Head of Aseptic Services

The Methodist Church in Britain; Yate; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation expenses

Job summary

University Hospitals Dorset is seeking a Head of Aseptic Services to lead the aseptic unit within pharmacy, reporting to the Chief Pharmacist and sitting on the pharmacy senior leadership team. You will provide strategic leadership across aseptic services, oversee the Pharmaceutical Quality System, and ensure inspection readiness, audits and safe service delivery.

The role requires GPhC registration and extensive hospital aseptic manufacturing experience, with a focus on quality improvement and

Qualifications

• Expert knowledge of GMP and aseptic preparation.
• Extensive hospital pharmacy technical services experience.
• Sound judgement and strong influencing skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic leadership across aseptic services and pharmacy quality assurance.
• Develop and continuously improve the Pharmaceutical Quality System.
• Lead inspection readiness and oversee audits, incidents and non-compliance.
• Ensure facilities, equipment and practices support safe service delivery.

Skills

GMP knowledge

Aseptic preparation

Influencing skills

Problem solving

Leadership

Education

PGDip Pharmaceutical Technology and Quality Assurance

Leadership or project management qualification

Tools

Electronic worksheet systems

Electronic chemotherapy prescribing systems

Job description

Head of Aseptic Services leading the aseptic unit within pharmacy at University Hospitals Dorset, reporting to the Chief Pharmacist and sitting on the pharmacy senior leadership team. The post carries overall accountability for service delivery and pharmacy quality assurance, including inspection readiness and the Pharmaceutical Quality System. The unit prepares over 25,000 items a year, including chemotherapy and monoclonal antibodies, and supports clinical trials. Applicants must be registered with the GPhC as a pharmacist or pharmacy technician.

What the job involves

• Provide strategic leadership across aseptic services and pharmacy quality assurance
• Lead the development and continuous improvement of the Pharmaceutical Quality System
• Lead inspection readiness and oversee responses to audits, incidents and non-compliance
• Ensure facilities, equipment, systems and working practices support safe service delivery
• Lead service development, exploring new technologies, equipment and service models
• Develop capacity, supply and business continuity plans
• Contribute to regional and system-wide work on the future of aseptic services
• Play a part in the trust's digital transformation
• Provide expert technical and pharmaceutical advice and manage complex risks
• Lead and develop the multidisciplinary aseptic workforce, including workforce planning, recruitment, competence and performance
• Contribute to strategy and change as a member of the pharmacy senior leadership team
• Work with quality assurance, cancer clinical leads, research and development, clinical, nursing and estates colleagues on aseptic requirements for new treatments and services

What’s required

Qualifications

• PGDip Pharmaceutical Technology and Quality Assurance, or equivalent experience
• Leadership or project management qualification, or equivalent experience

Registration & licences

• GPhC registration as a pharmacist or pharmacy technician

Experience

• Extensive experience in pharmacy aseptic services
• Extensive hospital pharmacy technical services experience
• Senior experience within an aseptic manufacturing unit

Skills & knowledge

• Expert knowledge of GMP and aseptic preparation
• Extensive knowledge of section 10 legislation, demonstrated
• Sound judgement and strong influencing skills
• Turning complex problems into practical solutions

Nice to have

• Extensive experience of quality assurance in an aseptic or manufacturing unit
• Previous experience with electronic worksheet systems and/or electronic chemotherapy prescribing systems

What’s offered

• Relocation expenses in line with Trust policies, subject to internal review