Interim Deputy Procurement and Distribution Lead

Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust; Swindon; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading NHS organization in Swindon seeks an Interim Deputy Procurement and Distribution Lead to manage the Procurement and Distribution team, ensuring compliance and efficiency. The successful candidate will coordinate the procurement of medicines and manage staff within a busy hospital environment. Applicants must possess a Level 3 qualification in Pharmacy Services, be registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council, and demonstrate strong management and communication skills. This is a full-time role with a fixed-term contract of 12 months.

Qualifications

• Experience as a Pharmacy Technician with emphasis on Procurement & Distribution.
• Registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council.
• Able to handle conflict and manage busy environments.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate Pharmacy Stores and Distribution operations.
• Support team management for effective service delivery.
• Ensure compliance with Good Distribution Practice regulations.

Skills

Communication skills

Flexibility

Team management

Education

NVQ Level 3 in Pharmacy Services

BTEC in Pharmaceutical Science

Job description

Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Interim Deputy Procurement and Distribution Lead

The closing date is 31 December 2025

If you are a Senior Pharmacy Technician with passion for Procurement & Distribution, this is a great opportunity to develop your career.

The role is diverse, exciting and responsible and will appeal to career-minded individuals.

The successful candidate will be expected to work in a dynamic and flexible way within the Procurement and Distribution team to manage the smooth and effective running of the department in a busy NHS Hospital.

You will support the Procurement & Distribution Lead in the management of the team and oversee the day to day running of the department, organising and monitoring the performance of staff to maintain an efficient and safe service. The post holder will act as a Deputy Responsible person and will be integral to the on‑going maintenance of the Wholesalers dealers' and Home Office licenses and successful re‑inspections.

Candidates should have experience and an interest in Pharmacy Procurement & Distribution, excellent communication & interpersonal skills; be motivated, flexible, adaptable and able to work well in an environment of change and transition. You will need to have an NVQ level 3 in Pharmacy Services and a BTEC in Pharmaceutical science (or equivalent qualification and underpinning knowledge) and be registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council.

Secondment opportunities are available for this post. If you would like to discuss this role further or organise an informal / virtual visit then do not hesitate to get in touch.

Main duties of the job

To coordinate the Pharmacy Stores and Distribution department, supporting the efficient and effective procurement and distribution of medicines. Ensuring that all legal and departmental practices including Standing Operating Procedures (SOPs), MHRA Rules and Guidance for Pharmaceutical Distributors, COSHH, Lifting and Handling Regulations and all Trust Policies and Procedures are followed.

To assist in delegated duties as an accredited deputy responsible person to undertake the day to day WDA licensed activities ensuring that the service and facilities are compliant with all aspects of Good Distribution Practice (EU GDP 2013/C 343/01), and all other relevant medicines regulations and quality standards.

To manage related training provision to all operational staff within the facility. To assist the operational lead in all aspects of regulatory audit (internal and external).

About us

Service, Teamwork, Ambition and Respect - are a golden thread running through everything we do. These values serve as a guiding principle, driving us towards our vision of delivering great joined up services to our local community. Whether at home, in the community, or within the hospital, our goal is to empower individuals to lead independent and healthier lives.

Job responsibilities

• To co‑ordinate the Pharmacy Stores and Distribution operations including receipting goods, safe custody and security, correct storage, rotation of stock, issues, returns to suppliers and regular stock checks.
• Co‑ordinate the ordering process to ensure that we do not run out of any essential items, helping to place orders with contracted or most cost effective suppliers.
• Oversee the to‑follow process, ensure item outstanding on orders are chased and manage sorting out solutions to shortages such as ordering different brands.
• Managing any off contract claims.
• Assist the Procurement & Distribution Lead in ensuring there are adequate and up to date written training manuals for all areas to assist staff in following the correct standard operating procedures and to have in place an induction programme for all new staff to follow.
• To keep pharmacy staff informed about major stock availability problems and to notify these officers promptly of significant delays or shortages, and where appropriate arrange alternative sources of supply.
• To assist the Responsible Person and Procurement & Distribution Lead and be integral in the preparation, implementation and the on‑going maintenance of the Wholesalers dealers, all aspects of Good Distribution Practice (EU GDP 2013/C 343/01) and Home Office licenses. Complete delegated duties from the Responsible Person and have advanced specialist knowledge of EU GDP.
• Assist the Procurement & Distribution Lead in the procurement and on‑going quality assurance of medical gases in line with national professional standards. This includes on‑going risk management associated with the storage and handling of medical gas cylinders.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• NVQ / QCF Level 3 in Pharmacy Services or equivalent plus accredited underpinning knowledge (BTEC in Pharmaceutical Science or equivalent)
• Current registration as Pharmacy Technician with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC)
• NVQ assessor to A1 standard or equivalent, or able to work towards and willing to undertake
• Accredited Checking Technician qualification or be eligible and willing to work towards accreditation
• NVQ Level 3 in Management or equivalent knowledge and experience in Pharmacy management role

Experience

• In‑depth broad post‑qualification hospital Pharmacy Technician experience including the supervision or management of staff
• Good understanding of legal requirements, procedures, protocols governing procurement & distribution including unlicensed medicines
• Good knowledge of the legal requirements (Law and Ethics) for dispensing and supplying medicines, including CDs
• Aware of risk management and Health and Safety issues and their implications for staff
• Experience of organising teams and managing busy environments
• Able to handle conflict effectively and differences of opinions in a mature and professional manner
• Recruitment and selection experience
• Knowledge and clear understanding of Good Distribution Practice (EU GDP 2013/C 343/01), and other relevant regulations, guidance and quality standards including regular formal refresher training
• Experience of dealing with external agencies and wider multidisciplinary teams

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.

Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

£38,682 to £46,580 a yearper annum pro rata

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

12 months

Working pattern

Full-time, Flexible working, Compressed hours