Job Description

For more information on the and Responsibilities please click the link below. More detail about the role We are seeking a dynamic and experienced pharmacy leader to join our team as Associate Director of Pharmacy North Based at North Devon District Hospital in Barnstaple, you will play a pivotal role in delivering safe, effective, and innovative pharmacy services across the Northern area of the Trust. As a senior member of the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust Pharmacy leadership team, you will work closely with the Chief Pharmacist, Senior Pharmacy Team, Care Group leadership team, clinical colleagues and managers to ensure high standards of clinical governance, medicines optimisation, and operational delivery. This role is Band 8C and offers an exciting opportunity for a future aspiring Chief Pharmacist to develop their skills in a smaller department while being supported by an experienced leadership team.



You will lead and support the North Devon team through integration and service development to improve patient outcomes. Key responsibilities include: Leadership & Strategy: - Develop and implement pharmacy strategies for the Northern locality in alignment with the Trusts overall objectives. - Provide expert advice to the Trust Board, senior managers, and clinical teams on medicines management and regulatory compliance. - Lead on service redesign and innovation to improve patient experience and clinical outcomes.

Operational Management: - Manage and oversee pharmacy operations across hospital and community settings, ensuring efficient use of resources. - Ensure compliance with legal, regulatory, and professional standards, including medicines governance and controlled drug regulations. - Lead on workforce planning, recruitment, retention, and staff development. Clinical Governance: - Ensure systems are in place to monitor the safe prescribing, dispensing, and administration of medicines.



Lead on medicines safety and incident investigations, working closely with governance and quality teams. Financial Accountability: - Oversee pharmacy budgets and deliver cost-effective medicines use while maintaining high standards of care. - Provide leadership on formulary management, medicines optimisation, and cost-improvement initiatives. This is a highly visible senior leadership role, providing the opportunity to shape the future of pharmacy services in North Devon.

Royal Devon is committed to integrating hospital and community care, and pharmacy is at the forefront of this transformation. You will be expected to: Work across organisational boundaries to support integrated care systems (ICS) and partnerships with primary care, community services, and local commissioners. Develop and support advanced clinical pharmacy services, including consultant pharmacist roles and specialist pathways. Lead major change programmes, including digital innovations such as electronic prescribing and medicines administration (EPMA).



Represent pharmacy at Trust-level committees, external networks, and national forums. If you are relocating to North Devon for this role, we can offer either an annual accommodation allowance or a relocation allowance (the former for those renting a property and the latter for those buying a property). Weekly Working Pattern: 37.5 hours per week. Monday to Friday Interview Date: Thursday 13th November 2025 For further information please contact: Tracey Foss, Chief Pharmacist on tracey.foss@nhs.net or 01392 406039 As an inclusive employer, the Royal Devon values diversity and is committed to creating a culture of inclusivity where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential.



We believe in fostering a sense of belonging and actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities. We recognise the advantages of having a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve. Preference will be given to staff with Priority and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon. The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust reserves the right to close vacancy when sufficient applications have been received.



The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust was established in April 2022, bringing together the expertise of both the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust and Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust. Benefits We will work together to maintain a culture that develops and supports you and your team. This might include funding for a care certificate, a degree or leadership qualifications. Or it might include days off to study, engage in CPD or rotational placements to help you hone your skills.



Wherever you are heading in the NHS, we'll help you get there. Looking after you is important to us. We strive to help our staff create a healthy work-life balance through flexible working schemes and our family friendly policies. If you're starting out in the NHS, you'll start with 27 days paid annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising to 33 days plus bank holidays.



You'll benefit from access to our own comprehensive occupational health services, including counselling, onsite wellbeing activities and groups. Salary is not the only financial benefit You'll have access to an extensive range of staff discounts on shopping, fitness and leisure options and you can spread the cost of technology and home appliance purchases from major retailers. You will also have access to other benefits including: National discount services such as the Blue Light Card and Health Service Discounts. Salary sacrifice options including our OFSTED rated outstanding nursery onsite at Exeter Car lease schemes.



The NHS Pension scheme (one of the most generous and comprehensive in the UK). Cycle to work scheme These are just a few of the benefits available if the role is something you are interested in, we'd love to hear from you.