Stockport NHS Foundation Trust

Pharmacy Support Worker - Procurement

The closing date is 13 August 2025

Job summary

Pharmacy Support worker - Procurement

FULL TIME POST - 37.5 HOURS A WEEK

This friendly and innovative pharmacy is always developing and expanding. We require a dependable, hardworking and efficient motivated person to assist the pharmacy procurement team in ordering medications for the hospital.

The role involves receipt and ordering so computer literacy is required.

Training will be given in specialist areas

There is an opportunity to complete the a Level 2 qualification in pharmacy services.

You mustpossess good communication skills, and be flexible, committed and be a good team player.

Main duties of the job

To carry out routine ordering in the Pharmacy in accordance with pharmacy procedures for the safe and secure handling of medicines. There is a requirement to concentrate/work accurately using the EMIS pharmacy computer system and assist with ensuring effective stock control in the Pharmacy .

The post holder will be required to undertake on the job training to develop the necessary competence, skills and knowledge to fulfil the job requirements.

About us

We hold a unique position in the Stockport community as the provider of healthcare and we are one of its largest employers.

Our mission is to make a difference every day. Our values are that we care, we respect, and we listen

We believe that the best organisations are those that reflect the communities they serve. We are therefore seeking to improve the diversity of our workforce to make it truly representative of our local population.

We actively encourage applications irrespective of race, age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marriage & civil partnership, or pregnancy or maternity. Recognising those communities that are underrepresented within our workforce, we would particularly welcome applications from you.

We recognise that flexible working is important. We take requests for flexible working seriously, consider any request we receive and try to work with you, so we can explore if your request may fit with the needs of the service.

The salary for the role is only one part of the excellent package of benefits we offer to you:

  • Between 27-33 days of annual leave plus bank holidays
  • NHS pension scheme membership
  • Salary sacrifice schemes for lease cars, home electronics and more, to make your salary go further
  • NHS Staff discounts
  • Cycle to work scheme
  • Salary finance - for loans, savings, budget planning and tips on managing debt
  • Stockport Credit Union- for local financial advice

Details

Date posted

06 August 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 2

Salary

£24,465 a year per annum pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

362-A-25-7377111

Job locations

Stepping Hill

Poplar Grove

stockport

SK2 7JE


Job description

Job responsibilities

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Communications and Leadership

To communicate with all contacts effectively and efficiently both internal and external to the trust.

To communicate information to all members of the pharmacy team.

To be responsible for notifying the Procurement manager about any supply issues and assisting in a resolution.

To liaise with wholesalers and suppliers

Could communicate effectively using all types of communication including e-mail, telephone and person to person.

Communicate stock shortages and discrepancies in line with agreed procedures.

When assembling orders communicates with all pharmacy teams with regards to medicine ordering and availability matters.

To receive telephone messages from internal and external callers and deal with accordingly.

Liaise with Senior Pharmacy Support Workers and the Technical team on all matters relating to receipt and distribution of orders.

To be patient and understanding when dealing with new members of the pharmacy team.

To be responsible for the accurate completion of all documentation.

Develop good communication with customers and colleagues.

To direct any controlled drugs deliveries to an authorised member of staff.

Provide clear, correct and concise information when dealing with customers and external suppliers.

Know when to refer appropriate queries to the relevant member of the Procurement, Distribution and Homecare team or the Dispensary team.

When Competency is reached to engage in the following tasks

Independently raise and send purchase orders via EDI or email ensuring accuracy at all times.

To support receipt staff by raising credits/claims for any returns to suppliers.

Assist in routine stock taking in pharmacy.

To be responsible for checking expiry dates, correct storage and turnover of stock in a designated section of the pharmacy each month.

Direct any invoices or payment queries to the invoice clerk or the Procurement Manager.

Disposal of expired or damaged stock appropriately as per trust policy.

Ensure that the security of the Pharmacy and goods held in the Pharmacy is maintained.

To carry out physical movement of stock between Receipt, Storage and Distribution.

Competent to be able to operate the Pharmacy Automation system and problem solve any issues with the equipment used in the area.

General stock management and problem solving in a stores environment

Responsibility for Patient Care

  • To be responsible for carrying out all activities within MHRA Distribution Standards to ensure a quality product is delivered to the external customers or internal wards & departments.

Ensuring that all environmental monitoring is carried out and documented in the department according to procedures.

Ensuring that the storing and archiving of all documentation is done correctly to enable prompt retrieval if required.

Planning and organising

To ensure that all work is carried out in a planned and organised manner and when necessary, assists other members of the pharmacy team to maintain a satisfactory level of service.

Organise your own workload and ensure all information is cascaded appropriately.

To assist in the development of new ways of working including optimum use of computer systems and IT

Plan and organise own work schedule and work without direct supervision

Responsibilities for Physical and Financial Resources

Check that medicines are being stored correctly in the Pharmacy department and do not exceed their expiry date.

Being able to use the Pharmacy Automation system and be involved in the housekeeping and general maintenance of the machine in order to ensure it is working correctly and within requirements.

Assist in putting and replenishing stock on pharmacy shelves, maintaining good stock rotation to prevent product wastage.

