Pharmacy Purchasing and Contracts Officer - #67453

Job Overview

We are looking to recruit a Pharmacy Purchasing and Contracts Officer. In this role, you will be responsible for procuring routine and emergency pharmaceutical supplies and efficiently managing stock shortages.

The ideal candidate for this role will have procurement experience, ideally from a pharmacy background, and have excellent communication skills. This role requires strong problem-solving abilities and the capacity to work under pressure within a small team.

Opportunities for training and development are available, including the requirement to achieve an accredited qualification in procurement and supply.

This is a full-time position (37.5 hours/week) that may include early mornings, late nights, weekends, and bank holiday shifts on a rotational basis.

If you are motivated to excel in pharmaceutical procurement and contribute to a supportive team, please apply today for this exciting opportunity.

Main duties of the job

Attached you will find the person specification document which provides more detail about the essential and desirable skills and experience needed for this role. We highly recommend you review this document and use it when completing your application as these criteria are used by hiring managers as guidance during shortlisting.

For an overview of the main duties of the role please see the ‘Job Description and Main Responsibilities’ section below. To understand the day-to-day responsibilities in more detail please read the full job description document attached.

Working for our organisation

As one of the largest acute teaching Trusts in England, we offer learning and development opportunities to help you achieve the career you aspire to. UHS is rated ‘Good’ by the CQC and in the latest national NHS Staff Survey, we were in the top 10 acute trusts for staff engagement and for staff recommending the hospital as a place to work or receive care.

Due to the nature of this role and service, this role is on-site and the hours are as advertised.

Please talk to us at interview about the flexibility you need, and we will explore what’s possible for the role and service. UHS employees are able to access a range of NHS discounts, are entitled to a minimum of 35 days paid holiday (pro rata), and we offer a generous pension scheme.

Southampton is an attractive place to live and work situated on the south coast, with an international airport and direct trains to London. The New Forest National Park and beaches of the Jurassic coast are also right on our doorstep. The city offers living costs 20% lower than London and 14 schools rated outstanding by Ofsted.

Detailed Job Description And Main Responsibilities

What you’ll do

The Main Tasks Are

• Process purchasing orders efficiently and in compliance with established procedures.
• Coordinate the procurement of urgently needed medicines.
• Collaborate with suppliers to address shortages, damages, and errors promptly.
• Manage sourcing and monitor stock shortages daily.
• Participate in drug contract management activities.
  
  

What we’re looking for

We are looking for friendly and reliable applicants. You’ll need to have:

• Strong ability to work independently and proactively manage daily tasks with initiative.
• Proficient in IT skills to efficiently navigate and utilise relevant systems.
• Capable of working under pressure, meeting deadlines, and maintaining composure.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrates accuracy and attention to detail in all tasks.
• You should demonstrate a motivated and practical approach to work, aligned with the values of the UHS Trust.
  
  

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential criteria

• Level 3 CIPS or equivalent qualification in Purchasing and Supply or equivalent experience to enable the post holder to work towards
• Numerate and literate e.g., GCSE in Maths and English Grade 5-9 or equivalent (e.g., Functional Skills)
  
  

Desirable criteria

• Management training/Foundation management
• Dealing with Pharmaceutical companies
  
  

Knowledge and Experience

Essential criteria

• Purchasing and stock control experience
• Experience of computer systems to access, analyse and collate data
• Experience of training staff
• Experience of supporting and supervising staff in the workplace
  
  

Trust Values

Essential criteria

• Patients First
• Always Improving
• Working Together