Dispensary Manager

Howdale Group Practice; West End; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday

NHS pension

Free on-site parking

Job summary

Howdale Group Practice is seeking a Dispensary Manager to join our team across two sites, Downham Market and Marham. You will lead the dispensary, oversee stock and procurement, and ensure safe, compliant dispensing and patient service.

You will supervise staff, manage finances, and support clinical governance in line with NHS requirements, contributing to high-quality patient care.

Qualifications

• Experience of working in a dispensing environment in a primary care setting.
• Knowledge of GDP, medicines procurement and safety processes.
• Ability to lead and develop dispensary staff and manage stock effectively.

Responsibilities

• Plan and allocate work for all dispensary staff.
• Oversee dispensing matters to promote safe processes and accuracy.
• Maintain financial efficiency and obtain best prices via linked agencies.
• Manage returns to NHS Prescribing Authority and other bodies.
• Ensure compliance with CQC/NHS requirements and EPS processes.

Skills

Dispensary management

Leadership

Stock control

Communication

MS Office

Education

NVQ Level 3

Tools

SystmOne

Job description

Job summary

Howdale Group Practice is looking to welcome a dispensary manager to join our team on a permanent basis. This role will involve working at both our Howdale and Marham sites.

Main duties of the job

The Dispensary Manager is responsible for the safe, effective and efficient management of the dispensary service, ensuring medicines are dispensed accurately and in accordance with legal, professional and practice requirements.

The role includes supervising and developing dispensary staff, managing stock and medicines procurement, overseeing controlled drugs and medicines safety processes, monitoring dispensary finances, supporting compliance with CQC and NHS requirements, and working with the Practice Manager and clinical team to deliver a high-quality service for patients.

About us

We are based across two sites, Downham Market and Marham. We offer:

• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
• A friendly and supportive work environment
• NHS pension
• Free on-site parking

Closing date: 31 October 2026

Contract: Permanent

Working pattern: Full-time, Part-time

Salary: Depending on experience

Pay scheme: Other

Job responsibilities

• To be responsible for planning and allocating work for all dispensary staff
• To oversee all dispensing matters within the practice to promote safe dispensing processes
• To promote and ensure financial efficiency. To maintain close links with relevant agencies to ensure that the best available prices are continually being obtained
• Maintain the highest levels of confidentiality due to the nature of the role and with being exposed to a greater level of confidential material and data
• To brief both Practice Manager and the respective partner responsible for the dispensary on relevant matters that effect the efficient running of the department, including staffing and financial matters
• To manage all returns to the NHS Prescribing Authority and any other agencies
• To be responsible for the collection of prescription charges, cash up and balance monies received
• Monitor and disseminate information on safety alerts and other pertinent information
• To oversee uncollected medications in accordance with current policy
• To support with national prescribing policies and guidance within GP practices and care homes. This will be achieved through undertaking clinical audits (e.g., use of antibiotics), supporting quality improvement measures
• Actively encourage and promote the use of patient online services
• To contribute to both QOF and enhanced services and to promote these to the dispensary team
• To ensure controlled drugs are managed in accordance with practice policy
• To ensure the safe disposal of returned and/or out of date medicine and work with the multi-disciplinary team to ensure efficient medicines optimisation, including implementing efficient ordering and return processes, and reducing wastage
• To manage the receipt and storage of supplies in accordance with current policy
• To manage the processing of prescription requests via all means of communications
• To ensure that patients receive advice regarding prescription matters
• To manage the cold chain process effectively, ensuring all staff are aware of the requirement to accurately record temperatures and store items appropriately
• To manage the repeat prescriptions process to ensure that all are provided within the allotted timeframe
• Implement systems to ensure compliance with CQC regulations and standards
• Ensure staff implement the practice-wide approach to the management of all patient services matters
• Identify and deliver team training where required
• To manage and undertake the stocktake process in accordance with guidance
• To provide management support on the legal, safe and secure handling of medicines, including the implementation of the Electronic Prescription Service (EPS)
• To manage the process for multi-compartment compliance aids (Dosette box)
• To always maintain accurate clinical and administrative records
• To be aware of duties and responsibilities regarding current legislation and adhere to practice policies and procedures on Safeguarding Adults and Safeguarding Children
• To be an integral part of the general practice team
• To demonstrate initiative and be creative in finding solutions to problems
• To support in the management of patient complaints when requested to do so and participate in the identification of any necessary learning brought about through incidents and near‑miss events
• To be aware of guidance to ensure that the dispensary conforms to regulatory guidance
• To undertake all mandatory training and induction programmes
• To contribute to and embrace the spectrum of clinical governance
• To attend a formal appraisal with their manager at least every 12 months. Once a performance/training objective has been set, progress will be reviewed on a regular basis so that new objectives can be agreed
• To maintain a clean, tidy, effective working area at all times
• Be part of the fire marshal team in the practice.

Essential experience

• Knowledge of pharmacy service procedures including GDP, enhanced services, falsified medicines directive, etc.
• Experience of working in a dispensary
• Experience of working in a primary care setting

Desirable experience

• Experience of managing dispensary services in primary care

Essential qualifications

• Holds a recognised Pharmaceutical Qualification (NVQ Level 3)

Desirable qualifications

• Leadership and/or management qualification

Essential knowledge and skills

• Excellent communication skills (written, oral and presenting)
• Proven leadership skills
• Ability to follow legal, ethical and professional policies/ procedures and codes of conduct
• Ability to effectively manage stock, including ordering, rotation, disposal etc.
• Competent in the use of MS Office products
• Ability to prioritise, delegate and work to tight deadlines in a fast‑paced environment
• Problem solver with the ability to process information accurately and effectively, interpreting data as required
• Ability to use own initiative, judgement, discretion, and sensitivity
• Ability to identify risk and assess/manage risk when working with individuals
• Ability to get along with people from all backgrounds and communities, respecting lifestyles and diversity
• Ability to work as a team member and autonomously
• Sensitive and empathetic in distressing situations
• Commitment to ongoing professional development
• Ability to effectively utilise resources
• Punctual and committed to supporting the team effort
• High levels of integrity and loyalty
• Ability to network and build relationships
• Flexible, cooperative and motivated
• Confident, assertive and resilient
• Ability to motivate teams, enhance morale and maintain a positive working environment, including team‑building sessions
• Understanding of safeguarding adults and children
• Demonstrate personal accountability, emotional resilience and the ability to work well under pressure
• Ability to implement and embed policies and procedures

Desirable knowledge and skills

• Experience with SystmOne

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer details

Employer name: Howdale Group Practice

Employer's website: https://www.howdalesurgery.co.uk

Contact

Practice Manager: Sophie Parling
[e-mail]
01366383405

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