About this role
Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a suitably qualified, enthusiastic and motivated individual to join our Pharmacy Procurement team at County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust.
In this role, you will be responsible for the effective, safe and timely procurement of medicines for use across the Trust. You will ensure invoices are processed accurately for payment in accordance with Trust standing financial instructions (SFI) and will play a key part in monitoring stock levels, resolving supply issues and supporting the smooth running of daily operations.
We are looking for someone who is committed to delivering a highquality service, demonstrates a professional attitude and works well as part of a team. You will supervise the day to day workload of the procurement team, prioritising the tasks as necessary and use judgment and initiative to solve problems, referring to senior staff when necessary. You will contribute to a positive team culture and will support colleagues within the team.
You will be prepared to undertake relevant training and development to support you in the role.
Main duties of the job
To work closely with the Senior Pharmacy Procurement and Homecare Technician and other members of the pharmacy team to ensure safe and efficient procurement and homecare services are maintained.
To use the pharmacy ordering system to ensure timely:
Ordering and receipt of medicines
Recognition of issues with the pharmacy drug file
Reconciliation of invoices
To ensure that all out-standing orders are followed up on a regular basis to reduce the risk of medicines being out of stock. Any stock problems encountered must be effectively communicated within the procurement team.
To liaise and communicate with other members of the wider pharmacy team and other healthcare professionals, regarding problems or issues with stock
About us
If you are being interviewed you must accept an interview slot in the system to continue, even if you have arranged with the manager.
You must be able to produce ALL certificates stated essential in the person specification or you will not be able to complete pre-employment checks.
We provide hospital services from two acute sites - Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham. We have a centre for planned care in Bishop Auckland and provide care from community hospitals in Chester-le-Street, Shotley Bridge, Barnard Castle, Sedgefield and Weardale as well as over 80 other community based settings and providing care in patients' homes.
We particularly welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as BAME and disabled people are currently under-represented.
Full Job Descriptions can be found in the adverts supporting documents.
Over reliance on AI-generated content is discouraged and may diminish the applicant's chances of success.
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Job description Job responsibilities
Ensure that any problems on receipt of goods are dealt with in a timely manner (including return to suppliers, damaged and short dated stock)
Input into and follow, all agreed local procedures with regards to procurement and homecare processes to ensure process is efficient and accurate
Utilise the automatic ordering system in a timely and effective manner to produce purchase orders
Ensure all orders are raised and authorised in a timely manner
Where appropriate, challenge requests for non-formulary items or medication that is orphan (that has been deactivated on the pharmacy system), supporting and empowering other administration staff to do the same
Discuss any reasons why supply problems cannot be resolved to the Senior Procurement Pharmacy Technician
As directed by senior members of the procurement and homecare team, contact manufacturers and wholesalers to gain information regarding individual products or service
Deal with telephone enquiries to either resolve the enquiry directly or ensure the efficient transfer to an appropriate person, ensuring prompt and efficient action
Process and reconcile invoices in line with agreed processes to ensure timely payment by finance
Person Specification
Special Requirements Essential
Team player Able to demonstrate own initiative Enthusiastic Ability to work under pressure Have attention to detail. Good communication and organisational skills Good time management Patient focussed. Self-motivated. Flexible approach to work and study. Ability to learn/work alone. Able to travel across Trust sites to meet the requirements of the post
Special Skills & Knowledge Essential
Knowledge of computer packages, e.g. Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint IT Skills Ability to analyse and present data using Excel and Access packages Ability to use email and maintain and update paper and electronic diaries. Knowledge of Data Protection and Caldicott Principles and understanding of the need to maintain strict confidentiality. Ability to use discretion and maintain confidentiality. Good interpersonal skills. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to deal with and prepare routine verbal and written correspondence and the ability to obtain information and pass on comprehensive and confidential messages. Ability to communicate accurately, verbally, courteously and effectively with a wide range of staff, professionals and members of the public. Able to use own initiative to resolve routine queries, in line with departmental procedures. Able to work with minimal supervision following set procedures. Ability to organise and prioritise workload in order to meet deadlines. Ability to work as a member of a team. Committed to quality customer care/delivering excellent customer service. Flexible approach to work and adaptable to change. Ability to cope with unpredictable workloads in a timely, efficient and reliable manner. Good communication and organisational skills.
Desirable
Understanding of business processes applicable to the NHS. Understanding of common clinical terminology appropriate to the setting
Qualifications Essential
GCSE English and Maths (Grade C and above or equivalent) NVQ Level 2 in Pharmacy Services (or equivalent experience) Have obtained or be willing to work towards NVQ Level 3 in Business Administration (or equivalent qualification) or equivalent knowledge/experience
Desirable
Basic NHS Purchasing Knowledge
Experience Essential
Experience of an administrative role providing general provision of administrative duties in a challenging and constantly changing environment. Demonstrate Experience of using Microsoft Word. Experience in setting up and maintaining office filing systems. Experience of maintaining and setting up databases. Experience in planning and organising meetings and taking notes. Experience of providing administrative support to a team. Experience of purchasing and/or finance. Experience of establishing tracking/ monitoring systems.
Desirable
Previous experience of pharmacy computer systems. Experience of dispensing/supply of medication
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 County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust
Address Shotley Bridge General Hospital
Shotley Bridge General Hospital
CONSETT
County Durham
DH8 0NB
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.cddft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)