Job summary
This is a senior leadership role at the forefront of medicines optimisation, innovation, and digital transformation within one of the largest NHS Trusts in the country. As Lead Pharmacist for High Cost Drugs, Homecare, Business and Procurement Services, you'll shape the strategy that ensures patients across Sussex receive safe, effective, and sustainable access to life-changing medicines.
You'll lead ambitious projects in automation, homecare reform, and efficiency, working with clinicians, commissioners, and national bodies to drive change that truly matters. We're looking for a confident, visionary pharmacist with strong leadership, financial acumen, and a passion for improving systems that directly impact patient care.
Join us, and you'll be part of a collaborative and forward-thinking team that values innovation, compassion, and professional growth--where your ideas will influence both local delivery and regional strategy.
Main duties of the job
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In this pivotal role, you will lead and develop Trust-wide services for high-cost medicines, homecare delivery, procurement, and medicines efficiency, ensuring that patients receive safe, effective, and sustainable treatment. You'll oversee complex budgets, supplier contracts, and governance frameworks, working closely with clinicians, finance teams, and national partners to optimise spend while improving patient outcomes.
We're looking for a strategic, forward-thinking pharmacist with exceptional leadership, negotiation, and analytical skills. You should be confident managing multidisciplinary teams, influencing senior stakeholders, and driving innovation in service design and digital transformation. A passion for quality improvement, patient safety, and system-wide collaboration is essential--alongside the resilience, professionalism, and emotional intelligence needed to lead change across a dynamic, high-profile portfolio.
About us
At UHSussex (UHSx), diversity is our strength, & we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness & experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, & can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We're proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) & a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients & staff with the same compassion & empathy we expect for ourselves. We're here for them when they need us, and we go above & beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our candidate information pack & wellbeing programme,for staff which is extensive & designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.
As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching & training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us & throughout your career we will help you to grow & develop.We hope that in choosing UHSx you are choosing a long & happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make & feel valued for all that you do.
We look forward to receiving your application & the start of your journey with UHSx.
Candidate Information Pack: https://www.uhsussex.nhs.uk/resources/candidate-information-pack/
Job description
Job responsibilities
This role is eligible for visa sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route. Sponsorship can only be provided where applicants meet the specific requirements set by UKVI, including the relevant skill and salary thresholds, and any role-specific criteria.
As Lead Pharmacist for High Cost Drugs, Homecare, Business and Procurement Services, you will provide strategic and professional leadership for the Trusts medicines efficiency, homecare, procurement, and contracting portfolios. You will be responsible for ensuring high standards of governance, financial stewardship, and patient safety across all areas of medicines use and supply.
Key duties include overseeing high-cost drug recharging processes, leading the operational and workforce redesign of pharmacy homecare and procurement teams, managing supplier contracts and SLAs, and driving digital and automation projects to improve efficiency. You will also chair or support key governance forums, including subsidiary pharmacy contract management meetings, and lead the Trusts medical gases governance and development programmes.
You will work closely with the Chief Pharmacist, divisional leadership teams, finance and procurement colleagues, clinical directors, and regional NHS partners, representing the Trust at system and national level. The role demands a high level of strategic insight, negotiation skill, and professional credibility, ensuring the safe, effective, and sustainable delivery of medicines services across University Hospitals Sussex and the wider healthcare system.
Job description
Job responsibilities
This role is eligible for visa sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route. Sponsorship can only be provided where applicants meet the specific requirements set by UKVI, including the relevant skill and salary thresholds, and any role-specific criteria.
As Lead Pharmacist for High Cost Drugs, Homecare, Business and Procurement Services, you will provide strategic and professional leadership for the Trusts medicines efficiency, homecare, procurement, and contracting portfolios. You will be responsible for ensuring high standards of governance, financial stewardship, and patient safety across all areas of medicines use and supply.
Key duties include overseeing high-cost drug recharging processes, leading the operational and workforce redesign of pharmacy homecare and procurement teams, managing supplier contracts and SLAs, and driving digital and automation projects to improve efficiency. You will also chair or support key governance forums, including subsidiary pharmacy contract management meetings, and lead the Trusts medical gases governance and development programmes.
You will work closely with the Chief Pharmacist, divisional leadership teams, finance and procurement colleagues, clinical directors, and regional NHS partners, representing the Trust at system and national level. The role demands a high level of strategic insight, negotiation skill, and professional credibility, ensuring the safe, effective, and sustainable delivery of medicines services across University Hospitals Sussex and the wider healthcare system.
Person Specification
Shortlisting for Interview
Essential
- Master's degree in Pharmacy (MPharm or equivalent) and current registration with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).
- Significant senior management experience within hospital pharmacy, with a proven track record in medicines efficiency, homecare, or procurement.
- Demonstrated ability to lead and develop multidisciplinary teams, manage performance, and drive service improvement across multiple sites.
- Evidence of strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including use of data to inform business cases and strategic decisions.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills; able to influence senior stakeholders and work collaboratively across organisational boundaries.
- Demonstrates alignment with Trust values, professionalism, and a commitment to patient safety, inclusion, and quality improvement.
Desirable
- Postgraduate qualification in Management, Leadership, or Clinical Pharmacy at Diploma/MSc level.
- Experience leading regional or national workstreams, policy development, or commissioning initiatives.
- Experience mentoring or coaching senior staff and developing leadership capability within teams.
- Experience leading digital transformation, automation, or data-driven improvement projects.
- Experience representing pharmacy services at regional or national forums.
Person Specification
Shortlisting for Interview
Essential
- Master's degree in Pharmacy (MPharm or equivalent) and current registration with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).
- Significant senior management experience within hospital pharmacy, with a proven track record in medicines efficiency, homecare, or procurement.
- Demonstrated ability to lead and develop multidisciplinary teams, manage performance, and drive service improvement across multiple sites.
- Evidence of strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including use of data to inform business cases and strategic decisions.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills; able to influence senior stakeholders and work collaboratively across organisational boundaries.
- Demonstrates alignment with Trust values, professionalism, and a commitment to patient safety, inclusion, and quality improvement.
Desirable
- Postgraduate qualification in Management, Leadership, or Clinical Pharmacy at Diploma/MSc level.
- Experience leading regional or national workstreams, policy development, or commissioning initiatives.
- Experience mentoring or coaching senior staff and developing leadership capability within teams.
- Experience leading digital transformation, automation, or data-driven improvement projects.
- Experience representing pharmacy services at regional or national forums.
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.
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.
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
University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279)
Address
Cross site (Brighton, Hayward's Heath, Worthing and Chichester)
Royal Sussex County Hospital
Brighton
BN2 5BE
Employer's website
https://www.uhsussex.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)
