NHS Ayrshire & Arran
Pharmacy Support Worker Higher Level Purchasing - Pharmacy
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NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC)
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) is one of the largest healthcare systems in the United Kingdom, employing approximately 40,000 staff across a wide range of clinical and non-clinical professions and roles. We deliver acute hospital, primary, community and mental health services to a population of over 1.15 million people, and to a wider population of 2.2 million when regional and national services are included.
The Role
We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic individual to join our friendly purchasing team at NHSGGC Pharmacy Distribution Centre (PDC) and work in a fast-paced, dynamic, and automated environment at the heart of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde's pharmacy services.
The PDC is a modern, high-volume, and state-of-the-art facility responsible for the procurement and distribution of all medicines and vaccines across hospitals, clinics, and community pharmacies in the region including Argyll & Bute in NHS Highland.
We Have Three Key Operational Areas At The PDC
- Unit F Warehouse
- Unit F Office Team, which includes the Purchasing and Homecare teams
- Unit C Vaccine Holding Centre
Within the warehouse, 10 automated robots support the accurate and efficient distribution of medicines, ensuring timely delivery to meet clinical need across all service areas.
As one of the largest automated hospital pharmacy projects in the UK, we use cutting-edge robotic systems to ensure the highest standards of safety, quality, and efficiency in our service delivery.
This role does not meet the eligibility criteria for a Skilled Worker visa or a Health and Care Worker visa. NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) is unable to provide candidates or employees with a Certificate of Sponsorship (COS).
Duration, Location, and Working Pattern:
- Location: Dava Street Pharmacy
- Working Pattern:
- Monday to Friday with participation in public holiday rota
- Tuesday 09:00 to 15:30; Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 09:00 to 17:00
- Contract: Permanent, full-time
Key Responsibilities
- Support the management of shortages and scoping unlicensed medicines amongst other purchasing related tasks
- Work in collaboration with the National Services Scotland (NPS) and NHSGGC finance teams
- Review the Rx Info System to identify purchases eligible for off-contract claims to be progressed.
- Claim these costs back and reduce the medicine spend budget
- Processing and placing purchase orders with a focus on timeliness and accuracy
- Managing supply issues, including liaising with suppliers and maintaining records
- Supporting senior staff with administrative tasks, including documentation, e-filing, and updating supply spreadsheets
- Handling supplier queries regarding receipts, invoices, and discrepancies
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Knowledge, Training, Qualifications and/or Experience Required to Do the Job:
- A general level of education and basic numeracy and literacy skills demonstrated by 3 Standard Grade Qualifications or equivalent, must include English and Maths
- Basic IT skills
- Commitment to working towards achievement of relevant SVQ qualifications
- Experience of training staff
- Experience of supervising staff
- Experience of working in a healthcare or similar environment
- Experience of stock management
- Highly organised with a keen eye for detail
- Ability to work to set procedures
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team in a demanding environment
- Exceptional communication and problem-solving skills
- Willingness to learn new skills and participate in training
- Ability to organise daily tasks using own initiative
Comprehensive training and professional development will be provided to the successful candidate.
What We Offer
We offer a wide range of supportive policies designed to enhance your employee journey, including a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme, Cycle to Work Scheme, bursary scheme and extensive learning and development opportunities.
As an NHS Scotland employee, you will be entitled to:
- A minimum of 27 days annual leave, increasing with length of service, plus public holidays
- Membership of the NHS Pension Scheme, including life insurance benefits
- Salary Sacrifice Car Benefit Scheme
- Development opportunities including study bursaries, e-learning and classroom-based courses
- Enhanced pay for working public holidays
- NHS discounts on a wide range of goods and services
- Confidential employee support and assistance, including counselling and psychological therapies
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Interested?
If you would like to find out more, we would love to hear from you.
For An Informal Discussion, Please Contact
- Sandy Kuhse, Pharmacy Technician Specialist on 0141 347 8985
- Maxine Bain, Senior Purchasing Officer on 0141 347 8972
Details on How to Contact the Recruitment Service and the Recruitment Process: Information for Candidates
This post may close early due to the volume of response. Please submit your application form as soon as possible.
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Applications that rely on AI-generated content may be withdrawn. By applying, you confirm your responses are based on your own knowledge and achievements.
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NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) recognises the importance of work-life balance and is committed to offering a range of flexible working options where service needs allow. For roles where less than full-time hours can be accommodated, and where the tenure is listed as “various”, we encourage applications from individuals seeking flexible working arrangements. Flexible working will be included as a topic for discussion during the recruitment process.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde encourages applications from all sections of the community. We are committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion and are proud of the diverse workforce we employ.
By signing the Armed Forces Covenant, NHSGGC has pledged its commitment to being a Forces Friendly Employer. We welcome applications from across the Armed Forces Community and recognise military skills, experience and qualifications throughout the recruitment and selection process.
For application portal or log-in issues, please contact the Jobtrain Support Hub in the first instance.
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