Aseptic Operational Lead

Job overview

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us.

Please see below for detailed job description of the role

Main duties of the job

We are seeking an experienced and proactive pharmacy technician leader to play a key role in the effective delivery of our aseptic services at the Adanac Aseptic Hub. This role is central to ensuring high‑quality, safe, and efficient service provision, with responsibility for leading service reviews, managing resources, and ensuring compliance with national and local quality standards. You will act as a key point of communication between internal teams and external stakeholders, providing expert guidance on medication supply issues and supporting the resolution of complex operational challenges. As a senior leader, you will provide direct line management to senior technicians, supporting performance, development, and workforce planning, while also leading recruitment and onboarding processes. The postholder will use their specialist knowledge to oversee and support the pharmacy quality management system and supervise the safe production of aseptically prepared products. You will ensure effective stock control and budget management, using data and quality assurance insights to drive continuous improvement and implement corrective and preventative actions.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Lead and continuously review the aseptic service, responding proactively to changes in workload, service needs and staffing requirements. Communicate effectively with key stakeholders, including suppliers and clinical teams, to manage medication supply issues and identify suitable alternatives. Ensure timely communication and escalation of incidents, concerns, and complaints. Use strong problem‑solving skills to resolve operational issues while maintaining patient safety and regulatory compliance. Provide direct line management for senior technicians, including appraisals, attendance, performance management and disciplinary processes. Support service delivery and workforce planning across the Adanac Aseptic Hub. Develop, maintain and authorise Quality Management System documentation, ensuring aseptically prepared products meet national and local quality standards and legislative requirements. Contribute to the development of wider Pharmacy SOPs impacting multiple teams and service users. Oversee stock management, ensuring appropriate stock control, routine stock takes, error resolution and adherence to financial targets. Manage and monitor the departmental budget, supporting cost‑effective service delivery. Ensure the safe production and supervision of aseptic products, maintaining compliance with all quality standards. Lead recruitment processes, supporting onboarding and induction of new staff. Allocate duties and responsibilities based on staff skills and experience, promoting ongoing professional development. Support the development and maintenance of IT systems used within the service (e.g. Medcura, Ascribe). Evaluate quality assurance data and implement corrective and preventative actions (CAPA) where required. Act as a professional role model, demonstrating UHS Trust values at all times. Participate in the on‑call rota in line with departmental policy. Maintain required competencies to act as a releasing officer.

This role requires strong problem‑solving skills, excellent communication, and the ability to uphold high professional and regulatory standards. As a visible role model for UHS values, you will support the safe, compliant, and efficient operation of the service, including participation in the on‑call rota and maintaining competencies as a releasing officer.