At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead day-to-day manufacturing activities in our Pharmacy Manufacturing Unit.
- Company: Join a dynamic NHS Trust focused on innovation and patient care.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working hours, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Exciting growth opportunities with a focus on staff wellbeing and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in healthcare while developing your leadership and technical skills.
- Qualifications: Qualified technician with experience in aseptic compounding and team management.
The predicted salary is between 41957 - 50387 £ per year.
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- Band 6 - Specialist Production Technician, Pharmacy
- Band 6
- Main area Specialist Production Technician Grade Band 6 Contract Permanent Hours
- Full time
- Flexible working
37.5 hours per week Job ref 360-C-11603 Department name West Herts - General Staffing Site Watford General Hospital Town Watford Salary £41,957 - £50,387 pa inc HCA Salary period Yearly Closing 17/08/2026 23:59
Job overview
We are seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic Production Technician to play a key role in supporting the leadership of our Pharmacy Manufacturing Unit at Watford General Hospital.
The successful candidate will take the lead in the day-to-day manufacturing activities, with a goal of delivering a high-quality service to our patients.
This is an exciting opportunity to develop your leadership, management and Technical Services skills, whilst embracing digitalisation.
The Pharmacy Manufacturing Unit holds an MHRA Manufacturer’s “Specials” License for its activities.
We are looking for a qualified technician with relevant post qualification experience in hospital preparative services to join our small, friendly team.
You must have experience of aseptic compounding, production (non-sterile), staff supervision, team working and work planning.
You will act as an expert witness for Science Manufacturing Technician (SMT) students.
Our department fosters a stimulating and friendly environment, providing a professionally rewarding setting for staff to enhance their technical expertise.
This is a full-time, permanent position based primarily at Watford General Hospital.
Participation in weekend, bank holiday and emergency duty rotas will be required.
Full details will be discussed at interview.
Main duties of the job
To prepare products appropriately, efficiently and cost effectively within the unit by strictly adhering to departmental procedures and in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), MHRA and all other relevant pharmaceutical guidelines related to aseptic dispensing (production).
To provide technical support to the Pharmacy Production/Aseptic Services.
To manage the department on a day-to-day basis.
To line manage Pharmacy Technical Services staff.
To maintain the Pharmaceutical Quality Systems within the technical services department.
To support meeting financial expectations for income generation and expenditure reduction targets within the department.
To support the technical and strategic development of the Technical Services department ensuring service provision and quality is of an excellent standard.
To ensure maintenance of the pharmacy manufacturing unit facilities (including monitoring, calibration, validation and general maintenance) is carried out.
Working for our organisation
With a new hospital planned for Watford, work underway to update theatres at St Albans City Hospital and plans for a neighbourhood healthcare centre in Hemel Hempstead, this is an exciting time to join us.
We are building on the success of our award-winning virtual hospital and re-imagining models of care, working closely with partners and making the most of advances in digital healthcare.
Staff wellbeing and development are a priority, as is the role of innovation in improving clinical care, outcomes and patient experience.
Our vision is Excellent patient care, together and our values are to be empowered, compassionate, professional and inclusive.
They capture an important balance across what we must all do as individuals and to support others.
If you are a Service Leaver, Veteran, Military Reserve, Cadet Force Adult Volunteer, or partner/spouse of those serving please tick "Member of the Armed Forces Community" on the application form.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
The post holder will work closely with the Technical/Cancer Services pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and pharmacy assistants, pre-registration pharmacists and all other pharmacy staff, medical, nursing staff, cancer unit staff and other staff, clinical pharmacists, QC/QA staff, maintenance contractors and the general public.
We provide opportunities for education and training and support continuing professional development.
Please refer to the attached job description and person specification for a full list of duties and details about the role.
Person specification
Education and qualifications
- NVQ (3), BTEC or SMT in Pharmaceutical Sciences or equivalent.
- Postgraduate qualification relating to Preparative Services or Quality Assurance.
- Registered with the GPh C or other professional body.
- Accredited Checking Qualification.
- Other postgraduate qualifications relevant to pharmacy practice, such as management or education & training qualifications.
Knowledge
- Specialist knowledge of the principles of GMP and QA in a manufacturing environment.
- Specialist knowledge of Pharmaceutical Quality Systems.
- Specialist Knowledge of pharmaceutical audit and validation.
- Computer and IT competent.
- COSHH Regulations and Health and Safety at Work Act.
- Need for confidentiality.
- Good Dispensing Practice.
- Familiarity with standard chemotherapy regimens.
- EMIS (Ascribe) Pharmacy System.
- BD Cato.
- Chemo Care.
- Q-Pulse.
Experience
- Demonstrate ability to deliver induction and competency-based training of staff within Technical Services.
- Developing training packages & writing procedures.
- Advanced use of e-mail, internet, MS Windows, MS Word, MS Excel, MS Power Point.
- Practical experience and involvement with MHRA audit.
- Capacity modelling of a unit.
- Preparation of and writing reports.
- Setting and implementing quality standards.
- Production/Aseptic experience.
- Experience of implementing change.
- Experience of staff selection, recruitment, and performance appraisal.
- Assessor/ Tutor to SMT student technicians.
- Use of capacity monitoring tool.
- Managerial experience.
West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust provides acute healthcare services to a core catchment population of approximately half a million people living in west Hertfordshire and the surrounding area.
The Trust also provides a range of more specialist services to a wider population, serving residents of North London, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and East Hertfordshire.
As an employer of nearly 6,000 people the Trust is one of the biggest employers in the area and sees nearly a million patients each year.
Employer certification / accreditation badges
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
- Application numbers
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Band 6 - Specialist Production Technician, Pharmacy in Watford employer: Westhertshospitals
West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation and staff wellbeing are at the forefront. With exciting developments underway, including a new hospital in Watford and a commitment to professional growth, employees can thrive in a culture that values collaboration, accountability, and compassionate care. Join us to make a meaningful impact on patient outcomes while enjoying flexible working arrangements and opportunities for career advancement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Band 6 - Specialist Production Technician, Pharmacy in Watford
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We think you need these skills to ace Band 6 - Specialist Production Technician, Pharmacy in Watford
Some tips for your application 🫡
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How to prepare for a job interview at Westhertshospitals
✨Understand the Science
Make sure you brush up on key pharmaceutical concepts and recent developments in the industry. You might get asked some technical questions during the interview at Westhertshospitals that show your grasp of drug development processes or regulatory requirements, so be ready to discuss them clearly.
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In a full-time pharmaceutical role, understanding the regulatory landscape is crucial. Prepare for situational questions that may test your problem-solving skills concerning compliance and safety standards. You could be asked how you'd handle a hypothetical issue regarding a drug’s market release, so think through your approach.
