Operational Manager, Deputy RP & Site Manager

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 the 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.

Main duties of the job:

• 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.
• Lead investigations and resolution of Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA) to ensure compliance with Good Distribution Practice regulations.

Knowledge and Qualifications:

• Registered Technician or Pharmacist with GPhC.
• Relevant management underpinning knowledge/postgraduate studies or equivalent (or working towards).
• Demonstrable post-qualification experience in the NHS sector – preferably in a Pharmacy Distribution role.
• Knowledge of finance systems and budget control processes.
• Demonstrable significant post-qualification work in an operational management capacity.
• MHRA Gold standard qualification.

Skills and Abilities:

• Identifies novel ways of working to enhance services.
• Ability to analyse and critically appraise operational data.
• Ability to utilise database and other software packages to enhance work efficiency and to generate solutions to complex problems.

Values:

• Demonstrate ability to meet Trust Values of safety, kindness, teamwork and improving.

Personal and People Development:

• Demonstrates ability to work and lead a multi-disciplinary team.
• Previous experience in delivering education and training at a postgraduate level.

Responsibilities towards promoting Equality Diversity and Inclusion:

• Demonstrable understanding of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion and/or Knowledge of NHS obligations under the Equality Act 2010 and the Public Sector Equality Duties Act 2010.

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.

UCLH recognises the benefits of flexible working for staff and has a dedicated policy which allows staff to apply for flexible working right from the beginning of employment.