Job summary
- Main area
- Pharmacy
- Grade
- NHS AfC: Band 4
- Contract
- Permanent
- Hours
- Full time - 37.5 hours per week (8:45 to 17:15)
- Job ref
- 209-A-26-7755318
- Employer
- East Cheshire NHS Trust
- Employer type
- NHS
- Site
- Macclesfield District
- Town
- Victoria Road, Macclesfield
- Salary
- £27,485 - £30,162 per annum
- Salary period
- Yearly
- Closing
- 22/02/2026 23:59
Employer heading
Lead Pharmacy Procurement Officer
NHS AfC: Band 4
It is all about the people at East Cheshire NHS Trust. We have a real sense of community, and our values are truly embedded into everything we do, ensuring we are a great and inclusive place to work. You will be supported, developed and empowered throughout your career with us. Come and join us, where you can play your part in helping us deliver outstanding care and improving the health of all the people we serve.
Job overview
We are seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic individual to join our Pharmacy Procurement team.
This is an exciting opportunity to become part of a friendly, supportive and dedicated team, delivering a high-quality pharmacy procurement service within the Trust.
We are looking for someone who is:
- Methodical, reliable and highly organised
- Able to pay close attention to detail
- A strong team player with good communication skills
- Enthusiastic, motivated and committed to patient safety
We welcome applications from Graduate visa holders; it is important to note that you must have a minimum of 6 months before this expires at the start of your employment for training and operational reasons.
Non-UK or Irish applicants should check their visa and this role’s eligibility for sponsorship before applying. For further information please visit Visas and immigration - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Please be advised we are unable to provide Skilled Worker Visa Sponsorship to non-UK residents.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will be responsible for a range of procurement and stock management duties, including:
- Ordering and invoicing pharmaceutical goods
- Chasing and resolving overdue orders
- Managing and responding to supply issues
-
Maintain accurate EDI system information, uploading updated supplier data monthly and ensuring contracts are correctly matched
- Ensuring adequate stock levels are maintained to support safe and effective patient care
- Manage the workload and supervision of the procurement team, adjusting tasks based on urgency and deadlines
-
Respond to urgent medicine requests liaising with suppliers and other NHS hospitals as required. Use effective and persuasive communication skills to secure supply and negotiate delivery arrangements and charges for urgent orders.
-
Using own judgement, communicate out‑of‑stock items to pharmacy and other healthcare staff where there is a potential impact on patient care.
You must be able to work under pressure, adapt to changing priorities, and demonstrate effective problem‑solving skills, particularly when dealing with medicine supply challenges.
Working for our organisation
We are committed to providing the best quality integrated care to our patients. To achieve this aim we need highly motivated staff who are united by common values and behaviours.
We believe our workforce is our greatest asset and we actively support our staff to develop their capabilities to the full, with a variety of learning and development opportunities.
Whether you are just starting out in your career or are looking to use your skills and experience in a new role, East Cheshire NHS Trust is the right employer for you. We look forward to you joining us so that we can bring out your best.
Please be aware that this post requires a Standard DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check, the cost of which is payable by the successful candidate. If you have lived or worked abroad for 6 months or more in the last 5 years you will need to obtain an overseas police clearance. Further information can be found on the additional information links at the bottom of the advert.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please read the attached Applicant Pack prior to completing your application form to find out more information.
Please download a copy of the Job Description and Person Specification located under the Supporting documents heading to read more about the advertised role.
As part of making your application we encourage you to review the Trusts Careers webpage Careers :: East Cheshire NHS Trust for more information about working for East Cheshire NHS Trust.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome all applications irrespective of age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, race or religion. The Trust is a Disability Confident Leader and as such, applicants with disabilities will be offered an interview providing they meet the minimum criteria for the post (outlined in the Person Specification).
We understand that some applicants may choose to use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in preparing their application. While this is not discouraged, it is essential to personalise this information, particularly your supporting information section as these tools cannot fully grasp the context or requirements of the job you’re applying for. We kindly remind candidates that all submissions must be truthful and accurately reflect your own experiences and suitability for this role. Personal integrity and authenticity are central to our recruitment process and being a member of East Cheshire NHS Trust.
Applicants are advised to apply early as we reserve the right to close the advert prior to the advertised closing date should we receive a large number of applications.
We look forward to receiving your application.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
- Knowledge of professional purchasing principles acquired through NVQ level 3 or Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply (CIPS) Foundation or relevant extensive experience plus knowledge of contract law acquired through short courses and experience or equivalent
Desirable criteria
- Purchasing and invoicing within a Pharmacy setting.
- ECDL (European Computer Driving Licence) or able to demonstrate an equivalent knowledge or experience.
Knowledge & Skills
Essential criteria
- Understanding of the need for CPD (Continuing Professional Development)
- Ordering and invoicing processes and stock control.
- Ability to prioritise workload and meet deadline whilst paying attention to detail.
- Excellent communication skills both verbal and written.
- Ability to work under pressure.
- Ability to work independently using own initiative and as part of a team.
- Good computer skills and experience.
- Ability to work effectively
- Ability to proactively problem solve and monitor progress.
Desirable criteria
- Knowledge of hospital pharmacy.
- Proficient in Powergate EDI (Electronic Data System) system.
- Experience using spreadsheets and databases.
- Ability to interrogate relevant data to problem solve.
Experience
Essential criteria
- Purchasing experience and expertise in placing orders / invoicing
- Working knowledge of systems controlling purchasing e.g. electronic data interchange and ability to resolve difficulties that occur in this area.
- Customer Service experience.
Desirable criteria
- Pharmacy purchasing experience.
Other role requirements
Essential criteria
- Please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification for further details
Applicant requirements
The postholder will have access to vulnerable people in the course of their normal duties and as such this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Documents to download
Further details / informal visits contact
- Name
- Lisa Brookes
- Job title
- Service Lead Pharmacy Technician
- Email address
- [email protected]
- Telephone number
- 01625 663043
If you have problems applying, contact
- Address
-
East Cheshire NHS Trust
Macclesfield District General Hospital
People Hub, Floor 2, New Alderley House
Victoria Road
Macclesfield
Cheshire
SK10 3BL
- Telephone
- 01625 656510
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