Ensure that orders are assembled, checked and ready for dispatch according to procedures and schedules.

Process and maintain necessary records relating to procurement receipt and distribution activities.

Filing source documents in accordance with departmental procedures, ensuring that stored material is in good condition and readily retrievable to resolve any queries that may arise.

Maintaining an effective working relationship with all trust staff members and suppliers of goods and services to ensure the delivery of a professional service focused on achieving a high level of customer satisfaction.

Accurately issues stock to wards, departments, peripheral hospitals and external customers and clinics.

Responsibility for Policy & Service Development and Implementation

To follow all policies and procedures provided by the department and the Trust Promotes further development of the service by constructively commenting to line manager any changes/issues within procedures.

To embrace and support line management and the department in making service improvements effective within the workplace.

Any other duties appropriate to the grade which may be asked by the Procurement Manager.

Responsibilities for Human Resources and Leadership

To support new or less experienced work colleagues to adapt to the workplace.

Responsibility for Research & Training

To participate in training and development activities relevant to the job role

Responsibilities for Data and Information Resources

To collect information for statistical purposes

To review data in order to avoid unnecessary issue of medicines e.g. duplication

To assist in stocktaking procedures.

To be able to archive and retrieve data if required.

To be able to interpret any reports from EMIS relevant to the role including view logs.

To be able to interpret other software systems that are used in the day to day roles within Procurement and Distribution.

Research, Development & Audit

To assist in departmental audits

Audits and surveys own work as required.

Participates in projects of a research nature.

Physical Skills and Effort

May on occasions be asked to assist with the manual handling of heavy boxes.

After training, will be required to use the electronic delivery trucks and departmental electronic pallet trucks in movement of bulky items.

Be able to gain access to the pharmacy automation system in order to maintain its upkeep and ensure its smooth running to be able to provide medication for dispensing.

General Duties

This section is applicable to all employees of the Trust and needs to include the following points as standard.

At all times to practice in accordance with the Code of Ethics of the Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain.

To participate in any new arrangements that may involve flexible working e.g. extended hours or 7 day service.

To participate in emergency duties according to local agreement.

To participate in weekend and Bank Holiday working as required.

To provide cover when appropriate

The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment and promote safeguarding by implementing the Trusts policies and procedures, acting promptly on concerns, communicating effectively and sharing information appropriately.

If successful this vacancy will require a Standard DBS check at a cost of £26.90. This cost will be deducted from your first Trust salary

In addition to this it will be a condition of your employment that you will join the DBS update service and pay the annual subscription fee of £16.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Communications and Leadership

To communicate with all contacts effectively and efficiently both internal and external to the trust.

To communicate information to all members of the pharmacy team.

To be responsible for notifying the Procurement manager about any supply issues and assisting in a resolution.

To liaise with wholesalers and suppliers

Could communicate effectively using all types of communication including e-mail, telephone and person to person.

Communicate stock shortages and discrepancies in line with agreed procedures.

When assembling orders communicates with all pharmacy teams with regards to medicine ordering and availability matters.

To receive telephone messages from internal and external callers and deal with accordingly.

Liaise with Senior Pharmacy Support Workers and the Technical team on all matters relating to receipt and distribution of orders.

To be patient and understanding when dealing with new members of the pharmacy team.

To be responsible for the accurate completion of all documentation.

Develop good communication with customers and colleagues.

To direct any controlled drugs deliveries to an authorised member of staff.

Provide clear, correct and concise information when dealing with customers and external suppliers.

Know when to refer appropriate queries to the relevant member of the Procurement, Distribution and Homecare team or the Dispensary team.

When Competency is reached to engage in the following tasks

Independently raise and send purchase orders via EDI or email ensuring accuracy at all times.

To support receipt staff by raising credits/claims for any returns to suppliers.

Assist in routine stock taking in pharmacy.

To be responsible for checking expiry dates, correct storage and turnover of stock in a designated section of the pharmacy each month.

Direct any invoices or payment queries to the invoice clerk or the Procurement Manager.

Disposal of expired or damaged stock appropriately as per trust policy.

Ensure that the security of the Pharmacy and goods held in the Pharmacy is maintained.

To carry out physical movement of stock between Receipt, Storage and Distribution.

Competent to be able to operate the Pharmacy Automation system and problem solve any issues with the equipment used in the area.

General stock management and problem solving in a stores environment

Responsibility for Patient Care

  • To be responsible for carrying out all activities within MHRA Distribution Standards to ensure a quality product is delivered to the external customers or internal wards & departments.

Ensuring that all environmental monitoring is carried out and documented in the department according to procedures.

Ensuring that the storing and archiving of all documentation is done correctly to enable prompt retrieval if required.

Planning and organising

To ensure that all work is carried out in a planned and organised manner and when necessary, assists other members of the pharmacy team to maintain a satisfactory level of service.

Organise your own workload and ensure all information is cascaded appropriately.

To assist in the development of new ways of working including optimum use of computer systems and IT

Plan and organise own work schedule and work without direct supervision

Responsibilities for Physical and Financial Resources

Check that medicines are being stored correctly in the Pharmacy department and do not exceed their expiry date.

