Pharmacy Procurement & Homecare Administrator in North East

We offer an exciting opportunity for a suitably qualified, enthusiastic and motivated individual to join our Pharmacy Procurement team. In this role, you will be responsible for the effective, safe and timely procurement of medicines for use across the Trust. You will ensure invoices are processed accurately for payment in accordance with Trust standing financial instructions (SFI) and will play a key part in monitoring stock levels, resolving supply issues and supporting the smooth running of daily operations. We are looking for someone who is committed to delivering a high quality service, demonstrates a professional attitude and works well as part of a team.

Main duties of the job

• To work closely with the Senior Pharmacy Procurement and Homecare Technician and other members of the pharmacy team to ensure safe and efficient procurement and homecare services are maintained.
• To use the pharmacy ordering system to ensure timely:
• Ordering and receipt of medicines
• Recognition of issues with the pharmacy drug file
• Reconciliation of invoices
• To ensure that all outstanding orders are followed up on a regular basis to reduce the risk of medicines being out of stock. Any stock problems encountered must be effectively communicated within the procurement team.
• Facilitate and communicate with other members of the wider pharmacy team and other healthcare professionals, regarding problems or issues with stock.

Job responsibilities

• Ensure that any problems on receipt of goods are dealt with in a timely manner (including return to suppliers, damaged and short‑dated stock).
• Input into and follow all agreed local procedures with regards to procurement and homecare processes to ensure process is efficient and accurate.
• Utilise the automatic ordering system in a timely and effective manner to produce purchase orders.
• Ensure all orders are raised and authorised in a timely manner.
• When appropriate, challenge requests for non‑formulary items or medication that is orphan (has been deactivated on the pharmacy system).
• Discuss any reasons why supply problems cannot be resolved with the Senior Procurement Pharmacy Technician.
• As directed by senior members of the procurement and homecare team, contact manufacturers and wholesalers to gain information regarding individual products or services.
• Deal with telephone enquiries to either resolve the enquiry directly or ensure the efficient transfer to an appropriate person, ensuring prompt and efficient action.
• Process and reconcile invoices in line with agreed processes to ensure timely payment by finance.

Special Requirements

• Able to travel across Trust sites to meet the requirements of the post.

Qualifications

• English and Maths (Grade C and above) (or equivalent).
• Basic NHS Purchasing Knowledge.
• L2 Certificate in Pharmacy Service Skills.
• Level 2 Certificate in Business & Administration.

Special Skills & Knowledge

• Good computer and keyboard skills.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Basic understanding of stock management.
• Be organised, methodical and accurate in approach to tasks and able to demonstrate this approach in a busy environment.
• Have attention to detail, ownership and pride in own work.
• Excellent communication skills for dealing with people both internal and external to the Trust.
• Good time keeping and ability to work under pressure.
• Knowledge of drugs and their uses.
• Evidence of personal development.
• Experience of databases and spreadsheets.

Experience

• Experience of working in a team.
• Experience of dealing with people.
• Experience of working under pressure.
• Previous experience of working in a purchasing or finance environment.
• Previous experience of working in a hospital or retail pharmacy.
• Working knowledge of live pharmacy stock control systems.

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.

About us

We provide hospital services from two acute sites – Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham. We have a centre for planned care in Bishop Auckland and provide care from community hospitals in Chester-le-Street, Shotley Bridge, Barnard Castle, Sedgefield and Weardale as well as over 80 other community‑based settings and providing care in patients' homes. Our recruitment policy particularly welcomes applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as these groups are currently under‑represented.