Job summary
Are you a passionate secondary care, primary care or community pharmacist looking tomake a meaningful impact beyond traditional pharmacy settings? At NHS PrescriptionServices, we're seeking a Specialist Pharmacist to join our dynamic team -- acollaborative group of pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, data analysts and managers atthe intersection of healthcare policy and data capture and evaluation.
As a Specialist Pharmacist, you'll thrive in a multidisciplinary environment, working alongsidetechnical experts and other professional colleagues across the business. While not in a linemanagement role, you'll play a pivotal part in supporting and guiding teams, contributingyour professional insight to help shape national healthcare systems. You'll be uniquelypositioned to advise external stakeholders -- including DHSC, NHS England, andmanufacturers and suppliers of medicines and medical devices -- helping them navigateNHS Prescription Services' systems and processes with clarity and confidence.
This role offers a rare opportunity to build a distinctive skill set at the intersection ofpharmacy and related NHS policy. You'll gain exposure to high-impact projects, developstrategic thinking, and grow your professional network -- empowering you to shape yourcareer in a way that reflects your values, ambitions, and expertise.
The role is hybrid working, largely remotely with at least one regular face-to-face workingday each week, usually on a Thursday in Newcastle upon Tyne.
Main duties of the job
In this role, your expertise will make a measurable difference. You'll be empowered to shape how medicines and devices are represented and accessed within the NHS, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and usability for healthcare professionals and patients alike. You'll also contribute to the broader success of the NHSBSA -- supporting its strategic goals, driving performance, and helping improve national health outcomes.
We're looking for a dedicated, GPhC-registered pharmacist with experience in NHS secondary care / primary care / community pharmacy. You'll be self-motivated and able to manage your workload effectively. You'll enjoy learning, embrace challenges, and be keen to grow your expertise in a supportive, knowledge-sharing environment.
While you'll initially seek guidance from colleagues, you'll quickly develop the confidence to work collaboratively and independently making pragmatic, well-reasoned decisions that support key business processes. You'll be adaptable, stakeholder-focused, and able to handle sensitive information with professionalism and discretion.
About us
Here at the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA), what we do matters.We manage the NHS Pension scheme, process prescription payments and much more. Our services are used by NHS organisations, contractors and the public: we're proud to be part of something meaningful, that touches millions of lives.We design our services around customer needs and place people at the heart of our organisation. That's why when you join us, you'll be empowered and supported to help your career grow.As one of the UK's Best Big Companies to work for, we're connected to our values: Collaborative, Adventurous, Reliable and Energetic. We care about our people, our purpose, and your progress.We strive to offer a fantastic colleague experience, where every colleague is heard, supported and respected. Wellbeing, diversity and inclusion is at the centre of this, and you can join our Lived Experience Networks who help us bring our authentic selves to work.We're committed to being a flexible employer and we try to offer a working pattern that suits you where possible, through hybrid working, flexible hours and more.Alongside a competitive salary with pay progression, we offer a people-centric benefits package, connecting you to the rewards and benefits you value most!Ready to join us in delivering business service excellence to the NHS, helping people live longer, healthier lives? Apply today and see where the NHSBSA can take you.We are people connected to care.
Job description
Job responsibilities
In this role, you are accountable for
1. Translating complex pharmacy and medicine law, NHS Regulations, the Drug Tariff and allied publications, as they affect the NHSBSA, providing specialist expertise in the form of pharmaceutical knowledge and support to NHS Prescription Services and the wider NHSBSA.
2. Ensuring the quality of the information held on the NHS Dictionary of Medicines and Devices (dm+d) and in the Drug Tariff by providing advice on the interpretation of data relating to medicinal products and medical devices.
3. Leading on the delivery of projects to manage business change across NHS Prescription Services. Occasional travel may be required.
4. Responsibilities relating to both long- and short-term planning for designated area and for positively driving forward the development, management and performance of NHS Prescription Services in accordance with the NHSBSA Business Plan and Strategy.
5. Responsibilities relating to the implementation of policy, procedure and service development to support Department of Health and Social Care initiatives and providing input to routine and ad-hoc management team meetings defining the NHSBSA policy and service development.
6. Providing advice and support to effectively influence external organisations [e.g. dm+d Content Committee (chaired by the Department of Health and Social Care) and the Part IX Drug Tariff Forum], manufacturers and suppliers of pharmaceutical products and medical devices, thus enabling the effective provision of the NHSBSAs products and services. This will include the provision of complex and/or contentious reports as appropriate.
7. Providing evidence based critical analysis of complex clinical data to support the maintenance of the Drug Tariff Part IX process for managing products available to prescribe in primary care in England and Wales.
8. Participating actively in the development of new/revised products and services enabling organisational capacity improvements and associated efficiencies. This includes the specification of requirements, development of the product/service and the formulation of, and participation in, user acceptance testing activities.
9. Demonstrating a commitment to develop flexible matrix working such that the broad base of skills and experience of all staff are utilised to maximum benefit of the organisation and individual.
10. Participating in NHSBSA wide working groups appropriate to the post holders expertise and experience.
11. Contributing to budget setting function for activities within area of responsibility. An authorised signatory for expenditure (requisitions, Invoices, expenses and payroll) up to £1,000.
