Assistant Director of Medicines Procurement and Optimisation
If you are looking to join NWSSP, please see the additional information below that may be of interest to you: -
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Applicants are invited to apply in Welsh. Any application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application made in English
Job overview
We are seeking an experienced and dynamic pharmacist to play a key role in ensuring the efficient sourcing, supply, and management of medicines across NHS Wales. This is a critical leadership position responsible for optimising procurement strategies, ensuring value for money, and maintaining the highest standards of patient safety and regulatory compliance.
The postholder will be part of the senior management team for the pharmacy division and have an integral role in influencing the short, medium and long-term goals of the transforming access to medicines programme. Aligned to the aims and objectives of pharmacy delivering a healthier Wales.Plus, recommendations from the RPS independent review – Prescribing Progress: Transforming Clinical Hospital Pharmacy in Wales for Enhanced Patient Care.
The successful candidate will have demonstrated effective leadership and change management attributes from previous roles. It is critical to have a track record of building effective teams as the head of the new medicines value unit to explore outcome and optimisation of medicine utilisation as part of the wider value in healthcare agenda.
They will have a comprehensive understanding of market access for new medicines into the NHS and in Wales. The potential commercial flexibilities that can be applied to ensure maximum population access where unmet need exists and value for the health system.
Main duties of the job- Lead and oversee the procurement of medicines, ensuring cost-effective purchasing while maintaining high-quality standards.
- Develop and implement procurement strategies in line with national and organisational policies.
- Work collaboratively with pharmacy teams, finance, clinical leads, and external suppliers to optimise the medicines supply chain.
- Manage contracts and supplier relationships to ensure timely and reliable medicine availability.
- Ensure compliance with regulatory and legal requirements, including NHS procurement frameworks (where applicable).
- Provide expert advice on medicines procurement, cost-saving initiatives, and risk management.
- Lead and support a team, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.
- Monitor market trends and supply chain risks, proactively addressing challenges.
The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; English and/or Welsh speakers are equally welcome to apply.
Working for our organisation
At NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership we expect everyone to embrace our values of Listening and Learning, Working Together, Taking Responsibility and Innovating.
Our organisation encourages an agile working approach and we pride ourselves on being a learning organisation motivated by continuous improvement.
We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace that values equality, diversity and inclusion, focussing on the wellbeing and belonging of our people.
Excellent customer service is something we strive for, for both our internal and external customers.
Offering a comprehensive benefits package, there is something for everyone. To find out more about working for us, the benefits we offer and guidance on the application process please visit https://nwssp.nhs.wales/working-for-us/
NWSSP work in an agile way where possible, all posts will have a contractual base but as part of agile ways of working that may mean working from home and other locations. We also look at how we balance flexibility with community, and how to manage opportunities to learn from each other.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
You will be able to find a full Job description and Person Specification attached within the supporting documents or please click “Apply now” to view in Trac. Interviews for this post will take place on Friday, 14th March 2025.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria- M.Pharm. or equivalent
- Member of General Pharmaceutical Council
- MRPharmS
- Management training
- MBA qualification
- MCIPS - Member of the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply
Experience
Essential criteria- Significant experience in medicines procurement and optimisation
- Substantial experience in hospital pharmacy including procurement and optimisation
- Management experience of a hospital pharmacy service or equivalent
- Experience of success in service development
Skills
Essential criteria- Leadership skills and ability to influence and negotiate within the service, Health Boards and external bodies
- Commitment to the development of others
We are committed to flexible working and equal opportunities.
If you are short listed for interview you will be contacted by email using the email address with which you registered. Please ensure that you check your email account regularly.
Prior consideration for this vacancy will be given to staff awaiting redeployment. We therefore reserve the right to withdraw this advert at any stage.
When applying for this post it is essential that you read the Job Description and Person Specification (where available) and demonstrate how your skills, knowledge and experience meet the requirements of the person specification. Only candidates who clearly demonstrate how they meet the person specification will be shortlisted.
To work in the UK, all candidates who are not UK or Republic of Ireland (RoI) nationals require sponsorship to obtain either a Health and Care visa or Skilled Worker visa, unless you have permission to work via another route. Non UK / RoI candidates wishing to apply should self-assess the likelihood of obtaining a Certificate of Sponsorship by visiting Work in the UK.If you are eligible for the Health and Care visa, application costs are lower and you do not need to pay the annual Immigration Health Surcharge.