Deputy Dispensary Manager

Job overview

The Band 6 Dispensary Lead Technician role offers an excellent opportunity to develop advanced leadership, management, and operational skills within a fast-paced hospital pharmacy environment.

As one of two Deputy Dispensary Managers, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the safe, efficient, and cost-effective delivery of dispensary services, supported by the EPIC electronic prescribing and Willow inventory systems.

You will coordinate daily workflow across multiple workstreams, maintaining timely service for discharge and urgent medications, while overseeing all aspects of inventory management—including stock control, safe storage, and waste reduction.

The role also involves investigating discrepancies, incidents, and complaints, ensuring robust governance and continuous improvement.

As a line manager, you will lead and support a team of Pharmacy Technicians, Dispensary Assistants, and Pharmacy Porters, taking responsibility for recruitment, induction, appraisals, rota planning, and managing performance and attendance to deliver a high-quality, patient-focused service.

Main duties of the job

Previous applicants need not apply.

• Working closely with the Dispensary Manager, the post holder will lead the day-to-day workflow and operations of the hospital dispensary, ensuring efficient service delivery and adherence to quality and regulatory standards.
• Key responsibilities include preparing staff rotas, planning and coordinating training, allocating and delegating daily tasks, and resolving operational queries to meet departmental needs.
• The role also involves maintaining and enforcing processes for the safe transport and handling of medicines—including refrigerated and controlled drugs—in line with MHRA, CQC, and GPhC requirements.
• You will investigate and respond to drug errors and complaints, often requiring sensitive and complex discussions, and ensure robust documentation and governance.
• As a line manager, you will oversee staff performance, manage sickness absence, disciplinary and grievance procedures, and ensure accurate and timely records are maintained.
• Acting as a professional lead, you will model effective communication, leadership, and negotiation skills to promote a safe, efficient, and supportive working environment.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• Actively participate in the recruitment and selection of dispensary staff and carry out appraisals, supporting staff development in line with agreed objectives.
• Provide effective line management, including monitoring sickness absence, managing disciplinary and grievance processes, and addressing performance issues, ensuring accurate documentation throughout.
• Organise and deliver comprehensive inductions for new staff members in compliance with Trust and departmental requirements.
• Maintain and update data on the electronic HealthRoster system, including annual leave, shift patterns, sickness, and overtime.
• Manage the day-to-day workflow and operations of the dispensary in collaboration with the Dispensary Manager, including preparing rotas, planning training, allocating tasks, and resolving operational queries to meet service needs.
• Ensure operational pharmacy services are supported by robust SOPs and policies that reflect Trust objectives, national guidance, and regulatory standards.
• Act as a professional lead within the department, demonstrating strong communication, influencing, and negotiation skills to promote a safe, efficient, and supportive working environment.

For further information regarding the detailed job description and main responsibilities, please refer to the attached job description and person specification documents.