Pharmacy Procurement Assistant

NHS; Consett; On-site; GBP 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare provider in England seeks an organized Procurement Officer to support the pharmacy team in Consett. Responsibilities include ordering medicines, reconciling invoices, and ensuring compliance with guidelines. Candidates must have at least 3 GCSEs and NVQ Level 2. This position offers both full-time and part-time working patterns.

Qualifications

• Demonstrate experience of working in a team.
• Good computer and keyboard skills.
• Have attention to detail and ownership in own work.

Responsibilities

• Ensure problems on receipt of goods are dealt with timely.
• Utilise the automatic ordering system to produce purchase orders.
• Communicate supply issues to Senior Procurement Pharmacy Technician.

Skills

Teamwork

Experience under pressure

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Education

3 GCSEs including English and Maths

NVQ Level 2 or equivalent knowledge or experience

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Job description

Job summary

The post holder will be responsible as part of the procurement team for placing orders for medicines used in the Trust

The post holder will ensure that the invoicing of all goods received into the department are reconciled on the pharmacy computer system and are forwarded in a timely manner to financial services for payment, in accordance with Trust standing financial instructions (SFI).

The post holder will participate in the safe, effective and efficient provision of pharmacy services in compliance with national guidelines

Main duties of the job

To work closely with the Senior Pharmacy Procurement and Homecare Technician and other members of the pharmacy team to ensure safe and efficient procurement and homecare services are maintained.

To use the pharmacy ordering system to ensure timely:

Ordering and receipt of medicines

Recognition of issues with the pharmacy drug file

Reconciliation of invoices

To ensure that all out-standing orders are followed up on a regular basis to reduce the risk of medicines being out of stock. Any stock problems encountered must be effectively communicated within the procurement team.

To liaise and communicate with other members of the wider pharmacy team and other healthcare professionals, regarding problems or issues with stock

About us

If you are being interviewed you must accept an interview slot in the system to continue, even if you have arranged with the manager

You must be able to produce ALL certificates stated essential in the person specification or you will not be able to complete pre-employment checks

We provide hospital services from two acute sites - Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham. We have a centre for planned care in Bishop Auckland and provide care from community hospitals in Chester-le-Street, Shotley Bridge, Barnard Castle, Sedgefield and Weardale as well as over 80 other community based settings and providing care in patients' homes.

We particularly welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as BAME and disabled people are currently under-represented

Full Job Descriptions can be found in the adverts supporting documents

Over reliance on AI-generated content is discouraged and may diminish the applicant's chances of success

For the most up-to-date information on visa requirements and eligibility, please check online to determine whether you can apply.

From April 9th 2025 - Healthcare assistants - You must have a minimum of two years of experience working within the NHS as a HCA for the Trust to consider sponsorship (we will only consider sponsorship if you meet this criteria and have a current visa expiring within 3 months)

Details Date posted

31 July 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 2

Salary

£24,465 a year pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time

Reference number

C9439-2425-1578

Job locations

Shotley Bridge Community Hospital

Consett

Consett

Durham

DH8 0NB

Job description Job responsibilities

The post holder will;

Ensure that any problems on receipt of goods are dealt with in a timely manner (including return to suppliers, damaged and short dated stock)

Input into and follow, all agreed local procedures with regards to procurement and homecare processes to ensure process is efficient and accurate

Utilise the automatic ordering system in a timely and effective manner to produce purchase orders

Ensure all orders are raised and authorised in a timely manner

Where appropriate, challenge requests for non-formulary items or medication that is orphan (that has been deactivated on the pharmacy system), supporting and empowering other administration staff to do the same

Discuss any reasons why supply problems cannot be resolved to the Senior Procurement Pharmacy Technician

As directed by senior members of the procurement and homecare team, contact manufacturers and wholesalers to gain information regarding individual products or service

Deal with telephone enquiries to either resolve the enquiry directly or ensure the efficient transfer to an appropriate person, ensuring prompt and efficient action

Process and reconcile invoices in line with agreed processes to ensure timely payment by finance

Job description Job responsibilities

The post holder will;

Ensure that any problems on receipt of goods are dealt with in a timely manner (including return to suppliers, damaged and short dated stock)

Input into and follow, all agreed local procedures with regards to procurement and homecare processes to ensure process is efficient and accurate

Utilise the automatic ordering system in a timely and effective manner to produce purchase orders

Ensure all orders are raised and authorised in a timely manner

Where appropriate, challenge requests for non-formulary items or medication that is orphan (that has been deactivated on the pharmacy system), supporting and empowering other administration staff to do the same

Discuss any reasons why supply problems cannot be resolved to the Senior Procurement Pharmacy Technician

As directed by senior members of the procurement and homecare team, contact manufacturers and wholesalers to gain information regarding individual products or service

Deal with telephone enquiries to either resolve the enquiry directly or ensure the efficient transfer to an appropriate person, ensuring prompt and efficient action

Process and reconcile invoices in line with agreed processes to ensure timely payment by finance

Person Specification Experience Essential

• Demonstrate experience of working in a team
• Experience of dealing with people
• Experience of working under pressure

Desirable

• Previous experience of working in a purchasing or finance environment
• Previous experience of working in a hospital or retail pharmacy
• Working knowledge of live pharmacy stock control systems

Qualifications Essential

• 3 GCSEs including English and Maths
• NVQ Level 2 or equivalent knowledge or experience

Desirable

• IT qualification
• Basic NHS Purchasing Knowledge
• L2 Certificate in Pharmacy Service Skills
• Science qualification

Special Skills and Knowledge Essential

• Good computer and keyboard skills.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Basic understanding of stock management
• Be organised, methodical and accurate in approach to tasks and able to demonstrate this approach in a busy environment.
• Have attention to detail, ownership and pride in own work.
• Excellent communication skills for dealing with people both internal and external to the Trust.
• Good time keeping and ability to work under pressure.
• Good written communication skills

Desirable

• Knowledge of drugs and their uses.
• Evidence of personal development.
• Experience of databases and spreadsheets

Person Specification Experience Essential

• Demonstrate experience of working in a team
• Experience of dealing with people
• Experience of working under pressure

Desirable

• Previous experience of working in a purchasing or finance environment
• Previous experience of working in a hospital or retail pharmacy
• Working knowledge of live pharmacy stock control systems

Qualifications Essential

• 3 GCSEs including English and Maths
• NVQ Level 2 or equivalent knowledge or experience

Desirable

• IT qualification
• Basic NHS Purchasing Knowledge
• L2 Certificate in Pharmacy Service Skills
• Science qualification

Special Skills and Knowledge Essential

• Good computer and keyboard skills.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Basic understanding of stock management
• Be organised, methodical and accurate in approach to tasks and able to demonstrate this approach in a busy environment.
• Have attention to detail, ownership and pride in own work.
• Excellent communication skills for dealing with people both internal and external to the Trust.
• Good time keeping and ability to work under pressure.
• Good written communication skills

Desirable

• Knowledge of drugs and their uses.
• Evidence of personal development.
• Experience of databases and spreadsheets

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.

Employer details Employer name

County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Shotley Bridge Community Hospital

Consett

Consett

Durham

DH8 0NB

Employer's website

https://www.cddft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details Employer name

County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Shotley Bridge Community Hospital

Consett

Consett

Durham

DH8 0NB

Employer's website

https://www.cddft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)