Principal Pharmacy Technician

Job overview

Working at both the Epsom and St Helier Hospitals as required, you will be responsible for the development, management and day to day running of the Pharmacy Stores, Distribution and Procurement teams, ensuring consistent systems are introduced across the Trust sites.

Working closely with the other principal technician in stores and procurement and with the medicines management team you will be responsible for maintaining DOHSC and local contracting information on the pharmacy CMM system to ensure compliance.

The post holder will deputise for the Pharmacy Computer System Manager, working  to improve and maintain the system.  Previous experience in using the CMM system is essential.

You must be a highly motivated and innovative GPhC registered Pharmacy Technician with good organisational and communication skills and the ability to work both independently and as a member of a team. You must also demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills and be able to motivate colleagues and undertake assessments and staff appraisal.  You must have excellent time management and be able to adapt to the ever changing demands of a busy hospital pharmacy store.

Although this role is based in the procurement stores and distribution department there is a requirement to participate in the weekend and bank holiday rota which is dispensary based!

We are a technician led service and we support and encourage personal development

Main duties of the job

The main duties of the role include but are not limited to

To supervise and co-ordinate the distribution team, working in accordance with standard operating procedures, in conjunction with the Senior Pharmacy Stores Assistant(s).

To oversee and participate in the running of the Pharmacy Purchasing Office.   To participate in and ensure the safe and efficient receipt, storage and distribution of pharmaceuticals.  To participate in the ordering of pharmaceutical products and liaise with pharmaceutical manufacturers/wholesalers to ensure the resolution of associated problems e.g. outstanding orders, drug shortages, substitutions, pricing queries.

To supervise the stock control processes e.g. KTAKEM, within the pharmacy stores.

To oversee stock list maintenance, amending lists following approval by the ward/senior pharmacist and following contract/supplier changes.

To maintain and update all CMM pharmacy computer system and Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) contract files, ensuring they reflect current contract prices.

To contribute to and participate in the training, development and appraisal programme for pharmacy staff in particular that related to pharmacy assistants and procurement officers and plan and implement the training programme to meet NVQ Level 2 for pharmacy assistants.

To inform the shortages Team of any long term problems with the availability of medicines.  To contribute to and participate in the training and development programme for pharmacy staff..

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Please see job description for a more detailed expectation of the post holder including the person specification.