North Bristol NHS Trust
Job summary
The Specialist Pharmacy Service (SPS) National Quality Assurance (QA) Service is an expert advisory service that supports the principles of medicines optimisation by the development and championing of best practice and by ensuring continuous improvement through the implementation of quality risk management systems in NHS medicines manufacturing, preparation and NHS supply chain management.
The SPS QA Function provides specialist advice relating to the quality of medicines to NHS pharmacy professionals to support safe patient care.
As the Deputy Regional Quality Assurance Pharmacy Specialistyou will support the Regional QA Team to deliver the QA service to the Southwest (SW) region.
This will involve supporting the delivery of the national medicines optimisation agenda by providing specialist leadership and quality assurance advice at a national, regional and local level.
While the role is hosted by NBT, there is an opportunity for home-based working. The role involves a considerable amount of travel, principally within the SW region but also to other areas of the UK.
Main duties of the job
Providing quality assurance advice to improve the safety of all medicines preparation, manufacture and distribution (licensed and unlicensed activity) in NHS organisations
Developing, contributing to, implementing and monitoring compliance of quality standards for the safe use of medicines
Providing highly complex specialist QA advice and support to NHS organisations and networks on a range of specialist topics
Developing best practice guidance and resources
Aseptic Preparation Audits
Support the SW Regional Quality Assurance Lead in providing leadership and developing the technical service workforce
Procurement Support to National and Regional Contracting of Medicines
Research and innovation, service development
Regional Quality Assurance Team – Deputy professional oversight and line management
Person Specification
Education/Training/Qualification
Essential
- A course accredited by the General Pharmaceutical Council to allow registration as a “Pharmacist” or “Pharmacy Technician”, or a relevant science degree. Education to Masters level, or equivalent.
- Registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council or relevant professional body as a “Pharmacist” or “Pharmacy Technician”, or a relevant Healthcare Scientist registration e.g. Royal Society of Chemistry.
- Post Graduate Diploma or equivalent in relevant aspect of pharmaceutical sciences
Desirable
- Qualified Person (QP)
Work Experience
Essential
- A significant number of years’ experience of providing Quality Assurance and Quality Management services to MHRA licensed units and/or those operating under a Section 10 exemption
- Strategic planning, organisation and service management experience of pharmacy Quality Assurance or technical services in the NHS
- Proven experience of working at a strategic level with senior clinicians and managers across the wider health community
- Experience and understanding of NHS finances
- Experience and knowledge and of current pharmaceutical analysis (Chemical, Physical and Microbiological) of both an innovative and routine nature.
Desirable
- Experience of auditing hospitals, manufacturers and suppliers including ensuring that agreed action plans are implemented
- Experience of developing and delivering education and training programmes
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
Essential
- In depth knowledge and experience of the quality factors affecting medicines and their impact on safety and efficacy for patients
- In depth knowledge of quality systems, GMP, GDP, MHRA standards, the Medicines Act and other relevant legislation and guidance
- Ability to resolve complex problems relating to product quality and patient safety
- Ability to act independently on own initiative and work effectively as a team and across teams
- Communicate and negotiate effectively at national (DHSC, pharmaceutical industry, MHRA etc), regional and local level
- Ability to motivate, co-ordinate, advise and monitor both regionally and nationally
- Ability to promote, work with and achieve change within hospital pharmacy departments within the Region in order to meet national guidelines and regional advice
- Computer literate and ability to interpret results and statistics
- Full UK driving licence/ability to travel to sites across the SW region and nationally
- In depth knowledge and experience of the quality factors affecting medicines and their impact on safety and efficacy for patients
Desirable
- Knowledge and experience of Quality control testing of medical gases from both cylinders and pipeline systems
Personal Qualities/Special Circumstances
Essential
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Proven facilitative leadership skills including ability to chair meetings at regional and national level
- Professional and personal integrity including a recognised equitable approach
- Visionary and ability to motivate others
Closing Date: 19 July 2026
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