Job Description

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Lead Pharmacist to provide strategic leadership for medicines procurement, stores, and distribution across the University Hospitals Liverpool Group (UHLG). This senior role is pivotal in ensuring compliant, efficient, and value-driven medicines supply, aligned with national frameworks and Trust objectives.
The successful candidate will lead a multi-site team, manage substantial budgets, and drive innovation in supply chain resilience. Responsibilities include shaping procurement policy, overseeing contract governance, and responding to medicine supply disruptions. Collaboration with regional and national networks, as well as internal and external stakeholders, is essential to optimise patient outcomes and fiscal stewardship.
Main duties of the job
The Lead Pharmacist for Procurement, Stores and Distribution will provide strategic leadership for all medicines supply chain operations across University Hospitals Liverpool Group. Key responsibilities include developing procurement strategy, managing multi-million-pound budgets, ensuring regulatory compliance (MHRA/GPhC), and leading a multidisciplinary team to maintain resilient medicine supplies. The role involves contract negotiations, supply shortage management, and implementing efficiency improvements while collaborating with clinical teams and NHS partners. Additionally, the post holder will oversee stock control systems, lead quality assurance initiatives, and contribute specialist clinical pharmacy expertise to support safe, cost-effective patient care.
About us
Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust comprises Aintree University Hospital, Broadgreen Hospital & Royal Liverpool University Hospital.
We are part of NHS University Hospitals of Liverpool Group, formed on 1 Nov 2024 from the coming together of LUHFT and Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation Trust. The Group was born from a shared aim to improve the care we provide our patients.
UHLG is one of the largest employers in the region, with over 16,800 colleagues dedicated to caring for our communities - from birth and beyond.
For the 630,000 people across Merseyside, we are their local NHS. We provide general and emergency hospital care, alongside highly specialised regional services for more than two million people in the North West.
Aintree University Hospital is the single receiving site for adult major trauma patients in Cheshire and Merseyside and hosts a number of regional services including an award-winning stroke facility. Broadgreen Hospital is home to elective surgical, diagnostic and treatment services, together with specialist patient rehabilitation. Liverpool Women's Hospital specialises in the health of women and babies, delivering over 7,200 babies in the UK's largest single site maternity hospital each year. The Royal Liverpool University Hospital is the largest hospital in the country to provide inpatients with 100% single bedrooms and focuses on complex planned care and specialist services.
For roles at Liverpool Women's, visit their careers page.
Details
Date posted
04 September 2025
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 8c
Salary
76,965 to 88,682 a year per annum
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
287-DTC-20-25
Job locations
Aintree University Hospital
Liverpool
L9 7AL
Job description
Job responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Procurement
Develop and implement the strategic vision for medicines procurement, stores, and distribution across University Hospitals Liverpool Group (UHLG).
Ensure compliance with national frameworks, MHRA regulations, and Trust policies.
Lead contract negotiations, monitor supplier performance, and drive cost efficiencies.
Oversee medicine supply resilience, including managing shortages, recalls, and alternative sourcing. Operational & Financial Management
Manage a multi-million-pound medicines budget, ensuring value for money and financial governance.
Optimise stock control systems, reducing waste and ensuring availability of critical medicines.
Monitor purchasing trends, contract adherence, and report on financial performance to senior leadership. Stakeholder Engagement & Governance
Represent UHLG at regional and national procurement forums, influencing policy and best practice.
Collaborate with clinical teams, suppliers, and NHS partners to ensure seamless medicine supply.
Lead incident investigations, risk management, and compliance with safety alerts (e.g., MHRA, CQC). Team Leadership & Service Development
Line manage the Pharmacy Operations Manager and multidisciplinary procurement teams.
Drive workforce planning, training, and professional development for staff.
Implement innovation in procurement processes and digital systems (e.g., EPMA integration). Clinical & Quality Assurance
Provide specialist clinical pharmacy input to a designated specialty (sessional basis).
Ensure safe handling of high-risk/unlicensed medicines and adherence to quality standards.
Lead audits, KPIs, and continuous improvement initiatives across procurement and distribution.
This role combines strategic oversight with hands-on leadership to ensure a reliable, cost-effective, and patient-focused medicines supply chain. Job description
Job responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Procurement
Develop and implement the strategic vision for medicines procurement, stores, and distribution across University Hospitals Liverpool Group (UHLG).
Ensure compliance with national frameworks, MHRA regulations, and Trust policies.
Lead contract negotiations, monitor supplier performance, and drive cost efficiencies.
Oversee medicine supply resilience, including managing shortages, recalls, and alternative sourcing. Operational & Financial Management
Manage a multi-million-pound medicines budget, ensuring value for money and financial governance.
Optimise stock control systems, reducing waste and ensuring availability of critical medicines.
Monitor purchasing trends, contract adherence, and report on financial performance to senior leadership. Stakeholder Engagement & Governance
Represent UHLG at regional and national procurement forums, influencing policy and best practice.
Collaborate with clinical teams, suppliers, and NHS partners to ensure seamless medicine supply.
Lead incident investigations, risk management, and compliance with safety alerts (e.g., MHRA, CQC). Team Leadership & Service Development
Line manage the Pharmacy Operations Manager and multidisciplinary procurement teams.
Drive workforce planning, training, and professional development for staff.
Implement innovation in procurement processes and digital systems (e.g., EPMA integration). Clinical & Quality Assurance
Provide specialist clinical pharmacy input to a designated specialty (sessional basis).
Ensure safe handling of high-risk/unlicensed medicines and adherence to quality standards.
Lead audits, KPIs, and continuous improvement initiatives across procurement and distribution.
This role combines strategic oversight with hands-on leadership to ensure a reliable, cost-effective, and patient-focused medicines supply chain.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• Vocational Masters Degree in Pharmacy
• One year pre-registration training and experience, meeting the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain's examination requirements
• Member of the General Pharmaceutical Council of Great Britain
• Diploma or MSc in Clinical Pharmacy or equivalent experiential learning

