Job summary
- Main area
- Pharmacy
- Grade
- NHS AfC: Band 6
- Contract
- Permanent
- Hours
- Full time - 37.5 hours per week
- Job ref
- 282-SB1926
- Employer
- The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust
- Employer type
- NHS
- Site
- The Royal Marsden - Sutton
- Town
- Sutton
- Salary
- £45,953 - £54,254 pro rata per annum including outer London HCAS
- Salary period
- Yearly
- Closing
- 02/11/2026 23:59
Employer heading
Lead Pharmacy Technician - SDU
NHS AfC: Band 6
Job overview
1.1. To lead the effective and safe daily running of the SACT Distribution Unit (SDU) to ensure a safe service provision and to maintain and develop the highest standards of patient-focused care and according to the needs of the Trust.
1.2. To be responsible for the management of procurement, storage, dispensing and distribution of Batch and Patient Specific (PS) products to all areas of the Royal Marsden.
1.3. Monitor relevant key performance indicators accurately through audit and report on a weekly/monthly basis e.g. workload turnaround times, error monitoring, workload figures, wastage report and capacity.
1.4. Be responsible for staff allocation in response to changing workload and service delivery requirements. Ensuring that relevant rota for SDU is developed and adhered to e.g. day-to-day tasks, evening and weekend shifts are covered if applicable.
1.5. To work closely with Aseptic Operations Manager, Pharmacy Stores Manager, General Stores Manager, Pharmacy Systems Manager and the Chief Technicians, Aseptic Services.
1.6. Lead communication with outsourced suppliers, proactively addressing and resolving issues, monitoring service delivery, and ensuring agreed standards and requirements are maintained.
Main duties of the job
2.1 Be responsible for leading and managing staff across both RMH sites in the co-ordination and the daily running of the SDU in procurement, storage, dispensing and distribution of batch and patient specific products to all areas of the Royal Marsden.
2.2 Ensure appropriate levels of staff are always available to meet daily operational commitments by maximising skill mix, in line with agreed frameworks for leave.
2.3 Manage and prioritise own workload, using initiative and working proactively to balance individual responsibilities with the operational needs and priorities of the service.
2.4 To work closely with the Aseptic Team across both sites to ensure patients receive the highest standard of service deliverance.
2.5 Attend and actively participate in all relevant meetings associated with the role, contributing to discussions and actions as required.
2.6 Identify and deal with problems on a day-to-day basis and escalate any operational issues within an appropriate time frame to resolve workflow issues promptly.
2.7 Participate in auditing the service to ensure best practice is being followed.
2.7 Actively display team performance metrics and communicate any changes in service delivery to the immediate and wider hospital teams.
2.8 To oversee that Batch/PS doses are dispensed and delivered to the correct day unit/ward in good time ahead of patient’s chair time
Working for our organisation
The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust is a world-leading cancer centre. Our role is to offer our patients the best cancer care available anywhere in the world, and to continue to make a global contribution to finding better ways of diagnosing and treating cancer. We employ over 4,500 staff in a diverse range of careers including nursing, medical, science, radiography, pharmacy, occupational therapy, finance and administrative services. We have two hospitals – one in Chelsea, London, and one in Sutton, Surrey – as well as a Medical Daycare Unit in Kingston Hospital.
At The Royal Marsden, we deal with cancer every day, so we understand how valuable life is. When people entrust their lives to us, they have the right to demand the very best. That's why the pursuit of excellence lies at the heart of everything we do.
At the heart of the hospital is our dedicated team. We offer a stimulating and dynamic working environment, a wide range of staff benefits, learning and development opportunities and clear career pathways. There are opportunities to work flexibly across a range of areas and specialities and we welcome flexible working requests from point of hire to support employees work life balance. We are looking for employees who aspire to excellence, share our values and can play a crucial role in our on-going achievements.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Manage batch stock levels, including the regular review and maintenance of PAR levels, and proactively identify and implement solutions to line changes and supply issues relating to Batch and PS products.
2.11 Liaise with relevant stakeholders in adding of new lines to EPIC following the required authorisation requirements.
2.12 Be responsible for expiry and stock check reviews for batch lines to actively minimise wastage.
2.13 Undertake weekly monitoring and maintenance of high-cost stock lines to minimise avoidable wastage and attend the monthly Pharmacy Waste Meeting to review waste trends, identify issues and support appropriate actions.
2.14 Ensure minimum stock levels are maintained for all batch lines by regularly reviewing outstanding orders, proactively liaising with and chasing suppliers, and communicating with Aseptic Services regarding any out-of-stock or supply issues.
2.15 Together with the procurement / stores team, co-ordinate and manage the processing and payment of invoices in a timely manner and ensure RMH accounts are kept in good standing in liaison with the Pharmacy Systems Manager and Finance Accounts Payable team.
2.16 Undertake supply review meetings with the main suppliers.
2.17 Take responsibility for the accurate and timely filing, retention and archiving of all relevant documentation in accordance with Trust requirements and procedures.
2.15 Ensure Standard Operating Procedures are regularly reviewed and monitored and comply with external standards e.g., ‘Good Dispensing Practice’ guidance from the GPhC and audit them regularly to ensure they are being followed, to maintain high standards and ensure staff are made aware of any changes.
