About this role
Job summary
The Dispensary Manager is responsible for the effective day-to-day management and operation of the pharmacy dispensary, ensuring the safe, accurate and timely dispensing and supply of medicines in accordance with NHS policies, professional standards, legal requirements and organisational procedures.
The post holder will lead and support the dispensary team, oversee workflow and staffing, maintain high standards of medicines management, and ensure that patients receive a safe, efficient and patient-centred pharmacy service. The role involves working closely with pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, dispensary staff, clinical teams and other healthcare professionals to support the delivery of high-quality patient care.
Main duties of the job
Manage the day-to-day operation of the dispensary, ensuring safe, accurate and timely dispensing and supply of medicines.
Coordinate workflow, prioritise workload and allocate staff resources to maintain an efficient service.
Lead, supervise and support dispensary staff, including induction, training, competency development and performance management.
Ensure compliance with relevant legislation.Promote medicines safety by ensuring dispensing errors and near misses are reported, investigated and used to improve practice.
Oversee stock control, ordering, storage, stock rotation, expiry-date monitoring and the management of shortages and waste.
Maintain accurate records and support audits, inspections, risk assessments and quality improvement initiatives.
Monitor service performance, identify operational issues and implement improvements to efficiency and patient experience.
Liaise with pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, prescribers and other healthcare professionals to resolve dispensing and supply issues.Ensure appropriate handling and security of medicines, including controlled drugs where applicable.
Support the implementation of new policies, procedures, systems and service developments.
Ensure staff work within their competence and scope of practice, escalating clinical concerns to an appropriately qualified pharmacist.
Contribute to resource planning and the delivery of a safe, effective and patient-centred pharmacy service.
About us Overview of the Dispensary
The dispensary service at Alvaston Medical Centre operates across our two sites in Alvaston and Aston-on-Trent, playing a vital role in supporting the health and wellbeing of our patients. Our team provides a safe, efficient and patient-centred medicines supply service, working closely with GPs, clinical pharmacists, nurses and the wider practice team to ensure patients receive their medications accurately and in a timely manner.
Our service supports patients who rely on our dispensing service. We recognise the importance of ensuring continuity of supply and providing a reliable, responsive service that meets the needs of our diverse patient population.
The dispensary team is responsible for the safe and accurate dispensing of medicines, stock management, maintaining appropriate records and coordinating an efficient workflow across both locations. We are committed to maintaining high standards of medicines safety, minimising dispensing errors and continually improving the quality and efficiency of our service.
We value teamwork, clear communication and staff development, recognising the importance of a well-organised and supportive working environment. We are seeking a motivated and organised Dispensary Manager to lead and develop the team, oversee daily operations across both sites and ensure we continue to provide a safe, reliable and patient-focused service to everyone who relies on our dispensary.
Job description Job responsibilities
Brief Job Description
We are seeking an organised, proactive and motivated Dispensary Manager to lead the dispensary team across our Alvaston and Aston-on-Trent sites. The post holder will oversee the day-to-day running of the dispensary, ensuring the safe, accurate and timely dispensing and supply of medicines to eligible patients, including those attending the practice, care home residents and housebound patients.
The successful candidate will provide effective leadership and support to the dispensary team, manage workflow and stock levels, maintain high standards of medicines safety and ensure compliance with relevant legislation and practice procedures. They will work closely with the wider multidisciplinary team to deliver an efficient, patient-centred service, promote continuous improvement and ensure the dispensary operates safely and effectively across both sites.
Person Specification
Qualifications Essential
Relevant experience in a pharmacy dispensary or medicines supply service. Experience of supervising staff, coordinating workloads or managing day-to-day operations. Knowledge of safe dispensing processes, medicines management and pharmacy procedures. Strong organisational, communication and problem-solving skills. Ability to prioritise competing demands and work effectively under pressure. Ability to maintain accurate records and follow policies, procedures and confidentiality requirements. Commitment to patient safety, continuous improvement and high-quality service delivery. Good IT skills and experience of using relevant pharmacy or stock management systems.
Desirable
Previous experience in a dispensary management or pharmacy supervisory role. Experience of working within an NHS hospital or healthcare setting. Relevant pharmacy qualification or management qualification. Experience of audit, incident reporting, quality improvement and performance monitoring. Experience of staff training, appraisal and development. Knowledge of NHS policies, medicines governance and relevant pharmacy legislation.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Employer details Employer name Alvaston Medical Centre
Address 14 Boulton Lane
Alvaston
Derby
Derbyshire
DE24 0GE
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.alvastonmedicalcentre.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)