Desirable

• Leadership/ Management Qualification or equivalent experiential learning

Skills
Essential

• Computer Literate - ability to use a range of media including excel, word powerpoint
• Good, detailed knowledge of appropriate legislation relating to pharmacy services: production and quality assurance
• Excellent written communication skills

Experience
Essential

• Significant experience as a qualified hospital pharmacist within a range of clinical areas, and significant experience within medicines management or a named clinical specialty
• Experience in management and supervision of other staff
• Experience of education and training of other staff
• Experience in a variety of clinical specialties
• Experience in risk management and incident investigation

Other
Essential

• Enthusiasm for the position
• Methodical with attention to detail
• Demonstrable commitment to continuing professional development / education
• Enthusiasm for the position

Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• Vocational Masters Degree in Pharmacy
• One year pre-registration training and experience, meeting the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain's examination requirements
• Member of the General Pharmaceutical Council of Great Britain
• Diploma or MSc in Clinical Pharmacy or equivalent experiential learning

Desirable

• Leadership/ Management Qualification or equivalent experiential learning

Skills
Essential

• Computer Literate - ability to use a range of media including excel, word powerpoint
• Good, detailed knowledge of appropriate legislation relating to pharmacy services: production and quality assurance
• Excellent written communication skills

Experience
Essential

• Significant experience as a qualified hospital pharmacist within a range of clinical areas, and significant experience within medicines management or a named clinical specialty
• Experience in management and supervision of other staff
• Experience of education and training of other staff
• Experience in a variety of clinical specialties
• Experience in risk management and incident investigation

Other
Essential

• Enthusiasm for the position
• Methodical with attention to detail
• Demonstrable commitment to continuing professional development / education
• Enthusiasm for the position

Skills Required