Job Description

Are you a visionary pharmacy leader passionate about improving mental health services through medicines optimisation? Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (NSFT) is seeking a dynamic and experiencedChief Pharmacist and Clinical Director for Medicines Optimisationto lead our pharmacy services and drive strategic improvements in medicines management across the Trust.
This is a pivotal role offering the opportunity to shape the future of pharmaceutical care in mental health, working closely with executive leadership, clinical teams, and external partners.
Main duties of the job
About YouYou will be a registered pharmacist with:

• A Master's degree in Pharmacy.
• Membership of the General Pharmaceutical Council and Royal Pharmaceutical Society.
• A postgraduate clinical qualification and formal leadership/management training.
• Extensive experience in NHS pharmacy leadership, ideally within mental health.
• Strong analytical, communication, and strategic planning skills.
• A commitment to NSFT's values: Team, Accountable, Learn and Improve, Kind.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic leadership of pharmacy services and medicines optimisation across NSFT.
• Professional lead for medicines governance, safety, and compliance.
• Accountable Officer for Controlled Drugs.
• Oversight of the Trust's formulary, prescribing policies, and medicines optimisation group.
• Lead on pharmacy input into the Trust's Efficiency, Value and Improvement (EVI) programme.
• Management of pharmacy budgets and workforce planning.
• Championing quality improvement, clinical governance, and patient safety initiatives.

About us
Here at NSFT we pride ourselves on being a welcoming, talented, friendly and supportive team who like nothing better than sharing experiences and learning from each other. In addition to ongoing training and development opportunities, we are committed to providing an environment in which you can thrive.
Why work for us? We have challenges as a Trust, but we have ambitious aspirations, are pushing ahead with exciting transformation work and we need dedicated individuals to support us on our journey. We have strong, established professional networks coupled with an exceptional leadership team who will ensure you are truly cared for and cared about.
Why Norfolk and Suffolk? The people here are warm and welcoming, you'll never be far from the beautiful coastline or Broads National Park. We're an hour and a half away from London and have an international airport in Norwich too. Our villages, towns and cities are packed full of history, independent cafes, shops and theatres. We have excellent shopping, eating out, top ranking schooling and affordable house prices too.
Details
Date posted
08 October 2025
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 9
Salary
109,179 to 125,637 a year gross per annum (pro rata).
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
246-COR7413763
Job locations
County Hall
Norwich
NR1 2DH
Job description
Job responsibilities
This role involves regular travel across Trust sites and participation in strategic meetings. You will be expected to lead service development, respond to complex clinical and governance issues, and represent the Trust at regional and national forums.
Apply NowIf youre ready to make a lasting impact on mental health services and lead a high-performing pharmacy team, wed love to hear from you. Job description
Job responsibilities
This role involves regular travel across Trust sites and participation in strategic meetings. You will be expected to lead service development, respond to complex clinical and governance issues, and represent the Trust at regional and national forums.
Apply NowIf youre ready to make a lasting impact on mental health services and lead a high-performing pharmacy team, wed love to hear from you.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• Master's degree in pharmacy
• Formal management or leadership qualification
• Demonstrates continual professional development

Desirable

• MBA or MSc relevant to management
• Non-medical prescribing qualification

Expereince
Essential

• Extensive pharmacy and NHS management experience

Desirable

• Previous experience as a Chief Pharmacist

Knowledge
Essential

• Knowledge of medicines legislation

Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• Master's degree in pharmacy
• Formal management or leadership qualification
• Demonstrates continual professional development

Desirable

• MBA or MSc relevant to management
• Non-medical prescribing qualification

Expereince
Essential

• Extensive pharmacy and NHS management experience

Desirable

• Previous experience as a Chief Pharmacist

Knowledge
Essential

• Knowledge of medicines legislation

Skills Required