Deputy Head of Pharmacy Clinical Trials

NHS; City Of London; On-site; GBP 72,000 - 84,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare organization in England seeks a Deputy Head of Pharmacy for Clinical Trials to oversee clinical trials and ensure compliance with high safety standards. The role involves strategic planning, collaboration with various teams, and leadership of the clinical trials pharmacy team. Candidates should have pharmacy qualifications, extensive clinical trials experience, and strong management skills. This permanent, full-time position offers competitive pay of £72,921 to £83,362.

Benefits

Career development

Flexible working

Staff recognition scheme

Cycle to Work scheme

Qualifications

• Registered as a pharmacist with the General Pharmaceutical Council.
• Extensive postgraduate studies and experience in pharmacy clinical trials delivery in the UK.
• Experience in managing commercial and non-commercial clinical trials.
• Comprehensive experience as a hospital pharmacist with dispensary and ward experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead collaboration with Pharmacy Clinical Trials and Trust teams.
• Manage quality improvement plans and resolve clinical trial issues.
• Update policies and procedures to promote culture of continuous improvement.
• Ensure trial setup and conduct compliance with regulations.
• Lead recruitment, HR and daily operations of the clinical trials pharmacy team.

Skills

Extensive knowledge of current UK medicines legislation

Experience managing change

Excellent analytical skills

Advanced MSOffice skills

Education

Diploma/MSc in Pharmacy Practice or equivalent

Management courses

GMP training

Job description

Overview

As Deputy Head of Pharmacy for Clinical Trials, you will lead a fast‑paced, innovative service overseeing both commercial and non‑commercial trials. You will ensure drug delivery meets the highest standards of safety, compliance and quality – aligned with ICH‑GCP, GMP and national/international regulations. Working closely with the Head of Pharmacy Clinical Trials & ATMPs, you will help maximise trial participation and patient benefit, while supporting the Trust's reputation for research excellence.

This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of clinical trials at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust. You will lead the development of SOPs, training programmes and guidance for pharmacy and Trust staff, ensuring seamless collaboration across departments including R&D, haematology and clinical research units. Your strategic input will influence policy and service development locally and nationally, while maintaining strong financial governance and providing expert pharmaceutical advice.

Responsibilities

• Lead and Collaborate: Partner with Pharmacy Clinical Trials, R&D and wider Trust teams to deliver strategic goals for ATMPs and clinical trials.
• Drive Quality and Performance: Manage quality improvement plans and resolve complex clinical trial issues to ensure patient safety and service excellence.
• Champion Change: Lead updates to policies and procedures, promoting a culture of transparency, learning and continuous improvement.
• Engage Stakeholders: Work with clinicians, sponsors, patients and regulators to support service delivery and resolve challenges.
• Ensure Compliance: Oversee trial setup and conduct, ensuring alignment with national and international regulations and acting as a key governance lead.
• Lead and Manage Teams: Oversee recruitment, HR and daily operations of the clinical trials pharmacy team, ensuring GCP and GMP standards.
• Strategic Planning: Assess trial feasibility, manage risks and support business cases and readiness for new therapies.
• Financial Oversight: Manage budgets, contracts and equipment, ensuring safe use and effective supplier engagement.
• Quality and Accreditation: Maintain quality systems, support JACIE accreditation and respond to audits and recalls.
• Leadership and Representation: Act as Deputy Management Representative, mentor staff and lead cross‑departmental planning.

Qualifications

• Registered as a pharmacist with the General Pharmaceutical Council.
• Extensive postgraduate studies and experience in pharmacy clinical trials delivery in the UK.
• Experience in the set up and management of commercial and non‑commercial clinical trials in a pharmacy context.
• Comprehensive experience as a hospital pharmacist, including at least dispensary/aseptic and ward experience and active experience of using a wide range of healthcare electronic systems.
• Substantial experience in managing teams and influencing stakeholders and demonstrated ability to input into local, regional or national groups.

Education

• Diploma/MSc in Pharmacy Practice or equivalent.
• Appropriate management courses.
• GMP training.

Experience

• Service management/departmental management.
• Experience of working in an aseptic unit, oncology or haematology.

Skills

• Extensive knowledge of current UK medicines legislation, GCP and GMP in relation to clinical trials and medicines.
• Experience of managing change and identifying opportunities for improvement and development of the service, day‑to‑day and at a strategic level.
• Demonstrated excellent analytical, verbal, numeric and written skills.
• MSOffice and other relevant computer programmes at an advanced level.

Benefits

Career development, flexible working and wellbeing, staff recognition scheme. Optional benefits include Cycle to Work, car lease schemes, season ticket loan or membership options for onsite leisure facilities.

EEO Statement

We are committed to equal opportunities and improving the working lives of our staff and will consider applications to work flexibly, part time or job share. Please talk to us at interview.

Additional Information

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and a submission for Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) will be made to check for any previous criminal convictions. Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. UK professional registration is required.

Pay: £72,921 to £83,362 a year inclusive. Band 8b. Permanent, full‑time. Location: Charing Cross Hospital and Hammersmith Hospital, London, W6 8RF.