Lead Pharmacy Technician – Procurement & Distribution

Band 7 Lead Pharmacy Technician – Procurement & Distribution

Banding: Band 7
Location: Cross‑site – Epsom & St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust
Start Date: ASAP
Duration: Ongoing
Hourly Rate: £28–£34 per hour (DOE)
Working Hours: 37.5 hours, Monday–Friday (with late duty, weekend & bank holiday cover on rotation)

Job Overview

Pulse is now recruiting for an experienced Band 7 Lead Pharmacy Technician – Procurement and Distribution to join a forward‑thinking NHS Pharmacy department.
This role is essential in ensuring the safe, effective and efficient delivery of medicines procurement, storage, stock control and distribution Trust‑wide.

You will provide professional leadership to the procurement and distribution teams, manage pharmacy purchasing operations, and support the ongoing development of the pharmacy computer systems (CMM). The role requires strong operational leadership skills, excellent organisational ability and experience managing complex supply chains in a hospital setting.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Management

• Provide leadership for procurement and distribution services across the Trust.
• Line manage Procurement Officers, Technicians and Stores staff.
• Lead on performance management, appraisals, training and service development.
• Support the Chief Technician for Procurement & Computer Services, deputising when required.

Procurement & Supply

• Oversee day‑to‑day purchasing, invoice queries, supplier liaison and contract compliance.
• Ensure cost‑effective purchasing practices and accurate stock control.
• Resolve drug shortages, substitutions, and supplier issues.
• Ensure safe management of unlicensed medicines and all associated documentation.
• Maintain data accuracy on the CMM pharmacy system and support future system developments.

Distribution & Stores

• Oversee safe storage, stock rotation, expiry checks and delivery processes.
• Ensure medicines are distributed efficiently and in line with Trust policies.
• Support audits, governance, quality assurance and risk management processes.

Quality, Governance & Safety

• Ensure compliance with medicines legislation, procurement guidance and financial governance.
• Investigate errors, incidents and complaints using root‑cause analysis.
• Support medication safety processes, optimisation work and formulary compliance.

Training & Development

• Train and mentor pharmacy staff, including technicians and assistants.
• Support NVQ programmes, induction and competency‑based training.
• Provide teaching sessions on procurement and distribution processes.

Qualifications & Experience

Essential:

• BTEC/NVQ Level 3 in Pharmaceutical Science (or equivalent).
• GPhC registered Pharmacy Technician.
• Significant post‑registration experience within hospital pharmacy.
• Experience in procurement, distribution or purchasing services.
• Experience using the CMM Pharmacy System.
• Strong leadership/supervisory experience.
• Understanding of finance systems, stock control and budget processes.
• Excellent communication, IT competence and organisational skills.

Desirable:

• Accredited Checking Technician qualification.
• Post‑registration management qualification.
• NVQ assessor or Educational Supervisor training.
• Knowledge of procurement regulations and contract management.

Why Choose Pulse?

• Daily payroll
• Free DBS & compliance
• Free mandatory training
• Exclusive NHS & private sector roles
• Dedicated consultant support
• Fast‑track registration
• Support with CPD & revalidation
• £300 recommend‑a‑friend bonus

How to Apply

If you're interested in this role, please contact the Pharmacy team at Pulse AHP.
Apply now or email your CV and availability.

Reasonable Adjustments

Pulse is committed to supporting individual needs. If you require adjustments during the recruitment process or while working with us, please let us know.

International Applicants

Please note: Pulse cannot currently offer visa sponsorship. Applicants must have the Right to Work in the UK.

Salary Band: 28.0 - 34.0