Lead Pharmacy Technician - SDU

1.1. To lead the effective and safe daily running of the SACT Distribution Unit (SDU) to ensure a safe service provision and to maintain and develop the highest standards of patient-focused care and according to the needs of the Trust.1.2. To be responsible for the management of procurement, storage, dispensing and distribution of Batch and Patient Specific (PS) products to all areas of the Royal Marsden.1.3. Monitor relevant key performance indicators accurately through audit and report on a weekly/monthly basis e.g. workload turnaround times, error monitoring, workload figures, wastage report and capacity.1.4. Be responsible for staff allocation in response to changing workload and service delivery requirements. Ensuring that relevant rota for SDU is developed and adhered to e.g. day-to-day tasks, evening and weekend shifts are covered if applicable.1.5. To work closely with Aseptic Operations Manager, Pharmacy Stores Manager, General Stores Manager, Pharmacy Systems Manager and the Chief Technicians, Aseptic Services.1.6. Lead communication with outsourced suppliers, proactively addressing and resolving issues, monitoring service delivery, and ensuring agreed standards and requirements are maintained.

Job description

Manage batch stock levels, including the regular review and maintenance of PAR levels, and proactively identify and implement solutions to line changes and supply issues relating to Batch and PS products.2.11 Liaise with relevant stakeholders in adding of new lines to EPIC following the required authorisation requirements.2.12 Be responsible for expiry and stock check reviews for batch lines to actively minimise wastage.2.13 Undertake weekly monitoring and maintenance of high-cost stock lines to minimise avoidable wastage and attend the monthly Pharmacy Waste Meeting to review waste trends, identify issues and support appropriate actions.2.14 Ensure minimum stock levels are maintained for all batch lines by regularly reviewing outstanding orders, proactively liaising with and chasing suppliers, and communicating with Aseptic Services regarding any out-of-stock or supply issues.2.15 Together with the procurement / stores team, co-ordinate and manage the processing and payment of invoices in a timely manner and ensure RMH accounts are kept in good standing in liaison with the Pharmacy Systems Manager and Finance Accounts Payable team.2.16 Undertake supply review meetings with the main suppliers.2.17 Take responsibility for

Management / Leadership and Education & Training Responsibility2.25 All posts with responsibility for managing staff are expected to lead, motivate, develop and reward staff and are required to comply with the Trusts policies and Managers Code of Conduct in the following areas:

2.25.1 Be responsible for the effective recruitment and selection of new staff in line with the Trust's Recruitment Code and Recruitment & Selection Processes and Standards.

2.25.2 Ensure staff are appraised annually and have regular 1:1s with clear objectives which link to department, care group or corporate objectives and a personal development plan.

2.25.3 Ensure performance issues are dealt with in an appropriate and timely manner and follow the Trusts Disciplinary or Capability Procedures where formal action is necessary

2.26 Responsible for sickness absence monitoring including HR meetings, Occupational Health referrals and completion of return-to-work interviews.2.27 To act as a role model for other technicians and staff.2.28 Oversee the training and accreditation in processes of Technicians and ATOs working within the SDU and identify training and development needs of staff in line with departmental and Trust objectives.2.29 Organise induction programmes in advance for new starters and trainees to ensure training is completed within a set time frame.2.30 Take responsibility for ensuring all staff leave is accurately recorded and maintained on HealthRoster in a timely manner, in accordance with Trust procedures.2.31 Maintain and update training records for all staff trained within the SDU.2.32 Be responsible for ensuring statutory and mandatory training compliance.2.33 Be an Educational and/or Practice Supervisor for training programmes e.g. Accuracy Checking Pharmacy Technician (ACPT) and Pre-registration Trainee Pharmacy Technicians (when appropriate) on call pharmacists2.34 To ensure all personal have knowledge and training of ICH-GCP guidelines, UK and EU legislation is kept up-to-date and ensure all staff adhere to these guidelines and legislations.2.35 Assist in the provision of 1:1 technical training for all pharmacy technicians and assistants, identifying any staff training needs and liaising with the Pharmacy Education and Training Team.2.36 Liaise with technical staff and other section managers about relevant staff development projects.2.37 Assist in the facilitation of CPD for staff.2.38 Develop professional knowledge and competence by attending in-house as well as external training programmes as appropriate and identified as part of your appraisal/PDP.

General2.39 Participate in late/early shifts and Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday rotas as required to meet service provisions and requirements for 7-day working. The Pharmacy is in a transitional period and moving over to a 7-day service, therefore staff are required to participate in a 7-day service which includes the requirement to work weekends, late shifts and bank holidays2.40 Be familiar with procedures and activities of other internal departments within the pharmacy and their potential interactions with the SDU activities.2.41 Strive to identify any areas for Quality improvement and actively engage in the departments wider quality improvement agenda.2.42 Observe and comply with the Trust's policies and procedures for Health and Safety ensuring the environment in which you and your staff work is safe, clean and tidy.2.43 Comply with standard infection control precautions to prevent or minimise the spread of micro-organisms and communicable diseases to patients, staff and surrounding community.2.44 Observe and continually promote equal opportunities in compliance with the Trust's policies on Equality and Diversity and Dignity at Work.2.45 Ensure the benefits to patients are maximised through careful, economical and appropriate use of NHS resources including equipment, property, money, time, etc.2.46 As requested, undertake any other duties consistent with the nature of the post, which may vary from time to time.

Person specification

Education/Qualifications

Essential

• NVQ/QCF level 3/BTEC in Pharmaceutical Sciences or equivalent
• Registered Technician with GPhC
• Regional Accredited Checking Pharmacy Technician

Desirable

• Practice supervisor/Educational supervisor certificate / Train the Trainer or equivalent

Experience

Essential

• Significant experience post qualification as a pharmacy technician

Desirable

• Staff management experience as a senior technician
• Working knowledge/experience of writing and reviewing SOPs
• Experience of implementing change
• Experience of recruitment
• Knowledge and understanding of the principles of Good Clinical Practice
• Knowledge of chemotherapy and safe handling requirements of cytotoxic drugs.

About the employer

The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust is a world-leading cancer centre. Our role is to offer our patients the best cancer care available anywhere in the world, and to continue to make a global contribution to finding better ways of diagnosing and treating cancer. We employ over 4,500 staff in a diverse range of careers including nursing, medical, science, radiography, pharmacy, occupational therapy, finance and administrative services. We have two hospitals - one in Chelsea, London, and one in Sutton, Surrey - as well as a Medical Daycare Unit in Kingston Hospital.

At The Royal Marsden, we deal with cancer every day, so we understand how valuable life is. When people entrust their lives to us, they have the right to demand the very best. That's why the pursuit of excellence lies at the heart of everything we do.

At the heart of the hospital is our dedicated team. We offer a stimulating and dynamic working environment, a wide range of staff benefits, learning and development opportunities and clear career pathways. There are opportunities to work flexibly across a range of areas and specialities and we welcome flexible working requests from point of hire to support employees work life balance. We are looking for employees who aspire to excellence, share our values and can play a crucial role in our on-going achievements.