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- Tasks: Lead the Pharmacy Distribution Service and manage efficient medicine distribution.
- Company: UCLH is a leading NHS trust known for exceptional patient care and innovative research.
- Benefits: Enjoy a dynamic work environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Join a forward-thinking team dedicated to improving healthcare services and making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Must be an experienced Pharmacy technician or Pharmacist with strong leadership skills.
- Other info: This role supports sustainability initiatives, aiming for net zero emissions by 2040.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced and motivated Pharmacy technician or Pharmacist to lead our Pharmacy Distribution Service. The ideal candidate will be forward-thinking, with a strong commitment to delivering exceptional service to our customers and, ultimately, our patients. This newly created role comes as part of a restructuring initiative within Pharmacy Distribution Centre at University College London Hospitals (UCLH). UCLH operates an offsite pharmacy warehouse, which holds a wholesaler license with the MHRA and is licensed by the Home Office to supply controlled drugs. The unit manages an annual expenditure of over £210 million.
The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing the efficient distribution of medicines and managing the Brewery Road site. They will also serve as the Deputy Responsible Person (RP) for the MHRA Wholesaler License. In addition to providing medicines to all areas of UCLH, the service extends to multiple external customers, including other local NHS trusts. The post-holder will also assist the Director of Pharmacy Operations in maintaining and developing pharmacy services across the Trust as part of a strategic working group.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the strategic development of pharmacy medicines distribution services to UCLH and external customers, aligning with local, regional, and national requirements and priorities.
- Develop and implement a distribution strategy to ensure efficient, cost-effective delivery of medicines that meet quality standards, are available when needed, and provide the best value for money.
- Deliver an effective, high-quality medicines distribution service in compliance with all professional and regulatory standards, supporting UCLH NHS Foundation Trust and relevant external clients.
- Communicate complex information both internally within the pharmacy and externally with regulators (MHRA, Home Office). Strong communication and negotiation skills will be essential to influence decision-making.
- Take responsibility for site management, including oversight of all on-site equipment and facilities.
- Build and maintain proactive strategic relationships with stakeholders, including suppliers, NHS partners, commissioners, and NHS bodies such as NHS Improvement.
- Train and develop the team to provide an expert, high-quality, stakeholder-focused service.
- Oversee Pharmacy Distribution services, which involve managing orders and approving invoices worth approximately £210 million annually.
University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (UCLH) is one of the most complex NHS trusts in the UK, serving a large and diverse population. We provide academically led acute and specialist services, to people from the local area, from throughout the United Kingdom and overseas. Our vision is to deliver top-quality patient care, excellent education, and world-class research. We provide first-class acute and specialist services across eight sites: University College Hospital (incorporating the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Wing), National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Royal National ENT and Eastman Dental Hospitals, University College Hospital Grafton Way Building, Royal London Hospital for Integrated Medicine, University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre, The Hospital for Tropical Diseases, University College Hospital at Westmoreland Street.
We are dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of many complex illnesses. UCLH specialises in women’s health and the treatment of cancer, infection, neurological, gastrointestinal and oral disease. It has world-class support services including critical care, imaging, nuclear medicine, and pathology. We are committed to sustainability and have pledged to become a carbon net zero health service, embedding sustainable practice throughout UCLH. We have set an ambitious target of net zero for our direct emissions by 2031 and indirect emissions by 2040.
For further details / informal visits contact:
Name: Andrea Ridley
Job title: Director of Pharmacy Operations
Operational Manager – Pharmacy Distribution - Deputy RP & Site Manager employer: University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Contact Detail:
University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operational Manager – Pharmacy Distribution - Deputy RP & Site Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific regulations and standards set by the MHRA and Home Office. Understanding these guidelines will not only help you in the interview but also demonstrate your commitment to compliance and safety in pharmacy distribution.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the pharmacy distribution field, especially those who have experience with NHS trusts. Engaging with current employees or attending relevant industry events can provide insights into the role and may even lead to a referral.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your strategic vision for pharmacy services during the interview. Think about how you would align distribution strategies with local and national priorities, as this will show your forward-thinking approach and leadership capabilities.
✨Tip Number 4
Highlight your experience in managing large budgets and overseeing complex operations. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed resources and improved service delivery in previous roles, as this is crucial for the position.
We think you need these skills to ace Operational Manager – Pharmacy Distribution - Deputy RP & Site Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Thoroughly read the job description for the Operational Manager position. Make sure you understand the key responsibilities and required skills, particularly around pharmacy distribution and regulatory compliance.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in pharmacy management, distribution services, and any leadership roles you've held. Emphasise your commitment to quality service and stakeholder engagement.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for pharmacy services and your strategic vision for the role. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully managed similar responsibilities in the past.
Highlight Communication Skills: Since strong communication and negotiation skills are essential for this role, provide examples in your application of how you've effectively communicated complex information to various stakeholders in previous positions.
How to prepare for a job interview at University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
✨Understand the Role Thoroughly
Before the interview, make sure you have a solid grasp of the responsibilities and expectations for the Operational Manager role. Familiarise yourself with UCLH's pharmacy distribution services and their strategic goals, as this will help you demonstrate your alignment with their vision.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a potential leader in the Pharmacy Distribution Service, be prepared to discuss your previous experiences in managing teams and projects. Highlight specific examples where you successfully led initiatives that improved service delivery or operational efficiency.
✨Prepare for Regulatory Discussions
Given the importance of compliance with MHRA and Home Office regulations, be ready to discuss your knowledge of these standards. Prepare to explain how you would ensure adherence to these regulations while maintaining high-quality service delivery.
✨Demonstrate Strong Communication Abilities
Effective communication is key in this role, especially when dealing with stakeholders and regulators. Be prepared to provide examples of how you've communicated complex information clearly and influenced decision-making in your past roles.