Being able to use the Pharmacy Automation system and be involved in the housekeeping and general maintenance of the machine in order to ensure it is working correctly and within requirements.

Assist in putting and replenishing stock on pharmacy shelves, maintaining good stock rotation to prevent product wastage.

Ensure that orders are assembled, checked and ready for dispatch according to procedures and schedules.

Process and maintain necessary records relating to procurement receipt and distribution activities.

Filing source documents in accordance with departmental procedures, ensuring that stored material is in good condition and readily retrievable to resolve any queries that may arise.

Maintaining an effective working relationship with all trust staff members and suppliers of goods and services to ensure the delivery of a professional service focused on achieving a high level of customer satisfaction.

Accurately issues stock to wards, departments, peripheral hospitals and external customers and clinics.

Responsibility for Policy & Service Development and Implementation

To follow all policies and procedures provided by the department and the Trust Promotes further development of the service by constructively commenting to line manager any changes/issues within procedures.

To embrace and support line management and the department in making service improvements effective within the workplace.

Any other duties appropriate to the grade which may be asked by the Procurement Manager.

Responsibilities for Human Resources and Leadership

To support new or less experienced work colleagues to adapt to the workplace.

Responsibility for Research & Training

To participate in training and development activities relevant to the job role

Responsibilities for Data and Information Resources

To collect information for statistical purposes

To review data in order to avoid unnecessary issue of medicines e.g. duplication

To assist in stocktaking procedures.

To be able to archive and retrieve data if required.

To be able to interpret any reports from EMIS relevant to the role including view logs.

To be able to interpret other software systems that are used in the day to day roles within Procurement and Distribution.

Research, Development & Audit

To assist in departmental audits

Audits and surveys own work as required.

Participates in projects of a research nature.

Physical Skills and Effort

May on occasions be asked to assist with the manual handling of heavy boxes.

After training, will be required to use the electronic delivery trucks and departmental electronic pallet trucks in movement of bulky items.

Be able to gain access to the pharmacy automation system in order to maintain its upkeep and ensure its smooth running to be able to provide medication for dispensing.

General Duties

This section is applicable to all employees of the Trust and needs to include the following points as standard.

At all times to practice in accordance with the Code of Ethics of the Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain.

To participate in any new arrangements that may involve flexible working e.g. extended hours or 7 day service.

To participate in emergency duties according to local agreement.

To participate in weekend and Bank Holiday working as required.

To provide cover when appropriate

The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment and promote safeguarding by implementing the Trusts policies and procedures, acting promptly on concerns, communicating effectively and sharing information appropriately.

If successful this vacancy will require a Standard DBS check at a cost of £26.90. This cost will be deducted from your first Trust salary

In addition to this it will be a condition of your employment that you will join the DBS update service and pay the annual subscription fee of £16.

Person Specification

Skills & Abilities

Essential

  • Ability to work effectively in a busy team, adjust to change and motivate others
  • Proven ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines whilst maintaining a high standard of accuracy
  • Demonstrates good communication skills
  • Good IT skills including microsoft packages
  • Ability to maintain confidenatiality
  • Respect for working colleagues, other disciplines and the public
  • Flexible approach to duties

Expereince

Desirable

  • Hospital Pharmacy Experience
  • Clerical/Admin Experience

Knowledge

Essential

  • Knowledge of work based procedures

Education and Qualification

Essential

  • Educated to GCSE level grade C or above (or equivalent) in Maths and English

Work Related Circumstances

Essential

  • Physical effort - strength to move heavy boxes
  • Good timekeeping

Desirable

  • A flexible approach to 7 day working (including weekends, evenings and bank holidays)
Person Specification

Skills & Abilities

Essential

  • Ability to work effectively in a busy team, adjust to change and motivate others
  • Proven ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines whilst maintaining a high standard of accuracy
  • Demonstrates good communication skills
  • Good IT skills including microsoft packages
  • Ability to maintain confidenatiality
  • Respect for working colleagues, other disciplines and the public
  • Flexible approach to duties

Expereince

Desirable

  • Hospital Pharmacy Experience
  • Clerical/Admin Experience

Knowledge

Essential

  • Knowledge of work based procedures

Education and Qualification

Essential

  • Educated to GCSE level grade C or above (or equivalent) in Maths and English

Work Related Circumstances

Essential

  • Physical effort - strength to move heavy boxes
  • Good timekeeping

Desirable

  • A flexible approach to 7 day working (including weekends, evenings 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.

Employer details

Employer name

Stockport NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Stepping Hill

Poplar Grove

stockport

SK2 7JE


Employer's website

http://www.stockport.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Stockport NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Stepping Hill

Poplar Grove

stockport

SK2 7JE


Employer's website

http://www.stockport.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Pharmacy Procurement Manager

Rebecca Nipper

rebecca.nipper@stockport.nhs.uk

01614195658

Details

Date posted

06 August 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 2

Salary

£24,465 a year per annum pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

362-A-25-7377111

Job locations

Stepping Hill

Poplar Grove

stockport

SK2 7JE


Supporting documents

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