Senior Assistant Technical Officer

Job overview

We’re looking for an organised and proactive team player to join our Pharmacy Dispensary team at University Hospitals Sussex. As a Senior Assistant Technical Officer, you’ll play a key role in ensuring patients receive their medicines safely, efficiently and on time — while helping the NHS reduce waste through our new return and recycle medicines initiative.

The position will be on a Fixed Term/Secondment  basis for 12 months.

Please note that if you currently work for another NHS Trust or UHSussex and you are applying to accept this position as a secondment opportunity, before applying you must seek agreement and authorisation from your current Trust/Manager. Secondments can’t be agreed without this approval. If you are unable to gain approval, you should refrain from applying unless you wish to take this role as a fixed term position.

We’re looking for someone with strong attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and a genuine commitment to teamwork and patient care. You should enjoy problem-solving, be confident using IT systems, and take pride in improving processes.

In return, you’ll join a friendly, forward-thinking pharmacy team where “better never stops.” You’ll receive full training, opportunities to develop, and the chance to contribute to meaningful improvement projects that make a real difference to patients, the NHS, and the planet.

Main duties of the job

As a Senior Assistant Technical Officer, you’ll help ensure the safe, efficient and accurate supply of medicines to patients across the hospital. You’ll supervise day-to-day dispensary workflow, support and train junior staff, and maintain high standards of safety and service.

A key part of the role will be leading the return and recycle of medicines — identifying items suitable for reuse, reducing waste and supporting the Trust’s sustainability goals. You’ll also manage stock levels, process prescriptions using electronic systems, and respond to queries from patients and clinical staff.

We’re looking for someone who is organised, accurate and a great communicator, with a strong commitment to teamwork and patient care. This is a fantastic opportunity to develop your skills, support innovation, and make a real difference to both patients and the environment.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Please note: This role does not meet the minimum criteria for visa sponsorship under the current UK immigration rules, which set specific salary and skill thresholds. As such, we are unable to provide sponsorship for this post. Applicants will therefore need to already have the right to work in the UK to be considered. We include this information at the outset to provide clarity and avoid unnecessary inconvenience for applicants.

Role Summary

• Supervision: Support and guide Band 2 ATOs, ensuring tasks are carried out safely and efficiently, and assist with staff training and competency sign-off.
• Returns and Recycling: Lead the dispensary’s return and recycle programme, identifying medicines suitable for reuse in accordance with Trust policy to reduce waste and environmental impact.
• Stock Management: Maintain effective stock control within the dispensary; perform stock counts, expiry checks and ensure medicines are stored safely and rotated correctly.
• Communication: Liaise with pharmacists, technicians, ward staff and patients to resolve queries promptly and ensure timely medicine supply; communicate effectively within the team.
• Service Quality: Follow all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), ensuring compliance with legal, safety and governance requirements.
• Continuous Improvement: Participate in audits, service evaluations and improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency and sustainability within the pharmacy.
• Teamwork: Contribute to a supportive and collaborative working environment, promoting the Trust’s values of compassion, respect and professionalism.