Job description
Job responsibilities
In this role, you are accountable for
1. Translating complex pharmacy and medicine law, NHS Regulations, the Drug Tariff and allied publications, as they affect the NHSBSA, providing specialist expertise in the form of pharmaceutical knowledge and support to NHS Prescription Services and the wider NHSBSA.
2. Ensuring the quality of the information held on the NHS Dictionary of Medicines and Devices (dm+d) and in the Drug Tariff by providing advice on the interpretation of data relating to medicinal products and medical devices.
3. Leading on the delivery of projects to manage business change across NHS Prescription Services. Occasional travel may be required.
4. Responsibilities relating to both long- and short-term planning for designated area and for positively driving forward the development, management and performance of NHS Prescription Services in accordance with the NHSBSA Business Plan and Strategy.
5. Responsibilities relating to the implementation of policy, procedure and service development to support Department of Health and Social Care initiatives and providing input to routine and ad-hoc management team meetings defining the NHSBSA policy and service development.
6. Providing advice and support to effectively influence external organisations [e.g. dm+d Content Committee (chaired by the Department of Health and Social Care) and the Part IX Drug Tariff Forum], manufacturers and suppliers of pharmaceutical products and medical devices, thus enabling the effective provision of the NHSBSAs products and services. This will include the provision of complex and/or contentious reports as appropriate.
7. Providing evidence based critical analysis of complex clinical data to support the maintenance of the Drug Tariff Part IX process for managing products available to prescribe in primary care in England and Wales.
8. Participating actively in the development of new/revised products and services enabling organisational capacity improvements and associated efficiencies. This includes the specification of requirements, development of the product/service and the formulation of, and participation in, user acceptance testing activities.
9. Demonstrating a commitment to develop flexible matrix working such that the broad base of skills and experience of all staff are utilised to maximum benefit of the organisation and individual.
10. Participating in NHSBSA wide working groups appropriate to the post holders expertise and experience.
11. Contributing to budget setting function for activities within area of responsibility. An authorised signatory for expenditure (requisitions, Invoices, expenses and payroll) up to £1,000.
Person Specification
Personal Qualities, Knowledge and Skills
Essential
- 1.Able to critically appraise and interpret highly complex clinical data and form a judgment from the comparison of a range of options.
- 2.Has a thorough understanding of NHS reimbursement and remuneration policy.
- 3.Able to use word processing, spreadsheet, and presentational IT packages to produce complex and, at times, highly sensitive reports.
- 4.Able to lead others, including in the management of performance and delivery of outcomes, in non-line management relationships.
- 5.Able to formulate plans which cover a range of complex activities including target setting and prioritisation of activities.
- 6.Able to concentrate intensively, using significant discretion in decision making activities.
- 7.Proactive and personally motivated
- 8.Self-aware, flexible and adaptable
- 9.Thrives on change.
- 10.Excellent communication and presentation skills with the ability to explain fundamental concepts including areas with highly complex and contentious subject matter.
- 11.Able to motivate, persuade and negotiate in non-line management relationships.
Desirable
- 1.Understanding of pharmaceutical coding, classification and nomenclature systems.
- 2.Understanding of the pharmaceutical logistics chain and product life cycle.
- 3.Familiarity with Microsoft IT packages.
- 4.Knowledge of NHS Information Systems and NHS geographical structure.
Experience
Essential
- 1.Extensive experience working as pharmacist.
Desirable
- 1.Worked within the NHS in primary or secondary care.
Qualifications
Essential
- 1.Vocational Master's degree in Pharmacy or equivalent
- 2.Pre-registration training
- 3.Member of the General Pharmaceutical Council.
Desirable
- 1.Post graduate qualification.
- 2.Member of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society
Person Specification
Personal Qualities, Knowledge and Skills
Essential
- 1.Able to critically appraise and interpret highly complex clinical data and form a judgment from the comparison of a range of options.
- 2.Has a thorough understanding of NHS reimbursement and remuneration policy.
- 3.Able to use word processing, spreadsheet, and presentational IT packages to produce complex and, at times, highly sensitive reports.
- 4.Able to lead others, including in the management of performance and delivery of outcomes, in non-line management relationships.
- 5.Able to formulate plans which cover a range of complex activities including target setting and prioritisation of activities.
- 6.Able to concentrate intensively, using significant discretion in decision making activities.
- 7.Proactive and personally motivated
- 8.Self-aware, flexible and adaptable
- 9.Thrives on change.
- 10.Excellent communication and presentation skills with the ability to explain fundamental concepts including areas with highly complex and contentious subject matter.
- 11.Able to motivate, persuade and negotiate in non-line management relationships.
Desirable
- 1.Understanding of pharmaceutical coding, classification and nomenclature systems.
- 2.Understanding of the pharmaceutical logistics chain and product life cycle.
- 3.Familiarity with Microsoft IT packages.
- 4.Knowledge of NHS Information Systems and NHS geographical structure.
Experience
Essential
- 1.Extensive experience working as pharmacist.
Desirable
- 1.Worked within the NHS in primary or secondary care.
Qualifications
Essential
- 1.Vocational Master's degree in Pharmacy or equivalent
- 2.Pre-registration training
- 3.Member of the General Pharmaceutical Council.
Desirable
- 1.Post graduate qualification.
- 2.Member of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society
Additional information
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
