Principal Pharmacist

NHS National Services Scotland; Glasgow, City of Edinburgh; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A public health organization in Scotland is seeking two Principal Pharmacists to provide strategic pharmaceutical leadership across NHS Scotland. The role requires extensive expertise in medicines supply and public health, engaging with key stakeholders, and leading services. Ideal candidates will have strong analytical skills and a collaborative approach to inspire colleagues. The positions offer a hybrid working model, situated in Edinburgh or Glasgow, with flexible hours and an attractive benefit package.

Benefits

Pension scheme

Occupational health services

Learning resource centres

Discounted leisure and financial benefits

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in delivering strategic pharmaceutical services.
• Proven ability to lead complex programmes and influence policy.
• Confidence in engaging with senior stakeholders and providing expert advice.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and delivery of pharmaceutical information services.
• Provide expert advice to NHS Boards and the Scottish Government.
• Oversee governance frameworks and support service planning.

Skills

Pharmaceutical knowledge

Leadership and collaboration

Analytical skills

Public health expertise

Education

Registered pharmacist with the General Pharmaceutical Council

Job description

About the Organisation:

Public Health Scotland launched 1st April 2020 as a national health board, employing around 1200 people, and with an annual budget of around £101 million. Public Health Scotland wants to see a Scotland where everybody thrives, a Scotland where life expectancy improves and the difference in life expectancy between our poorest and wealthiest areas gets smaller.

The Clinical & Protecting Health Directorate plays a vital role in protecting the population from infectious and environmental hazards, enabling high-quality clinical and public health knowledge and driving change through national audits and innovation.

The Post:

We are seeking two highly skilled and experienced pharmacists to join our team as Principal Pharmacists. This national role offers a unique opportunity to provide strategic pharmaceutical public health leadership and expert advice across Scotland.

As Principal Pharmacist, you will:

• Lead the development and delivery of specialist pharmaceutical information services.
• Provide expert advice on pharmaceutical, clinical, and non-clinical matters to NHS Boards, the Scottish Government, and other national stakeholders.
• Work within a multi-professional network and collaborate with key partners including NHS Boards, Scottish Government Directorates, the Scottish Medicines Consortium, and other national bodies.
• Support service planning and delivery through high-quality intelligence and data.
• Oversee governance frameworks, including clinical and financial governance.
• Contribute to national educational initiatives and stakeholder engagement.

The Candidate:

You will be a highly experienced and motivated pharmacist with a strong track record of delivering strategic pharmaceutical services at a senior level. You will bring extensive expertise in medicines supply, pharmaceutical intelligence, and public health practice, with the ability to lead complex programmes and influence national policy and service delivery.

You will be confident working across organisational boundaries, engaging with senior stakeholders, and providing authoritative advice on pharmaceutical matters. Your analytical skills, clinical reasoning, and understanding of the pharmaceutical landscape will enable you to deliver high-quality outputs that support NHS Scotland and the Scottish Government.

You will be a collaborative leader, committed to continuous improvement and professional development, and able to inspire and support colleagues across the pharmacy and public health landscape.

You must be a registered pharmacist with the General Pharmaceutical Council.

The successful candidate will be required to undergo a PVG Scheme Disclosure Scotland check. Candidates who have lived/worked overseas for more than 12 months in the past 5 years must provide a criminal record check from the relevant overseas agency. Details of how to apply for, or to update, PVG Scheme membership/Disclosure will be supplied to successful candidates.

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Location and Working Pattern:

The post is based in either Gyle Square, Edinburgh or Bothwell Street, Glasgow. We are currently hybrid working; therefore, you will be expected to spend time in both PHS offices as well as the option to work at home.

The work pattern for this role is Monday to Friday. There are two posts available, offering a combined total of 1.9 WTE. Both roles can be considered on a part time basis, with a minimum commitment of 30 hours per week.

PHS is a flexible employer, and we are happy to discuss requests for alternative working patterns.

During times of public health emergency, or other urgent business need, you may be required on a temporary basis to work your normal contracted working hours over 7 days including weekends, in order to meet the needs of the service.

It is a condition of this employment that you must live and remain a resident within the UK for the post in which you will be employed with PHS.

Benefits:

Our benefits package includes pension scheme, comprehensive range of work life balance policies, occupational health services, learning resource centres and discounted leisure, financial and shopping benefits. Click here to view the full range of the PHS Employee Benefits.

Further Information:

For informal enquiries, please contact Hazel Close, Chief Pharmacist, via Isobel Aitken at [e-mail].

Closing date for completed applications is Sunday 22nd February 2026

Interviews for these roles are expected to take place W/C 23rd March

Further information on PHS is available from: www.publichealthscotland.scot

Please note that the majority of correspondence is sent by e‑mail only, so please check your e‑mail regularly (including junk folders).

Public Health Scotland is an equal opportunities employer and as such guarantees to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for our vacancies.