Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust

Principal Pharmacist - Cardiology and Formulary

The closing date is 12 January 2026

Job summary

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Principal Pharmacist to join our Cardiology team at Darent Valley Hospital. This role, positioned at Band 8a, involves the leadership and development of clinical pharmacy services for the Cardiology department, both in inpatient and outpatient settings. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in formulary management: shaping medicine management strategies, supporting cost-saving initiatives, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality pharmaceutical care within the service.

Main duties of the job

As the Principal Pharmacist for Cardiology, you will be responsible for coordinating and managing pharmacy services within the department, working closely with the multidisciplinary team to deliver exceptional patient care. Your duties will include monitoring prescriptions, providing pharmaceutical care plans and supporting the development of cost-effective prescribing practices. Additionally, you will lead on the DGT input to the regional formulary and ensure compliance with national and regional guidelines and technology appraisals.

About us

We are committed to being an inclusive and diverse employer. We strive to employ people who reflect the communities we serve, and aim to create an inclusive culture where everyone can reach their full potential. Whatever your race, ethnicity, belief, generation, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity, disability or experience, you'll appreciate the opportunities we give you to work in an inclusive atmosphere. We welcome applications from people of diverse backgrounds, perspectives and experiences to build on the progress we've achieved to make our Trust diverse and the best place to work. We celebrate the diversity of thought, viewpoints and ideas that help us overcome challenges and embrace new possibilities.

If you are considering applying for a role, please be aware that as an NHS Employee you may have contact with vulnerable service users. We strongly encourage that all of our staff are double vaccinated against COVID-19, in order to protect the health and safety of our staff and our patients. Your commitment will help us to put the safety and care of our patients first, as well as helping us to protect you and your colleagues.

Details

Date posted

29 December 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 8a

Salary

£57,888 to £64,880 a year per annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

252-7691608

Job locations

Darent Valley Hospital

Darenth Wood Road

Dartford

DA2 8DA


Job description

Job responsibilities

In this role, you will oversee pharmaceutical services to the Cardiology service, including inpatient wards. You will act as a leader in the strategic development of pharmacy standards within the service and collaborate with colleagues to ensure the safe and effective use of medications. Being formulary representative for DGT at the regional meetings to ensure the Trusts views are heard. As a senior member of the team, you will contribute to cost-saving initiatives, manage staff and support training and education efforts within the department. Additionally, you will work to enhance medication safety, contribute to clinical audits, and take an active role in the departments continuous improvement efforts.

If you are a proactive, organised, and motivated pharmacist looking for a leadership opportunity, we encourage you to apply for this rewarding role within our forward-thinking organisation.

Job description

Job responsibilities

In this role, you will oversee pharmaceutical services to the Cardiology service, including inpatient wards. You will act as a leader in the strategic development of pharmacy standards within the service and collaborate with colleagues to ensure the safe and effective use of medications. Being formulary representative for DGT at the regional meetings to ensure the Trusts views are heard. As a senior member of the team, you will contribute to cost-saving initiatives, manage staff and support training and education efforts within the department. Additionally, you will work to enhance medication safety, contribute to clinical audits, and take an active role in the departments continuous improvement efforts.

If you are a proactive, organised, and motivated pharmacist looking for a leadership opportunity, we encourage you to apply for this rewarding role within our forward-thinking organisation.

Person Specification

Education and Training

Essential

  • GPhC registration as a pharmacist
  • Post graduate Diploma in Clinical Pharmacy or equivalent
  • Independent prescriber (or working towards)

Desirable

  • Member of Royal Pharmaceutical Society
  • Management and leadership qualification
  • MSc or equivalent postgraduate qualification in Clinical Pharmacy or other appropriate discipline
  • Practice Supervisor Accreditation or equivalent teaching accreditation

Experience

Essential

  • Experience working as a band 7 Pharmacist
  • Experience of writing protocols and standards
  • Experience of working in a multidisciplinary clinical pharmacy setting
  • Previous teaching/tutoring experience

Desirable

  • Hospital Pharmacy Experience
  • Clinical Pharmacy teaching skills
  • Demonstrable use of audit/research to improve practice

Knowledge and Skills

Essential

  • Broad pharmaceutical knowledge relating to general medicine and core medical specialities
  • Demonstrates knowledge of national and local guidelines relating to specialism that need to be adhered to
  • Advanced computer literacy including Word, Excel and PowerPoint
  • Budgetary control skills
  • Awareness of current practice and policy affecting pharmacy practice in the NHS & understanding the NHS structure

Desirable

  • Incident investigation/ root cause analysis
  • Risk management
  • Experience and knowledge of Cardiology medication use
  • Experience of Formulary (+/- regional formulary) structures and processes
Person Specification

Education and Training

Essential

  • GPhC registration as a pharmacist
  • Post graduate Diploma in Clinical Pharmacy or equivalent
  • Independent prescriber (or working towards)

Desirable

  • Member of Royal Pharmaceutical Society
  • Management and leadership qualification
  • MSc or equivalent postgraduate qualification in Clinical Pharmacy or other appropriate discipline
  • Practice Supervisor Accreditation or equivalent teaching accreditation

Experience

Essential

  • Experience working as a band 7 Pharmacist
  • Experience of writing protocols and standards
  • Experience of working in a multidisciplinary clinical pharmacy setting
  • Previous teaching/tutoring experience

Desirable

  • Hospital Pharmacy Experience
  • Clinical Pharmacy teaching skills
  • Demonstrable use of audit/research to improve practice

Knowledge and Skills

Essential

  • Broad pharmaceutical knowledge relating to general medicine and core medical specialities
  • Demonstrates knowledge of national and local guidelines relating to specialism that need to be adhered to
  • Advanced computer literacy including Word, Excel and PowerPoint
  • Budgetary control skills
  • Awareness of current practice and policy affecting pharmacy practice in the NHS & understanding the NHS structure

Desirable

  • Incident investigation/ root cause analysis
  • Risk management
  • Experience and knowledge of Cardiology medication use
  • Experience of Formulary (+/- regional formulary) structures and processes

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.

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.

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

Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust

Address

Darent Valley Hospital

Darenth Wood Road

Dartford

DA2 8DA


Employer's website

https://www.dgt.nhs.uk/working-for-us (Opens in a new tab)


Employer details

Employer name

Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust

Address

Darent Valley Hospital

Darenth Wood Road

Dartford

DA2 8DA


Employer's website

https://www.dgt.nhs.uk/working-for-us (Opens in a new tab)


Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Lead Pharmacist - Performance & Medicines Value

James Hartwell

james.hartwell1@nhs.net

01322428523

Details

Date posted

29 December 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 8a

Salary

£57,888 to £64,880 a year per annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

252-7691608

Job locations

Darent Valley Hospital

Darenth Wood Road

Dartford

DA2 8DA


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

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