Job overview
We are seeking a highly experienced pharmacist with excellent leadership skills to join our senior pharmacy management team as Deputy Chief Pharmacist. You will lead on the provision of pharmacy and medicines optimisation services to mental health services, and work closely and collaboratively with the lead pharmacists within community health services.
Ideally you will have a track record in a similarly complex position at a senior level managing the delivery of operational services, and have a background in mental health services.
Main duties of the job
As Deputy Chief Pharmacist you will represent the service at the highest levels within the Trust, deputising for the Director of Pharmacy at Trustwide and external meetings.
You should be able to work on your own initiative as well as within a larger team, and will be supported by the wider Trust pharmacy team. Central to the role is modelling good clinical practice to our ward pharmacists and technicians and inspiring them to perform to their best.
We are looking for someone with excellent communication skills, who demonstrates the values of the Trust and who through their previous experience is in a position to support the Director of Pharmacy in overseeing day-to-day operations and shaping our team for the future.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please see the attached job description and person specification for the detailed outline of the job requirements.
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
- Ability to influence senior pharmacy, management and healthcare staff
- Ability to critically evaluate clinical material and disseminate findings to others. Demonstrate an advanced level of clinical knowledge and skills
- Broad technical, clinical and pharmaceutical knowledge relating to the promotion of high quality, effective and cost efficient use of medicines
- The ability to identify and manage risks. Good organisational skills e.g. prioritising and time management, managing others, and able to work as part of a team or alone
Skills/Experience
Essential
- Significant post-registration clinical pharmacy experience gained working within a number of specialities within acute, community and mental health settings
- Experience of providing relevant pharmacy services within a mental health / learning disability setting
- Experience of working with senior healthcare professionals outside of pharmacy to achieve goals.
- Experience of co-ordinating and leading clinical audit and able to demonstrate how it is used to improve practice
- Experience of managing, developing and mentoring staff
Education/Qualifications
Essential
- Master’s Degree in Pharmacy or equivalent acceptable for registration by the General Pharmaceutical Council
- Current and continued registration with the General Pharmaceutical Council as practicing member
- Postgraduate Diploma in mental health pharmacy and therapeutics, or equivalent clinical experience
- Member of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society and a member or willing to work towards Faculty membership
- Member of the College of Mental Health Pharmacy
Desirable
- Certificate in Management studies or equivalent management experience
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Deputy Chief Pharmacist, Inpatient, Specialist and Secure Services with Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust in Units E&F Chelford Court, Widford Ind Estate. It is listed as a Band 8 Pharmacist role. The advertised salary is £79,504 - £91,609 per annum. The contract type is Permanent. The application deadline is 11 Sep 2026.
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