Deputy Production Manager/ Advance Therapy Aseptic Unit specialist

UCLH is one of the most complex NHS trusts in the UK, serving a large and diverse population from the local area and throughout the United Kingdom and overseas. The Trust mission is to deliver top-quality patient care, excellent education and world-class research. With the expansion of the Production team, this newly updated position offers a broad and in-depth experience within the Production department. This is a new senior leadership position responsible for the operational management and strategic development of our new Advance Therapy Aseptic Unit.

Main duties of the job

• Lead and develop the new ATAU service at UCLH in line with GMP and national regulatory standards
• Oversee delivery, quality and release of gene therapy and clinical trial products
• Drive innovation, R&D, and the introduction of new production lines
• Build and manage EPIC product builds, worksheets and EHR pathways
• Deputise for the Principal Pharmacist Production Manager, contributing to trust-wide projects and governance

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Applicants must be registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) and possess significant experience in pharmacy production, including demonstrable management and leadership responsibilities. Previous experience working with the Epic electronic health record system is highly desirable. The post holder will provide effective and professional leadership to a multidisciplinary team of technical staff within the Production Unit. Strong interpersonal skills, clear and timely communication, and a comprehensive understanding of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) are essential requirements for this role.

Person specification

Knowledge and Qualifications

• Essential criteria: Master's degree in pharmacy (MRPharm) or equivalent; Pharmacist Registration with the General Pharmaceutical Council; Specialist Qualification in Pharmaceutical Technical Services, e.g. PTQA MSc or equivalent experience and expertise
• Desirable criteria: Membership of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain; Higher degree and/or knowledge of Gene Therapy treatment and related regulations (PhD or research MSc); Formal management/leadership qualification (or equivalent)

Experience

• Essential criteria: Demonstrable significant post qualification work in hospital pharmacy practice and production unit, including aseptic manufacturing; Previous assessable experience of managing an Advance Therapy/Gene Therapy Unit; Previous assessable experience of delivering training and education at graduate or post-graduate level.
• Desirable criteria: Experience of working with electronic prescribing systems e.g. Epic; Previous experience of setting up electronic worksheets and/or systems

Skills and Abilities

• Essential criteria: Demonstrated ability to manage routine out of specification results and incidents and develop and review action plans to resolve these; Demonstrated ability to manage and deliver a research and development agenda; Ability to be flexible and manage change in a complex and challenging healthcare environment (staff and service); Leads GMP audit and demonstrable evidence of use of GMP audit to improve practice

Communication

• Essential criteria: Able to communicate complex, contentious, and sensitive information effectively when using clear written and spoken English; Ability to communicate effectively with colleagues at all levels both within and beyond pharmacy and the trust; Leads by example, promoting the highest standards of personal and professional conduct, integrity and probity.

Personal and People Development

• Essential criteria: Awareness of the needs of confidentiality; Demonstrated ability to manage load handling issues and ensure manual handling risk assessments for all activities within production; Management skills, experience of managing people and teams; Experience of delivering training and supervising staff/teams

Specific Requirements

• Desirable criteria: Demonstrated ability to undertake validated aseptic manipulation requiring fine and accurate motor skills and concentration; Demonstrated ability to sit or stand in a restricted position at a laminar flow cabinet or isolator for periods of the working time.

At UCLH, we have a real 'One Team' ethos, and our values - safety, kindness, teamwork and improving, are central to the way we work. We are committed to being a diverse and inclusive employer, with a culture that creates a real sense of belonging and trust. Applications are encouraged from candidates of all backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives to support our world class research, innovation and creativity.

We offer our permanent staff an interest free season ticket loan for travel, access to free independent and confidential support, large retail discounts, a staff discount platform, cycle to work scheme and on-site accommodation. Additionally, UCLH Arts and Heritage's staff wellbeing programme, Creative Comfort, offers a variety of ways to engage with the arts as a member of UCLH staff.

This vacancy may close before the current listed closing date. You are advised not to delay submitting your completed application. Please note that all correspondence regarding your application will be via email.