Deputy Lead Pharmacy Technician – Procurement

Job summary

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Deputy Lead Pharmacy Technician with a strong procurement background to join our Pharmacy Procurement team.

You will lead the safe, effective and efficient delivery of pharmacy procurement, including managing medicine shortages, overseeing purchasing, and ensuring robust invoicing processes. Working closely with Procurement, Stores and Distribution leads, you will support continuity of patient care and deliver cost-effective outcomes. You will also line manage the purchasing and invoicing team, supporting development and maintaining a high-performing service.

Key duties include producing monthly reports, maintaining accurate procurement data, monitoring contract compliance, managing off-contract spend and claims, and supporting the Cost Improvement Programme (CIP) by identifying risks and implementing savings. You will ensure stock accuracy, manage supply disruptions, and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, finance teams and regional networks.

Candidates must have proven medicines procurement experience, strong organisational and analytical skills, and experience leading teams. A proactive, solution-focused approach is essential. We offer a supportive environment, development opportunities, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on patient care and NHS resources.

Main duties of the job

1. Organise and line manage the Pharmacy Purchasing and Invoicing teams across allLUHFT sites. Provide support and deputise for the Technical Services Manager asrequired.2. Monitor and manage Commercial Medicines Unit pharmacy contracts and be responsiblefor ensuring the Pharmacy stock control system is kept up to date with the latestinformation.3. Monitor current and forecasted supply disruptions, liaising with the Procurement Pharmacistand taking necessary actions to ensure the safe and effective management of issuesimpacting on the Trust.4. Co-operate with all pharmacy staff in providing and developing an efficient andcomprehensive pharmaceutical service for patients of Liverpool University HospitalsFoundation Trust5. Work in collaboration with the Pharmacy Stores Managers and supervise staff working in thePharmacy Store as necessary.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Pharmaceutical Science or equivalent with appropriate underpinning knowledge.
• Registration with General Pharmaceutical Society

Desirable

• BTEC level 4 Diploma in Dispensing Accuracy Checking / equivalent

Experience

Essential

• Demonstrable previous experience of working as a technician leader in a busy pharmacy environment.
• Experience of working in a purchasing environment including medicine ordering and contract management.

Desirable

• Previous experience of working in a pharmacy stores environment, providing a ward stock service

Knowledge

Essential

• Extended knowledge of the Pharmacy stock control system and other IT systems used in pharmacy purchasing.

Desirable

• Extended knowledge of JAC/Wellsky/CMM

Skills

Essential

• Ability to use IT programmes and packages to support role
• Excellent attention to detail

Other

Essential

• Evidence of continuous professional development
• Willingness to be flexible and able to work between sites at short notice
• Enthusiasm for the position
• Enthusiasm for service development and innovation.
• Willingness to undertake further training as necessary

Skills

Essential

• Ability to use IT programmes and packages to support role

Other

Essential

• Willingness to be flexible and able to work between sites at short notice.
• Enthusiasm for the position.
• Enthusiasm for service development and innovation.
• Willingness to undertake further training as necessary

Experience

Essential

• Proven record in managing change
• Experience of working in a multidisciplinary team
• Development and review of SOP
• Human resources experience. Utilisation of departmental and trust policies to manage staff.

Desirable

• Appraising staff
• Experience of identifying and driving cost savings through good purchasing practice
• Experience of responding to and co-ordinating actions from medicine recall notifications
• Experience of recruitment process
• Experience of leading meetings

Knowledge

Essential

• Demonstrable knowledge of Pharmacy contracts, Frameworks and other purchasing related agreements
• Knowledge of external bodies pertaining to purchase of medicines and their role in hospital pharmacy procurement.
• Knowledge of MHRA regulations for procurement of Unlicensed Medicines.

Desirable

• Knowledge of invoicing processes and terms of sale to NHS trusts.

Skills

Essential

• Ability to create, maintain and analyse reports
• Ability to solve complex technical problems.
• Ability to review and adapt as and when circumstances dictate.
• Ability to provide expert technical advice to a range of healthcare professionals within the trust and externally
• Excellent organisational and time management skills
• Ability to prioritise workload for self and the team
• Logical thought process
• Assertiveness
• Have a pro-active approach
• Articulate and confident when communicating with others
• Self-motivating and able to motivate/inspire others
• Ability to work effectively under pressure whilst continuing to deliver key targets

Closing Date: 10 August 2026