Job overview
We are seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic Production Technician to play a key role in supporting the leadership of our Pharmacy Manufacturing Unit at Watford General Hospital.
The successful candidate will take the lead in the day-to-day manufacturing activities, with a goal of delivering a high-quality service to our patients.
This is an exciting opportunity to develop your leadership, management and Technical Services skills, whilst embracing digitalisation.
The Pharmacy Manufacturing Unit holds an MHRA Manufacturer’s “Specials” License for its activities.
We are looking for a qualified technician with relevant post qualification experience in hospital preparative services to join our small, friendly team. You must have experience of aseptic compounding, production (non-sterile), staff supervision, team working and work planning. You will act as an expert witness for Science Manufacturing Technician (SMT) students.
Our department fosters a stimulating and friendly environment, providing a professionally rewarding setting for staff to enhance their technical expertise.
This is a full-time, permanent position based primarily at Watford General Hospital. Participation in weekend, bank holiday and emergency duty rotas will be required. Full details will be discussed at interview.
Main duties of the job
To prepare products appropriately, efficiently and cost effectively within the unit by strictly adhering to departmental procedures and in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), MHRA and all other relevant pharmaceutical guidelines related to aseptic dispensing (production).
To provide technical support to the Pharmacy Production/Aseptic Services.
To manage the department on a day-to-day basis.
To line manage Pharmacy Technical Services staff.
To maintain the Pharmaceutical Quality Systems within the technical services department.
To support meeting financial expectations for income generation and expenditure reduction targets within the department.
To support the technical and strategic development of the Technical Services department ensuring service provision and quality is of an excellent standard.
To ensure maintenance of the pharmacy manufacturing unit facilities (including monitoring, calibration, validation and general maintenance) is carried out.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
The post holder will work closely with the Technical/Cancer Services pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and pharmacy assistants, pre-registration pharmacists and all other pharmacy staff, medical, nursing staff, cancer unit staff and other staff, clinical pharmacists, QC/QA staff, maintenance contractors and the general public.
We provide opportunities for education and training and support continuing professional development.
Please refer to the attached job description and person specification for a full list of duties and details about the role.
Applicant requirements
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Person specification
Knowledge:
Essential
- Specialist knowledge of the principles of GMP and QA in a manufacturing environment.
- Specialist knowledge of Pharmaceutical Quality Systems.
- Specialist Knowledge of pharmaceutical audit and validation.
- Computer and IT competent.
- COSHH Regulations and Health and Safety at Work Act.
- Need for confidentiality.
- Good Dispensing Practice.
- Familiarity with standard chemotherapy regimens.
Desirable
- EMIS (Ascribe) Pharmacy System.
- BD Cato.
- ChemoCare.
- Q-Pulse.
Experience:
Essential
- Relevant post qualification experience in hospital preparative services.
- Demonstrate ability to deliver induction and competency-based training of staff within Technical Services.
- Developing training packages & writing procedures.
- Advanced use of e-mail, internet, MS Windows, MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint.
- Practical experience and involvement with MHRA audit.
- Capacity modelling of a unit.
- Preparation of and writing reports.
- Setting and implementing quality standards.
- Production/Aseptic experience.
- Experience of implementing change.
- Experience of staff selection, recruitment, and performance appraisal.
Desirable
- Assessor/ Tutor to SMT student technicians.
- Use of capacity monitoring tool.
- Managerial experience.
Education and qualifications:
Essential
- NVQ (3), BTEC or SMT in Pharmaceutical Sciences or equivalent.
- Postgraduate qualification relating to Preparative Services or Quality Assurance.
- Registered with the GPhC or other professional body.
- Up to date CPD portfolio.
Desirable
- Accredited Checking Qualification.
- Other postgraduate qualifications relevant to pharmacy practice, such as management or education & training qualifications.
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Band 6 - Specialist Production Technician, Pharmacy with West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust in Watford, England. It is listed as a Band 6 Pharmacy role. The advertised salary is £41,957 - £50,387 pa inc HCA. The contract type is Permanent. The application deadline is 17 Aug 2026.
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