Deputy Head of Pharmacy Manufacturing(UK Visa Sponsorship)
Job Description
Role overview — shaping the future of paediatric aseptic services
This is a senior technical leadership role within a modern paediatric pharmacy manufacturing service delivering patient-specific aseptic medicines, chemotherapy, and CIVAS preparations. The service operates under a Manufacturer’s Specials licence, supporting NHS, private, and clinical trial patients.
As a Band 8a Pharmacist in Aseptic Services, you will combine regulatory expertise, operational leadership, and workforce development to ensure safe, compliant production. You will help drive digital transformation and contribute to the development of new facilities supporting future cancer care services.
What you will lead and deliver
Regulatory & quality assurance
- Ensure aseptic preparation meets statutory and Good Manufacturing Practice standards
- Act as Releasing Officer under the Manufacturer’s Specials framework
- Maintain and improve the Quality Management System
- Oversee audits, deviations, and compliance processes
Operational leadership
- Support management of pharmacy technical services staff
- Allocate duties and maintain workflow efficiency
- Deputise for senior manufacturing leadership when required
Training & workforce development
- Design and deliver accreditation and competency programmes
- Mentor pharmacists, technicians, and operators
- Embed safe practice and professional standards
Service improvement
- Contribute to facility modernisation and digital workflow development
- Support future expansion linked to specialised paediatric oncology services
Who this role suits
You are a pharmacist with strong aseptic manufacturing and quality assurance expertise who thrives in regulated environments. You lead by example, combine precision with problem-solving, and support teams to deliver consistently safe patient care.
Essential qualifications & registration
- Current registration with the General Pharmaceutical Council
- Postgraduate qualification in pharmaceutical technical services, quality assurance, or equivalent experience
Essential experience & knowledge
- Extensive experience in pharmaceutical QA or GMP manufacturing
- Working knowledge of GMP, GXP, and related regulatory frameworks
- Expertise in aseptic and parenteral production
- Validation principles for facilities and equipment
- Audit and inspection experience
- NHS manufacturing environment exposure
- Training delivery and competency assessment
Core capabilities
- Exceptional documentation accuracy and regulatory awareness
- Analytical thinking and root cause investigation
- Risk assessment and decision-making
- Operational organisation and prioritisation
- Strong numeracy and calculation skills
- Digital literacy in pharmacy systems
- Clear communication and leadership presence
Workplace culture
The organisation promotes equity, representation, and inclusive leadership. Staff networks encourage collaboration and professional growth, ensuring all employees feel supported and valued.
Safeguarding & eligibility
UK professional registration is mandatory. This role requires a satisfactory criminal record check due to work involving vulnerable patients. Skilled Worker visa applicants are eligible to apply.
Relevant UK Government & Regulatory Resources
- Good Manufacturing Practice guidance — medicines production standards
- Skilled Worker visa — healthcare applicant guidance
- Medicines regulatory framework (MHRA overview)
- Disclosure and Barring Service — safeguarding requirements
- Equality Act workplace protections
