Pharmacy Operations Manager (Northern)

NHS; Barnstaple; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional healthcare provider in North Devon is seeking an experienced Pharmacy Operations Manager to oversee pharmacy supply services. The successful candidate will have substantial experience in hospital pharmacy management and proven leadership skills. They will manage teams and ensure compliance with legislation while contributing to strategic development. A generous relocation package is available for candidates moving to the region.

Benefits

Generous annual leave

NHS Pension scheme

Staff discounts

Flexible working schemes

Career development funding

Qualifications

• Substantial post-qualification experience in hospital pharmacy services.
• Experience in managing pharmacy supply chains and governance.
• Proven leadership in operational pharmacy management.

Responsibilities

• Lead pharmacy supply services across Northern sites.
• Manage teams including Dispensary Manager and Homecare Technician.
• Ensure compliance with medicines management legislation.
• Contribute to strategic planning and service improvement.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Pharmacy supply chain management

Education

Registered pharmacist or technician

Postgraduate leadership qualification

Job description

Pharmacy Operations Manager (Northern)

The closing date is 24 November 2025

Band 8b

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Pharmacy Operations Manager to join our Northern Pharmacy Management Team at Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. This role offers an exciting opportunity to lead and shape the delivery of pharmacy supply services across our Northern sites, ensuring the safe, effective and efficient provision of medicines procurement, distribution, dispensary, homecare and medicines safety and governance. As a senior leader, you will deputise for the Associate Director of Pharmacy (Northern) and contribute to strategic planning, service development and workforce leadership.

If you are relocating to North Devon for this role, we offer a generous package of support, including financial assistance to ease the transition. You may be eligible for an annual accommodation allowance or a relocation allowance (the former for those renting property and the latter for those buying a property). For full details on these support packages, please contact us.

We would love to hear from you. If you are interested, we are happy to discuss any aspects of the role, the location or any other burning questions you may have. Please see contact details below.

Main duties

• Provide professional leadership and operational management of pharmacy supply services across Northern services.
• Lead and manage teams including the Dispensary Manager, Homecare Technician and the Medicines Safety and Governance Technician.
• Ensure compliance with legislation, national standards and Trust policies related to medicines management.
• Oversee business continuity planning, drug alerts, recalls and safe storage of medicines.
• Support financial management of medicines procurement and identify savings opportunities.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and external partners to deliver high‑quality patient care.
• Deputise for the Associate Director of Pharmacy, contributing to strategic development and service improvement as part of the Northern Pharmacy Management Team and the wider Pharmacy Leadership Team.

Qualifications

• Registered pharmacist, technician or pharmacist with substantial post‑qualification experience in hospital pharmacy services and proven leadership in operational pharmacy management.
• Excellent communication, analytical and problem‑solving skills, and a strong track record in service development and team leadership.
• Experience in managing pharmacy supply chains, homecare services and medicines governance is essential.
• A postgraduate leadership qualification or equivalent experience is desirable.

Working pattern: 37.5 hours per week.

Interview date: Monday 8th of December 2025.

Internal vacancy: This is an internal vacancy for Royal Devon employees; therefore bank workers are currently not eligible to apply for this vacancy.

For further information please contact: Tracey Foss, Chief Pharmacist on 01392 406039 or [e-mail].

As an inclusive employer, the Royal Devon values diversity and is committed to creating a culture of inclusivity where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We believe in fostering a sense of belonging and actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities. We recognise the advantages of having a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

Preference will be given to staff with Priority and “At Risk” status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon.

The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust reserves the right to close vacancy when sufficient applications have been received.

Benefits

We will work together to maintain a culture that develops and supports you and your team.

This might include funding for a care certificate, a degree or leadership qualifications. Or it might include days off to study, engage in CPD or rotational placements to help you hone your skills. Wherever you are heading in the NHS, we'll help you get there.

Looking after you is important to us.

We strive to help our staff create a healthy work‑life balance through flexible working schemes and our family friendly policies.

If you're starting out in the NHS, you'll start with 27 days paid annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising to 33 days plus bank holidays.

You'll benefit from access to our own comprehensive occupational health services, including counselling, onsite wellbeing activities and groups.

Salary is not the only financial benefit.

You'll have access to an extensive range of staff discounts on shopping, fitness and leisure options and you can spread the cost of technology and home appliance purchases from major retailers.

You will also have access to other benefits including:

National discount services such as the Blue Light Card and Health Service Discounts.

Salary sacrifice options including our OFSTED rated outstanding nursery onsite at Exeter

Car lease schemes.

The NHS Pension scheme (one of the most generous and comprehensive in the UK).

Cycle to work scheme.

These are just a few of the benefits available if the role is something you are interested in, we'd love to hear from you.