Lead Pharmacy Technician

Overview Lead Pharmacy Technician - Technical Services (Band 7) Location: Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation Trust Department: Pharmacy Hours: Full-time/ 12 months Salary: Band 7 Accountable to: Chief Pharmacist Reports to: Deputy Chief Pharmacist The Role As the Lead Pharmacy Technician, you will play a central role in the strategic and operational management of the Pharmacy Department. Working closely with the Chief and Deputy Chief Pharmacists, you will ensure that our pharmacy services operate safely, efficiently, and in line with national standards and Trust policies. You will lead a team of highly skilled technical staff, overseeing the day-to-day running of the dispensary and ward-based technical services. This includes responsibility for staffing, recruitment, performance management, service delivery, and business continuity. You will provide a visible and accessible presence across the department, ensuring our patients, staff, and partners have confidence in the quality and safety of our services. Key to your success will be your ability to lead change, inspire others, and continually improve our systems and processes to enhance patient care. Key Responsibilities Leadership and Service Delivery: Provide strategic and operational leadership for the pharmacy dispensing and ward-based technical services. Ensure that safe, efficient, and compliant systems are in place for the dispensing, supply, and distribution of medicines. Maintain oversight of staff rotas and workload allocation, ensuring adequate cover across all service hours, including weekends and bank holidays. Manage the intelligent drug cupboards and ensure medicines storage complies with Trust and legislative standards. Act as a role model, providing visible leadership and expert guidance to technical and support staff. People Management: Lead, motivate, and develop the pharmacy technical team to deliver high-quality, patient-centred services. Conduct appraisals, set objectives, and oversee personal development plans. Manage recruitment, sickness absence, disciplinary and grievance processes in line with Trust policies. Foster a culture of learning, accountability, and professional development within the team. Clinical and Operational Excellence: Oversee the safe and cost-effective procurement, storage, and dispensing of medicines in compliance with national frameworks. Support ward-based technicians undertaking medicines reconciliation and assessing suitability for medicines reuse. Promote continuous improvement by analysing service data, implementing national guidelines, and acting on audit outcomes. Lead and report on medicines management audits and ensure learning from medication incidents. Education, Training and Development: Lead on the design and delivery of training and competency assessment for technical and support staff. Work collaboratively with external education providers to support technician training programmes. Promote Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and ensure compliance with General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) revalidation requirements. Clinical Governance and Quality: Contribute to the Trust's clinical governance agenda through participation in Health & Safety, Information Governance, Clinical Trials, and Operational Board meetings. Assist in the investigation and resolution of complaints and incidents, ensuring lessons are learned and shared. Ensure technical staff are aware of and comply with Health and Safety legislation, including COSHH and infection control standards. Support the delivery of Trust-wide quality improvement and risk management initiatives. About You We're looking for a highly organised, experienced, and motivated pharmacy technician leader with a passion for delivering outstanding patient care through effective technical services. You will hold a QCF Level 3 qualification in Pharmacy Services (or equivalent) and be registered with the GPhC. You'll have significant experience leading a team within a hospital pharmacy environment and be able to demonstrate a strong track record in managing change, service improvement, and developing others. Your communication and organisational skills will be exceptional, allowing you to manage complex workloads, prioritise effectively, and engage confidently with colleagues at all levels. You'll also bring a proactive, can-do attitude, resilience, and a commitment to driving innovation and excellence in pharmacy practice. Essential qualifications and experience include: GPhC registration as a Pharmacy Technician. Significant leadership experience within hospital pharmacy. Proven record of effective staff management, delegation, and team development. Demonstrated experience in change management, audits, and service improvement. Strong understanding of medicines management, clinical governance, and safe systems of work. Desirable attributes: A1 Assessor qualification or management qualification (Level 4 or above). Experience of teaching, training, or mentoring. Knowledge of clinical trial IMP requirements and NHS procurement processes. Our Values Care - We show compassion, empathy, and respect for everyone. Ambition - We strive for excellence and continuous improvement. Respect - We value diversity, professionalism, and integrity. Engage - We listen, collaborate, and involve others. Learn - We use evidence and experience to grow and improve. As a Trust, we are committed to equality, diversity, inclusion, and the wellbeing of our staff. We offer flexible working arrangements, career development opportunities, and a supportive environment where your contributions are recognised and valued. #J-18808-Ljbffr