Chief Pharmacist

Job summaryAre you seeking a new and exciting leadership challenge in pharmacy?Do you want to join a team committed to delivering cutting-edge pharmacy services and practices with high end‑user satisfaction?We're looking for an experienced aspiring Chief Pharmacist to join our forward‑thinking Trust. Berkshire Healthcare is a CQC Outstanding trust and a Global Digital Exemplar, and we are proud to be one of only eight trusts nominated as an Advanced Trust, ranked third nationally among Mental Health & Community Trusts in the new NHS league tables, and have the highest score in staff surveys for staff recommending us as a great place to work.As Chief Pharmacist for services across Berkshire in mental health, community, and primary care, you'll:Lead a team of 47 WTE staff, managing a £3M budgetOversee Operational Services, including medicines procurement, supply, transport, & Clozapine clinicsLead Medicines Optimisation Services, covering safety, education & training, digital prescribing, advanced clinical pharmacy, medicines information, & governanceWork closely with acute providers, commissioners, external partners & academic collaboratorsDeliver innovative, system‑wide medicines optimisation enhancing patient careChief responsibilities include:Provide strategic leadership on all aspects of medicines optimisation across the Trust.Advise the Chief Executive, Medical Director, Trust Board, and clinical services on pharmaceutical policy and practice.Lead pharmacy staff, including operational, clinical, and medicines information teams, ensuring high‑quality service delivery.Oversee safe and effective management of controlled drugs as the Trust's Accountable Officer.Support the Clozapine Service, clinical trials, and implementation of NICE technology appraisals.Develop partnerships with ICBs, acute trusts, commissioners, and academic institutions to improve system‑wide prescribing.Manage the pharmacy budget, procurement, and medicines information services, ensuring cost‑effectiveness and patient safety.Ensure clinical governance, audit, and risk management standards are met across all pharmacy services.Drive digital innovation, quality improvement initiatives, and workforce development across the pharmacy team.Qualifications and ExperienceRegistered UK pharmacist with a post‑graduate clinical/mental health pharmacy qualification.Substantial post‑registration experience, including multi‑disciplinary leadership and service development.Expertise in medicines optimisation, budget management, and NHS governance frameworks.Strong strategic, analytical, and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence across complex organisations.Evidence of continual professional development and compliance with GPhC CPD on‑line record system.Experience of setting up new services, negotiating and liaising with managers, managing staff, working in multi‑disciplinary/partnership teams, liaising with clinicians and stakeholders, and working within Mental Health / Community Health Services organisations.Further Information and ApplicationWe strongly encourage you to review how you meet the criteria in the person specification and write about this point‑by‑point in your supporting statement for the best chance of being shortlisted.We welcome a conversation about flexibility and any other questions you may have. Please do not hesitate to contact Tolu Olusoga, Medical Director, by emailing: Michelle.Jones@berkshire.nhs.uk. We’ll be delighted to help.Note: we may close this role earlier than the advertised closing date, so please submit your application as soon as possible.BenefitsFlexible working options to support work‑life balance27 days' annual leave rising with service + opportunity to buy and sellGenerous NHS pension schemeExcellent learning and career development opportunities'Cycle to Work' and car leasing scheme including electric vehiclesAccess to a range of wellbeing tools and servicesDiscounts at hundreds of popular retailers and restaurantsStaff networks for race, diversity, disabilities, the environment and armed forces community to support equalityGenerous maternity, paternity, adoption and special leaveFree parking across Trust sitesLocationProspect Park Hospital, Honey End Lane, Reading, RG30 4EJEqual Opportunities and InclusionWe are committed to equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community. Our commitment to inclusion is reflected in our accreditations: Race Equality Matters Silver Trailblazer, Neurodiversity in Business Corporate Member, Disability Confident Leader, Carer Confident Level 2, and the Armed Forces Covenant Gold Award. Reasonable adjustments will be provided to candidates as needed. #J-18808-Ljbffr