2.16 Handle and investigate errors and complaints appropriately ensuring they are reported and referred appropriately to senior management.
2.17 Undertake duties and responsibilities in all activities of the SDU according to Standard Operating Procedures and participate in the checking process as an Accredited Checking Pharmacy Technician.
2.18 To monitor equipment within the SDU and report any problems promptly and assist in their correction.
2.19 To ensure the appropriate storage and accurate expiry records of Batch and PS doses are kept up to date and archived for future reference.
2.20 To be responsible for the collection of KPI’s, workload figures and other management information.
2.21 To assist in all aspects of internal and external audit of the SDU, including audits of current practice, and development of service improvement strategies.
2.22 To assist in the investigation of Trust Incidents (DATIX) of outsourced products.
2.23 To ensure good communication between SDU and other members of pharmacy and the healthcare teams.
2.24 Identify areas within the SDU to increase operational efficiency and/or cost-saving initiatives
Management / Leadership and Education & Training Responsibility
2.25 All posts with responsibility for managing staff are expected to lead, motivate, develop and reward staff and are required to comply with the Trust’s policies and Manager’s Code of Conduct in the following areas:
2.25.1 Be responsible for the effective recruitment and selection of new staff in line with the Trust's Recruitment Code and Recruitment & Selection Processes and Standards.
2.25.2 Ensure staff are appraised annually and have regular 1:1’s with clear objectives which link to department, care group or corporate objectives and a personal development plan.
2.25.3 Ensure performance issues are dealt with in an appropriate and timely manner and follow the Trust’s Disciplinary or Capability Procedures where formal action is necessary
2.26 Responsible for sickness absence monitoring including HR meetings, Occupational Health referrals and completion of return-to-work interviews.
2.27 To act as a role model for other technicians and staff.
2.28 Oversee the training and accreditation in processes of Technicians and ATOs working within the SDU and identify training and development needs of staff in line with departmental and Trust objectives.
2.29 Organise induction programmes in advance for new starters and trainees to ensure training is completed within a set time frame.
2.30 Take responsibility for ensuring all staff leave is accurately recorded and maintained on HealthRoster in a timely manner, in accordance with Trust procedures.
2.31 Maintain and update training records for all staff trained within the SDU.
2.32 Be responsible for ensuring statutory and mandatory training compliance.
2.33 Be an Educational and/or Practice Supervisor for training programmes e.g. Accuracy Checking Pharmacy Technician (ACPT) and Pre-registration Trainee Pharmacy Technicians (when appropriate) on call pharmacists
2.34 To ensure all personal have knowledge and training of ICH-GCP guidelines, UK and EU legislation is kept up-to-date and ensure all staff adhere to these guidelines and legislations.
2.35 Assist in the provision of 1:1 technical training for all pharmacy technicians and assistants, identifying any staff training needs and liaising with the Pharmacy Education and Training Team.
2.36 Liaise with technical staff and other section managers about relevant staff development projects.
2.37 Assist in the facilitation of CPD for staff.
2.38 Develop professional knowledge and competence by attending in-house as well as external training programmes as appropriate and identified as part of your appraisal/PDP.
General
2.39 Participate in late/early shifts and Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday rotas as required to meet service provisions and requirements for 7-day working. The Pharmacy is in a transitional period and moving over to a 7-day service, therefore staff are required to participate in a 7-day service which includes the requirement to work weekends, late shifts and bank holidays
2.40 Be familiar with procedures and activities of other internal departments within the pharmacy and their potential interactions with the SDU activities.
2.41 Strive to identify any areas for Quality improvement and actively engage in the department’s wider quality improvement agenda.
2.42 Observe and comply with the Trust's policies and procedures for Health and Safety ensuring the environment in which you and your staff work is safe, clean and tidy.
2.43 Comply with standard infection control precautions to prevent or minimise the spread of micro-organisms and communicable diseases to patients, staff and surrounding community.
2.44 Observe and continually promote equal opportunities in compliance with the Trust's policies on Equality and Diversity and Dignity at Work.
2.45 Ensure the benefits to patients are maximised through careful, economical and appropriate use of NHS resources including equipment, property, money, time, etc.
2.46 As requested, undertake any other duties consistent with the nature of the post, which may vary from time to time.
Person specification
Education/Qualifications
Essential criteria
- NVQ/QCF level 3/BTEC in Pharmaceutical Sciences or equivalent
- Registered Technician with GPhC
- Regional Accredited Checking Pharmacy Technician
Desirable criteria
- Practice supervisor/Educational supervisor certificate / Train the Trainer or equivalent
Experience
Essential criteria
- Significant experience post qualification as a pharmacy technician
- Experience of supervising others and providing feedback for development
- Education & training of staff
- Experience or organising a service on a day-to–day basis
- Experience of holding regular team meetings
- Experience of giving feedback and communicating outcomes to the wider team
Desirable criteria
- Staff management experience as a senior technician
- Working knowledge/experience of writing and reviewing SOPs
- Experience of implementing change
- Experience of recruitment
- Knowledge and understanding of the principles of Good Clinical Practice
- Knowledge of chemotherapy and safe handling requirements of cytotoxic drugs.
Applicant requirements
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.
Documents to download
Further details / informal visits contact
- Name
- Sarah Easton
- Job title
- Aseptic Operations Manager
- Email address
- [email protected]
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