Job summary
We are seeking a proactive and detail-focused Pharmacy Assistant to support the efficient purchasing and supply of medicines within the Trust. In this role, you'll handle daily procurement tasks, process invoices accurately, maintain stock control, and assist with resolving supply queries to ensure patients receive the medications they need on time. You'll work closely with suppliers and internal teams, using strong IT skills and a systematic approach to keep everything running smoothly. If you're organised, adaptable, and committed to high standards, this is an excellent opportunity to play a key part in patient care behind the scenes.
Main duties of the job
- Support the daily purchasing of medicines in line with procurement procedures.
- Accurately process invoices and credit notes within agreed timescales.
- Maintain stock control by running reports and placing timely orders.
- Liaise with suppliers and internal teams to resolve supply issues and urgent requests.
- Ensure accurate record-keeping of deliveries and invoices.
- Comply with Good Distribution Practice and all relevant legislation.
- Undertake ongoing professional development and any other duties to support service delivery.
About us
North Bristol NHS Trust employs over 12,000 staff providing healthcare to the residents of Bristol, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset from our award-winning hospital building at Southmead. We are the regional Major Trauma Centre, and an internationally recognised centre of excellence in a range of services and major specialities. Our vision is that by enabling our teams to be the best that they can be, we will provide exceptional healthcare, personally delivered.
North Bristol NHS Trust values all people as individuals. We aim to be an anti-discriminatory organisation and are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We welcome applicants from all underrepresented groups.
Job description
Job responsibilities
- Support the daily purchasing of medicines in line with procurement procedures.
- Accurately process invoices and credit notes, ensuring compliance with Trust policies.
- Maintain stock control and place timely orders to prevent shortages.
- Liaise with suppliers and internal teams to resolve supply issues and urgent requests.
- Respond promptly to queries about product availability and procurement.
- Ensure accurate record-keeping and adherence to Good Distribution Practice.
- Contribute to team training and ongoing professional development.
Job description
Job responsibilities
- Support the daily purchasing of medicines in line with procurement procedures.
- Accurately process invoices and credit notes, ensuring compliance with Trust policies.
- Maintain stock control and place timely orders to prevent shortages.
- Liaise with suppliers and internal teams to resolve supply issues and urgent requests.
- Respond promptly to queries about product availability and procurement.
- Ensure accurate record-keeping and adherence to Good Distribution Practice.
- Contribute to team training and ongoing professional development.
Person Specification
Education/Training/Qualifications
Essential
- GCSE English and Mathematics grade C/4 or above.
- Expert-level Microsoft Office skills (advanced Excel, Word, Outlook) in line with NHS Digital's IT Skills Pathway for expert users
- Evidence of ongoing professional development
Desirable
- Level 2 qualification in pharmacy services
Work Experience
Essential
- Recent clerical experience within a busy office environment.
- Experience in customer orientated services with a knowledge of customer care
Desirable
- Previous employment in a hospital or community pharmacy
- Experience in purchasing processes, stock control, and running inventory reports.
- Recent experience processing invoices and credit notes with high accuracy.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
Essential
- Excellent IT and data entry skills; confident with Excel for reporting
- Strong problem-solving and ability to manage changing priorities.
- Understanding of procurement systems and financial accuracy
- Good interpersonal skills and able to communicate effectively
- Knowledge of General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) and the importance of maintaining confidentiality
Personal Qualities/Special Circumstances
Essential
- Self-motivated, logical, methodical and with a good attention to detail.
- Able to work accurately and flexibly under pressure and through interruptions.
- Professional when handling sensitive information; flexible and adaptable.
- Excellent time management and organisational skills to meet deadlines.
- Willing to travel within Trust offices or locations and work varied hours, including weekends and bank holidays.
Person Specification
Education/Training/Qualifications
Essential
- GCSE English and Mathematics grade C/4 or above.
- Expert-level Microsoft Office skills (advanced Excel, Word, Outlook) in line with NHS Digital's IT Skills Pathway for expert users
- Evidence of ongoing professional development
Desirable
- Level 2 qualification in pharmacy services
Work Experience
Essential
- Recent clerical experience within a busy office environment.
- Experience in customer orientated services with a knowledge of customer care
Desirable
- Previous employment in a hospital or community pharmacy
- Experience in purchasing processes, stock control, and running inventory reports.
- Recent experience processing invoices and credit notes with high accuracy.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
Essential
- Excellent IT and data entry skills; confident with Excel for reporting
- Strong problem-solving and ability to manage changing priorities.
- Understanding of procurement systems and financial accuracy
- Good interpersonal skills and able to communicate effectively
- Knowledge of General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) and the importance of maintaining confidentiality
Personal Qualities/Special Circumstances
Essential
- Self-motivated, logical, methodical and with a good attention to detail.
- Able to work accurately and flexibly under pressure and through interruptions.
- Professional when handling sensitive information; flexible and adaptable.
- Excellent time management and organisational skills to meet deadlines.
- Willing to travel within Trust offices or locations and work varied hours, including weekends and bank holidays.
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).
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).
