Lead Procurement and Pharmacy IT Systems Technician

NHS; City Of London; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in South London is seeking an experienced Pharmacy Technician. This role involves supervising procurement and supply chain activities, supporting IT systems in pharmacy, and ensuring efficient delivery of medicines. The ideal candidate will have hospital pharmacy experience and strong organizational skills. Competitive benefits are offered, including the possibility of sponsorship for skilled workers.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Potential for sponsorship

Qualifications

• Significant Hospital Pharmacy experience.
• Management or supervisory skills.
• Experience in a similar post.
• Significant purchasing experience.

Responsibilities

• Supervise purchasing, invoicing, and stock management processes.
• Act as deputy IT systems lead, providing first-line technical support.
• Lead and support the procurement and IT team.
• Assist with preparation of monthly reports on procurement activity.

Skills

Excellent verbal and written communication

Ability to write and implement procedures

High level of knowledge of Microsoft applications and pharmacy stock control systems

Ability to work under pressure

Good organisational skills

Education

NVQ Level 3 Pharmaceutical Sciences or equivalent

Registration with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) as a Pharmacy Technician

Tools

Powergate

Wellsky

Job description

Job summary

This post offers a unique opportunity for an experienced Pharmacy Technician to specialise in medicines procurement and pharmacy digital systems (including ePMA, Wellsky, and Powergate). You will combine technical, operational, financial, and leadership responsibilities to support the safe, efficient, and innovative delivery of medicines across South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust. The role includes deputising for the Pharmacy Procurement and IT Systems Manager, supervising day to day activities of pharmacy procurement, and contributing to service development. You will play a key role in ensuring robust supply chain processes, financial governance, and optimisation of digital systems that underpin patient safety.

Responsibilities

• Procurement & Supply Chain: Supervise purchasing, invoicing, and stock management processes, ensuring compliance with regional contracts (CMU), Trust financial procedures, and national guidelines.
• Procurement & Supply Chain: Assist in the purchasing of medicines, equipment, and resources using Wellsky ordering and Powergate.
• Procurement & Supply Chain: Ensure stock is managed effectively and minimising waste.
• Procurement & Supply Chain: Liaise with suppliers to resolve shortages, negotiate best prices for unlicensed/over-labelled medicines, and pursue cost-saving opportunities.
• Procurement & Supply Chain: Clarify price discrepancies, follow up credits, and amend supplier/product data on pharmacy systems.
• Procurement & Supply Chain: Attend regional/national procurement meetings in the absence of the Procurement Manager.
• Procurement & Supply Chain: Support controlled drug stock checks, date checks, and rolling audits in line with GDP and governance standards.
• Procurement & Supply Chain: Provide medicines information and advice to healthcare staff within scope of practice.
• Procurement & Supply Chain: Liaise with clinical pharmacists where supply shortages may impact on patient care and propose solutions.

IT Systems & EPMA

• Act as deputy IT systems lead, supporting Wellsky and Wellsky
• Provide first-line technical support to pharmacy staff, escalating complex issues where needed.
• Collaborate with Trust digital teams to ensure accurate ePMA build and data transfer for new medicines and suppliers.
• Contribute to system development and optimisation projects to improve workflow, accuracy, and efficiency.
• Deliver training and maintain SOPs for pharmacy IT processes.

Leadership & Supervision

• Lead and support the procurement and IT team in the absence of the Pharmacy Procurement & IT systems Manager.
• Supervise ATOs, trainee pharmacy technicians, PTPTs, and trainee pharmacists in procurement and IT processes.
• Contribute to recruitment, training, and competency assessments.
• Lead daily huddles/meetings to disseminate information, allocate tasks, and foster team effectiveness.
• Support rota management.

Governance, Audit & Service Development

• Support the creation, implementation, and review of SOPs, policies, and governance frameworks relating to procurement and IT.
• Undertake audits of procurement processes, stock management, and IT system accuracy; contribute to KPI development.
• Investigate procurement errors or stock discrepancies and take appropriate corrective action.
• Ensure compliance with Health & Safety, COSHH, and safe handling of medicines policies.
• Participate in service development projects to improve efficiency, reduce turnaround times, and maximise cost savings.

Financial & Data Management

• Assist with preparation of monthly reports on procurement activity, financial performance, KPIs, and savings initiatives.
• Ensure procurement activity aligns with the Trust medicines budget and identify opportunities for efficiency.
• Provide data for FOIs, benchmarking, Pharmex/Exend, and Trust governance reports.

Qualifications

Essential

• NVQ Level 3 Pharmaceutical Sciences or a recognised equivalent
• Registration with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) as a Pharmacy Technician

Desirable

• Accredited Checking Technician
• Practice Supervisor
• CIPs
• Member of the Association of Pharmacy Technicians (APTUK)

Skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication
• Ability to write and implement procedures
• High level of knowledge of all Microsoft applications and pharmacy stock control systems
• Ability to work under pressure
• Good organisational skills

Experience

• Significant Hospital Pharmacy experience
• Management or supervisory skills
• Experience in a similar post
• Significant purchasing experience
• Experience liaising with Trust finance department and wholesaler finance to resolve disputes

Knowledge

• Stock Control and GDP
• Knowledge of NHS purchasing systems i.e Powergate, Wellsky, eProcurement, Crystal Reports
• Knowledge and relevant experience of ePMA with respect to drug configurations, formulary management and trouble shooting
• Knowledge of the ePACT system and ability to run reports
• Understanding of stock control, logistical systems and financial systems for medicines

Disclosure and UK Registration

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

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. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see the NHS Careers website.

Employer details

South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust
Maudsley
Denmark Hill
London
SE5 8AZ

Employer's website

https://www.slam.nhs.uk/