Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Deputy Procurement and Distribution Lead

The closing date is 15 August 2025

Job summary

If you are a Senior Pharmacy Technician with passion for Procurement & Distribution, this is a great opportunity to develop your career. The role is diverse, exciting and responsible and will appeal to career-minded individuals.

The successful candidate will be expected to work in a dynamic and flexible way within the Procurement and Distribution team to manage the smooth and effective running of the department in a busy NHS Hospital.

You will support the Procurement & Distribution Lead in the management of the team and oversee the day to day running of the department, organising and monitoring the performance of staff to maintain an efficient and safe service. The post holder will act as a Deputy Responsible person and will be integral to the on-going maintenance of the Wholesalers dealers' and Home Office licenses and successful re-inspections.

Candidates should have experience and an interest in Pharmacy Procurement & Distribution, excellent communication & interpersonal skills; be motivated, flexible, adaptable and able to work well in an environment of change and transition. You will need to have an NVQ level 3 in Pharmacy Services and a BTEC in Pharmaceutical science (or equivalent qualification and underpinning knowledge) and be registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council.

If you would like to discuss this role further or organise an informal / virtual visit then do not hesitate to get in touch.

Main duties of the job

To coordinate the Pharmacy Stores and Distribution department, supporting the efficient and effective procurement and distribution of medicines. Ensuring that all legal and departmental practices including Standing Operating Procedures (SOPs), MHRA Rules and Guidance for Pharmaceutical Distributors, COSHH, Lifting and Handling Regulations and all Trust Policies and Procedures are followed.

To assist in delegated duties as an accredited deputy responsible person to undertake the day to day WDA licensed activities ensuring that the service and facilities are compliant with all aspects of Good Distribution Practice (EU GDP 2013/C 343/01), and all other relevant medicines regulations and quality standards.

To manage related training provision to all operational staff within the facility. To assist the operational lead in all aspects of regulatory audit (internal and external).

About us

Service, Teamwork, Ambition and Respect - are a golden thread running through everything we do. These values serve as a guiding principle, driving us towards our vision of delivering great joined up services to our local community. Whether at home, in the community, or within the hospital, our goal is to empower individuals to lead independent and healthier lives.

Details

Date posted

08 August 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

£38,682 to £46,580 a year per annum pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

249-7367754

Job locations

Great Western Hospital

Marlborough Road

Swindon

SN3 6BB


Job description

Job responsibilities

  1. To co-ordinate the Pharmacy Stores and Distribution operations including receipting goods, safe custody and security, correct storage, rotation of stock, issues, returns to suppliers and regular stock checks.
  2. Co-ordinate the ordering process to ensure that we do not run out of any essential items, helping to place orders with contracted or most cost effective suppliers.
  3. Oversee the to-follow process, ensure item outstanding on orders are chased and manage sorting out solutions to shortages such as ordering different brands.
  4. Managing any off contract claims.
  5. Assist the Procurement & Distribution Lead in ensuring there are adequate and up to date written training manuals for all areas to assist staff in following the correct standard operating procedures and to have in place an induction programme for all new staff to follow.
  6. To keep pharmacy staff informed about major stock availability problems and to notify these officers promptly of significant delays or shortages, and where appropriate arrange alternative sources of supply.
  7. To assist the Responsible Person and Procurement & Distribution Lead and be integral in the preparation, implementation and the on-going maintenance of the Wholesalers dealers, all aspects of Good Distribution Practice (EU GDP 2013/C 343/01) and Home Office licenses. Complete delegated duties from the Responsible Person and have advanced specialist knowledge of EU GDP.
  8. Assist the Procurement & Distribution Lead in the procurement and on-going quality assurance of medical gases in line with national professional standards. This includes on-going risk management associated with the storage and handling of medical gas cylinders.

Job description

Job responsibilities

  1. To co-ordinate the Pharmacy Stores and Distribution operations including receipting goods, safe custody and security, correct storage, rotation of stock, issues, returns to suppliers and regular stock checks.
  2. Co-ordinate the ordering process to ensure that we do not run out of any essential items, helping to place orders with contracted or most cost effective suppliers.
  3. Oversee the to-follow process, ensure item outstanding on orders are chased and manage sorting out solutions to shortages such as ordering different brands.
  4. Managing any off contract claims.
  5. Assist the Procurement & Distribution Lead in ensuring there are adequate and up to date written training manuals for all areas to assist staff in following the correct standard operating procedures and to have in place an induction programme for all new staff to follow.
  6. To keep pharmacy staff informed about major stock availability problems and to notify these officers promptly of significant delays or shortages, and where appropriate arrange alternative sources of supply.
  7. To assist the Responsible Person and Procurement & Distribution Lead and be integral in the preparation, implementation and the on-going maintenance of the Wholesalers dealers, all aspects of Good Distribution Practice (EU GDP 2013/C 343/01) and Home Office licenses. Complete delegated duties from the Responsible Person and have advanced specialist knowledge of EU GDP.
  8. Assist the Procurement & Distribution Lead in the procurement and on-going quality assurance of medical gases in line with national professional standards. This includes on-going risk management associated with the storage and handling of medical gas cylinders.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • NVQ / QCF Level 3 in Pharmacy Services or equivalent plus accredited underpinning knowledge (BTEC in Pharmaceutical Science or equivalent)
  • Registered as a Pharmacy Technician with the General Pharmaceutical Council

Desirable

  • Accredited Checking Technician qualification
  • Accredited medicines optimistation qualification
  • Procurement Qualification i.e. CIPs
  • Deputy Responsible Person

Experience

Essential

  • Extensive post qualification working as a Pharmacy Technician
  • Experience of organising and managing in busy and potentially stressful environments
  • Experience of leading teams and staff management
  • Project / Audit / QI work

Desirable

  • Knowledge of JAC Pharmacy Stock Control System
  • Procedure development
  • Working with a WDA License
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • NVQ / QCF Level 3 in Pharmacy Services or equivalent plus accredited underpinning knowledge (BTEC in Pharmaceutical Science or equivalent)
  • Registered as a Pharmacy Technician with the General Pharmaceutical Council

Desirable

  • Accredited Checking Technician qualification
  • Accredited medicines optimistation qualification
  • Procurement Qualification i.e. CIPs
  • Deputy Responsible Person

Experience

Essential

  • Extensive post qualification working as a Pharmacy Technician
  • Experience of organising and managing in busy and potentially stressful environments
  • Experience of leading teams and staff management
  • Project / Audit / QI work

Desirable

  • Knowledge of JAC Pharmacy Stock Control System
  • Procedure development
  • Working with a WDA License

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.

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 (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Additional information

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.

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 (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Great Western Hospital

Marlborough Road

Swindon

SN3 6BB


Employer's website

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


Employer details

Employer name

Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Great Western Hospital

Marlborough Road

Swindon

SN3 6BB


Employer's website

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


Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Pharmacy Procurement & Distribution Lead

Jasmine Heap

jasmine.heap@nhs.net

01793605018

Details

Date posted

08 August 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

£38,682 to £46,580 a year per annum pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

249-7367754

Job locations

Great Western Hospital

Marlborough Road

Swindon

SN3 6BB


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)