

About NHS Lothian

At NHS Lothian, we are committed to fostering equality, diversity, and inclusion in our workforce. Serving a population of 900,000, we are the second-largest health system in Scotland and home to one of its four teaching boards. Join a dynamic organisation that values innovation, research, and excellence in healthcare delivery.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

For further information on what is included in the role and the skills/experience we’re looking for, please refer to the job description and person specification linked below. However, we understand that there's only so much a job pack can convey. If you’d like to learn more about this exciting role, the team you’ll be joining, or the opportunities available, we warmly encourage you to get in touch with the hiring manager.

Role

This is a great chance to have an informal discussion, ask questions, and explore how this role aligns with your career goals. Please contact:

Mary Purves, Business Support Manager, Pharmacy Business Function, People Team

0131 242 2924| [e-mail]

Take the first step toward a rewarding career in pharmacy - apply now!

If you are an internal candidate from Pharmacy Services please ensure you have had a discussion with your line manager and have the completed the Pharmacy Secondment Approval Form signed off before attending your interview

**Please note we anticipate a high level of interest in this position and may close the vacancy early once a sufficient amount of applications are received. Therefore, please make sure you complete and submit your application at an early stage**

Due to legislative changes from 1 April 2025, this post may require a different level of criminal records check done than is currently the case. If the post is assessed as a "regulated role", your appointment will be subject to joining the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme. If there is any change to what is currently required, this will be confirmed by either the Hiring Manager or the Recruitment Team. For more details on these changes please visit: Disclosure Scotland Changes.