Senior Technical Pharmacy Assistant

Esneft; Ipswich; Hybrid; GBP 26,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

ESNEFT's Pharmacy Technical Services Unit in Ipswich is recruiting Band 3 personnel for fixed-term maternity cover in cancer treatment support. The role includes supervising staff, assisting the CPU, aseptic manufacturing, and stock control, with emphasis on accuracy and compliance.

Applicants should have GCSE Maths and English, SMPO/SMT qualifications, and prior experience in a hospital/pharmaceutical setting, including cleanrooms. Roles available full- and part-time, with a pro rata salary.

Qualifications

• Numerate and literate to level 1 key skills.
• GCSE Maths and English (grade C/5 or above).
• Completion of band 2 competencies or equivalent.
• Science Manufacturing Process Operative (SMPO) course or equivalent.
• Science Manufacturing Technician (SMT) or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and mentor staff in the Pharmacy Technical Services Unit.
• Support day-to-day running of the Chemotherapy Preparation Unit (CPU).
• Aseptically manufacture products following SOPs.
• Assist in cleaning and maintenance of the facility and equipment.
• Manage stock control and prepare various pharmaceuticals.
• Work in cleanrooms and follow procedures to deadlines.

Skills

Teamwork

Supervision

Attention to detail

Education

GCSE Maths

GCSE English

SMPO course

SMT course

Band 2 competencies

Job description

Main area Pharmacy Grade NHS AfC: Band 3 Contract 9 months (Fixed term / Secondment until July / October 2027) Hours

• Full time
• Part time

Job ref 432-HR838-26

Site Ipswich Hospital Town Ipswich Salary £25,760 - £27,476 per annum pro rata Salary period Yearly Closing 06/10/2026 23:59 Interview date 20/10/2026

We are one of the largest NHS organisation in England. Our scale provides exciting opportunities for development, innovation, research, education and training.

Talk to us about our range of flexible working opportunities, apprenticeships and staff benefits

Equality Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) is at the heart of all we do; and it forms part of ESNEFT’s core activities. The Trust operates and relies on everyone treating each other with dignity and respect, to receive equitable and fair treatment in the implementation of Policies, Procedures and in its Practices, to foster positive work relationships, and finally to act with integrity as a professional within ESNEFT as well as a representative of the NHS as a whole. The EDI Agenda reflects the Trust values such as Optimistic, Appreciative and Kind. In line with the NHS Long Term Plan, People Plan, People Promise and a Model Employer intrinsic in the Equality Diversity and Inclusion Agenda, we consistently strive to improve, to take the learning into Action for a better ESNEFT.

If you are passionate about patient care and want to develop your skills and knowledge then we are keen to hear from you.

Job overview

An opportunity has arisen for enthusiastic and motivated individuals to work within our busy Pharmacy Technical Services Unit. This service covers the preparation of medicines used within the treatment of cancer.

We have two fixed term maternity leave covers:

• Full time, 37.5 hours per week until 18th July 2027
• Part time, 22.5 hours per week until 25th October 2027

You should ideally have some experience of supervising / co-ordinating staff and workflow.You must be flexible and react positively to change. You must be able to follow written procedures, work under supervision and complete tasks accurately to set deadlines. This role will involve providing specialist support to the Technical Services team and includes supervising, training and mentoring staff. You will also assist in managing stock control as well as the assembly and preparation of various pharmaceuticals and working in our cleanrooms.

Consideration will be given for strong candidates who may not meet the essential criteria to undertake this role on a developmental basis with set competency targets. These roles will be banded lower than originally advertised until competency targets are met.

If you are interested in contributing to the care of patients using practical skills with an ability to work under your own initiative, good communication skills, a high level of accuracy and are keen to develop your skills then you may be suited to this type of role.

Main duties of the job

Internal applicants currently employed by ESNEFT will be offered on a secondment basis only.

To support the oncology pharmacy team in providing an effective, safe and timely service to the Trust and its users, working within departmental and Trust procedures.

To assist and supervise in the day-to-day running of the Chemotherapy Preparation Unit (CPU) at all stages of the production process. Aseptically manufacture products following standard operating procedures and worksheets. Assist in the cleaning and maintenance of the facility and equipment to support the manufacturing process.

Working for our organisation

We are ESNEFT and we provide hospital and community health services to almost one million people across east Suffolk and north Essex. Our dedicated staff deliver care from acute hospitals in Colchester and Ipswich, community hospitals, surgeries, community clinics and in patients’ own homes

We are one of the largest NHS organisations in England , employing more than 12,000 staff

We pride ourselves on supporting our staff. We offer a wide range of training and development opportunities, as well as flexible working options

Along with supporting you to achieve your career goals we offer a generous pension scheme, unsocial hours payments (where applicable), 27 days annual leave on commencement (pro rata) and access to a range of NHS discounts. Our Staff Health and Wellbeing programme offer a variety of services

Our philosophy is that Time Matters to everyone. Across the Trust, we concentrate on improving the things we do and removing those which cause time delays for our staff and patients

We are investing in our commitment to Time Matters with a partnership with leading electronic patient record (EPR) supplier Epic. This digital transformation will bring what’s widely regarded as the world’s best EPR system to ESNEFT, transforming life in hospital for staff and patients

If you are passionate about patient care and want to develop your skills and knowledge, then we want to hear from you

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

For full details of the responsibilities and duties of this role please see the attached job description

Qualifications

• Numerate and literate to level 1 key skills
• GCSE or equivalent in Maths and English (grade C / 5 or above)
• Completion of band 2 competencies or equivalent
• Science Manufacturing Process Operative (SMPO) course or equivalent
• Science Manufacturing Technician (SMT) or equivalent

Experience

• Contributing to and working as part of a team
• Working within a hospital
• Work in pharmaceutical or scientific background
• Working within cleanrooms
• Dispensing and stock control
• Working in Pharmaceutical preparation or manufacture
• Supervision of other staff

Please note that where response levels are exceptional we may close the post before the specified date, therefore early application is recommended.

Please make sure that you read the Job Description and Person Specification attached and that your statement in support reflects this as your application will be judged against these criteria.

If you require any information in an alternative format or have any access needs for the application process, please contact us.

Secondment - if you are interested in undertaking a role on a secondment basis, please ensure that you have discussed this with your current line manager prior to submitting your application. Please note if you are already an employee of ESNEFT fixed term roles will only be offered on a secondment basis.

When providing reference details please provide email addresses so references can be sought promptly to cover the last 3 years of employment.

Successful candidates may be charged for their DBS check. Please ensure you read the information found in the attached DBS Information document

The Trust is committed to its staff and their development and to equal opportunities and diversity. Applications are welcomed from all sections of the community.

Whilst we welcome applications from all and your application will be considered on individual merit, if you are offered a position and require a Skilled Worker Certificate of Sponsorship we may not be able to process your application to the final stage due to Home Office eligibility. Please note Band 2 roles are not eligible for sponsorship.

In submitting an application form, you authorise East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust to confirm any previous NHS service details via the Inter Authority Transfer (IAT) process should you be appointed to the post.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your interest in East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust; we look forward to receiving your application for employment.

We do not charge any fees at any stage of our recruitment process, including job applications, interviews, sponsorship arrangements or employment offers