Deputy Chief Pharmacy Technician - Clinical Services

Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust; Knowsley; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider is seeking a Deputy Chief Pharmacy Technician to manage pharmacy technical services across multiple sites. The role involves overseeing a team, ensuring compliance, and optimizing patient care through effective service delivery and training.

Qualifications

• Post-registration hospital pharmacy experience at a senior level.
• Experience managing large teams and policy writing.

Responsibilities

• Lead operational management of pharmacy technical ward services.
• Manage workload independently and ensure efficient service delivery.
• Develop and implement Omnicell systems and training.

Skills

Coaching

Communication

Problem-Solving

Risk Management

Education

UK Pharmacy technician training (BTEC/NVQ Level III)

Accredited Checking Pharmacy Technician status

Leadership/Management qualification

Job description

Job summary

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Deputy Chief Pharmacy Technician to lead the operational management of our pharmacy technical ward services across the Whiston, St. Helens, and Newton sites.

This role involves managing the ward-based pharmacy technical team, overseeing training and education, and providing specialist clinical technical services to patients. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in medicines optimisation, policy development, and managing Omnicell systems.

The role requires excellent organisational and interpersonal skills, alongside expert knowledge of clinical ward services. Relevant experience and good communication skills are essential.

Our department operates a 7-day service. Participation in late-night, weekend, and Bank Holiday rotas is required.

If you are passionate about patient care and meet the skills and experience requirements, we would love to hear from you.

Main duties of the job

The Deputy Chief Pharmacy Technician - Clinical Services is responsible for leading the operational management of pharmacy technical ward services across the Whiston, St. Helens, and Newton sites of MWL.

Responsibilities include managing the ward-based pharmacy technical team, overseeing training, providing clinical services, developing policies, and ensuring efficient service delivery over a 7-day rota. The role also involves performance management, recruitment, compliance, clinical tasks, administrative duties, and collaboration with healthcare professionals.

About us

Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust serves a population of over 600,000 with a workforce of over 9,000 staff across 21 sites.

We aim to provide Five Star Patient Care and offer services in Acute Care, Primary Care, Community Services, and Specialist Regional Services. Our achievements include being rated Outstanding by CQC, ranking in the Top 100 NHS workplaces, and achieving National Preceptorship Accreditation (2023).

Job description

Job responsibilities

KEY DUTIES

• Lead on the strategic development of pharmacy technical ward services, including developing business plans and performance improvement.
• Manage workload independently, interpret standards, and achieve departmental outcomes.
• Performance manage staff, including recruitment, risk assessments, appraisals, and development plans.
• Provide pastoral support, supervise staff, and contribute to leadership duties.
• Develop policies, investigate complaints, manage leave, and prepare rotas.
• Coordinate staffing, liaise with other departments, and manage recruitment of locum staff.
• Develop and implement Omnicell systems, including training and configuration decisions.

CLINICAL & PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Perform final accuracy checks, label and dispense medications, and provide clinical technical services.
• Take medication histories, liaise with external organizations, transcribe medicines, and process TTOs.
• Monitor adverse reactions, counsel patients, and ensure safe medication use.
• Provide advice to healthcare professionals, support clinical trials, and participate in CPD.
• Participate in 7-day service rota, on-call duties, and ensure pharmacy key safety.

TEACHING & TRAINING RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop induction and ongoing training for staff and students.
• Lead on expanding technician roles and training for clinical trials.
• Manage satellite dispensaries and training for Omnicell systems.
• Maintain training records, facilitate CPD, and participate in regional education forums.
• Assist in training junior staff and contribute to educational programs for hospital staff.

RESEARCH & AUDIT

• Lead ward service audits, report findings, and implement improvements.
• Monitor Omnicell system usage and analyze performance indicators.
• Coordinate audits and research projects regionally and nationally.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• UK Pharmacy technician training (e.g., BTEC/NVQ Level III) and registration with GPhC.
• Accredited Checking Pharmacy Technician status.
• Leadership/Management qualification or equivalent experience.

Knowledge and Experience

• Post-registration hospital pharmacy experience at a senior level.
• Experience with pharmacy computer systems and NHS developments.
• Knowledge of quality & safety frameworks, continuous improvement, and managing change.
• Experience managing large teams, research, audit, and policy writing.

Skills & Abilities

• Coaching, staff development, communication, problem-solving, risk management.
• Ability to motivate, influence, and work across boundaries.
• Manage complex issues, remain calm under pressure, and inspire others.
• Evaluate quality care and demonstrate professional pride.

Other

• Commitment to personal and professional development.
• Patient-centered approach and high standards of care.
• Ability to manage own development and demonstrate NHS pride.

Additional information

This post is subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks and current UK professional registration.