Area Operations Manager

Well Pharmacy; Sunderland; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Well Pharmacy is seeking an Area Operations Manager to oversee 15–20 pharmacies across Newcastle, North Tyneside, Northumberland, Gateshead and County Durham. You will lead high-performing teams, drive KPI performance, ensure patient safety, and maintain high standards across your area.

The role reports to the Senior/Regional Operations Manager and requires strong leadership, robust planning, and a proactive approach to improving community pharmacy services.

Qualifications

• Experience leading teams across multiple pharmacies.
• Understanding of NHS contractual requirements and GPhC standards.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management.
• Proven ability to drive KPI growth and budget targets.
• Able to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Visit each pharmacy at least every two weeks and set SMART actions.
• Drive performance, maintain patient safety and quality standards.
• Lead 15–20 pharmacies, recruit and develop teams.
• Collaborate with local healthcare networks and community relationships.

Skills

Leadership

Multi-site management

Commercial acumen

Analytical skills

Communication

Coaching

Job description

Area Operations Manager – Pharmacy (Multi-site)

We are seeking experienced Area Operations Managers with a background in multi-site pharmacy management. The role will cover pharmacies in Newcastle, North Tyneside, Northumberland, Gateshead and County Durham.

About You

We are looking for strong leaders who:

• Thrive on colleague and patient interaction
• Are passionate about spending the majority of their time in pharmacies
• Work at pace while maintaining accuracy
• Are resilient and enjoy a fast-changing, challenging environment
• Are motivated by leading teams to deliver clear, measurable results

If this sounds like you, read on.

The Role

As an Area Operations Manager, you will be responsible for the performance and development of approximately 15-20 pharmacies. You will build high-performing teams to deliver an outstanding community pharmacy experience while achieving KPIs and budget targets, maintaining patient safety, and ensuring consistently high standards across your area.

This role reports directly to the Senior/Regional Operations Manager.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Performance

• Visit each pharmacy at least every two weeks, setting SMART actions to drive performance
• Support the 'Delivering Well' strategy by aligning pharmacy activity with corporate objectives
• Drive prescription growth, service delivery and OTC sales in line with budget
• Ensure full compliance with all operational processes and procedures
• Monitor competitor activity and identify opportunities to grow market share

Patient Safety, Quality & Standards

• Ensure all pharmacies meet GPhC standards and NHS contractual requirements
• Complete first-line investigations into patient safety incidents and controlled drug discrepancies
• Ensure delivery of all NHS quality standards

Delivering Outstanding Care

• Ensure teams actively promote and deliver NHS and private services
• Ensure complaints and incidents are reported, resolved or escalated appropriately
• Build and maintain strong relationships within the local healthcare community
• Ensure patients receive tailored advice and appropriate products for prevention, treatment and wellbeing

High-Performance Teams

• Recruit, develop and retain capable and motivated teams
• Manage performance through effective coaching, feedback and formal reviews
• Identify and develop internal and external talent to create a strong succession pipeline
• Ensure clear communication of roles, priorities and expectations
• Continuously develop your own skills and foster a culture of learning across the area

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• Experience in field or multi-site management (business as usual, cross-regional working and/or project-based roles)
• Understanding of the pharmacy market and profession (desirable)
• Strong commercial and analytical skills
• Excellent communication skills
• Effective coaching and feedback capability
• Strong planning and organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities
• Ability to build trusted relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Understanding of NHS contractual requirements and GPhC/PSNI standards

We reserve the right to close this vacancy before the advertised closing date.