Job Description

About Us

We are an independent, family-owned pharmacy that has proudly served our local community for over 90 years. Whilst rooted in tradition, we remain focused on the future--continuously evolving our services, systems, and ways of working to meet the changing needs of our patients.

At the heart of our pharmacy is a commitment to safety, quality, and patient-centred care. Our team members are trusted professionals who bring positivity, ownership, and accountability to their roles. We actively encourage contribution, innovation, and continuous professional development.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and professional Community Pharmacy Counter Assistant to join our team. This role is fundamental to the daily operation of our pharmacy, providing essential support to both patients and colleagues whilst maintaining the highest standards of customer service and professionalism.

As a Counter Assistant, you will be the first point of contact for many of our patients, playing a vital role in ensuring a welcoming, efficient, and safe environment. Your experience and judgement will be valued as we continue to develop our services and enhance the patient experience.

Be Part of Our Team

This is an opportunity to:

- Work in a well-established pharmacy that values professionalism and patient care

- Use your experience to support the smooth running of pharmacy operations

- Contribute ideas to improve patient experience and service delivery

- Be part of a supportive team environment where your contribution is recognised

- Develop your skills and knowledge through ongoing training and support

You will work alongside pharmacists, technicians, and dispensers, with your professionalism and experience genuinely valued.

Key Responsibilities

- Provide excellent customer service to all patients and visitors, ensuring a welcoming and professional environment

- Process over-the-counter (OTC) sales in accordance with legal requirements and pharmacy protocols, referring appropriately to the pharmacist when required

- Handle NHS and private prescription queries, liaising with surgeries, patients, and the dispensary team as needed

- Operate the till system accurately, processing payments and managing transactions in line with cash handling procedures

- Support the dispensary team during busy periods, including labelling, assembling prescriptions (where trained), and general dispensary duties

- Assist with stock management, including shelf replenishment, date checking, stock rotation, and maintaining merchandising standards

- Handle queries regarding pharmacy services, signposting patients appropriately and promoting relevant NHS and private services

- Maintain cleanliness and organisation of the retail and customer-facing areas

- Support the delivery and collection service, ensuring accurate record-keeping

- Adhere to patient confidentiality requirements and pharmacy SOPs at all times

- Contribute to a positive team culture through effective communication and collaboration

Minimum Service & Operational Expectations

- Maintain a consistently high standard of customer service, ensuring patients feel welcomed, supported, and confident in the service provided

- Support efficient workflow by managing the counter and front-of-shop operations effectively, minimising wait times and patient dissatisfaction

- Work collaboratively with the wider team to ensure smooth daily operations and effective service delivery

What We're Looking For

Essential:

- Minimum of three years' experience working as a Counter Assistant in a UK community pharmacy

- Strong knowledge of OTC medicines, pharmacy procedures, and relevant legislation

- Excellent customer service and communication skills

- Professional, reliable, and able to work independently

- Confident handling patient queries and knowing when to refer to the pharmacist

- IT proficiency with pharmacy PMR systems and general computer use

- Strong attention to detail and ability to work accurately under pressure

- A team player with a positive, proactive attitude

Desirable:

- Experience supporting the delivery of NHS pharmacy services (e.g., Pharmacy First, vaccinations)

- Interest in ongoing training and development

- Experience in a busy or evolving pharmacy environment

What We Offer

- Permanent Counter Assistant role

- Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience

- Hours: 40 contracted hours per week across six days (including alternating Saturdays)

Working Pattern:

- Monday-Friday: 09:00-17:30 (with 1-hour unpaid break)

- Saturday: 09:00-14:00 (alternating weeks)

- Sunday: Closed

Benefits:

- 28 days annual leave (inclusive of bank and public holidays), accrued daily

- Auto-enrolment into the Statutory Pension Scheme (opt-out available)

- 20% employee discount following successful completion of probation

- Ongoing training and development opportunities

- A supportive environment that values professionalism, judgement, and contribution

Probation & Pre-Employment Requirements

- Three-month probation period

- Continued employment subject to successful completion of probation

- Satisfactory references covering your previous three years of employment

Why Join Us?

You will be joining a respected, long-established pharmacy where your experience and professionalism will be valued. This is an opportunity to be part of a team that takes pride in delivering high-quality patient care in a supportive and forward-thinking environment.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you are an experienced Community Pharmacy Counter Assistant who takes pride in delivering excellent patient service and wants to be part of a professional, supportive team, we would be delighted to hear from you.????????????????

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Permanent

Pay: From 12.21 per hour

Expected hours: 37.5 - 40 per week

Benefits:

Company pension Store discount
Work Location: In person