Head of Pharmacy Manufacturing(UK Visa Sponsorship)

Job Description

About the Opportunity

Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust (GOSH) is inviting applications for the position of Head of Pharmacy Manufacturing within its specialist pharmacy services team. This leadership role provides an opportunity to contribute to one of the most advanced paediatric healthcare environments in the United Kingdom.

The successful candidate will lead the aseptic pharmacy manufacturing service, ensuring the safe production of patient-specific medicines for children and young people receiving treatment at the hospital. The role plays a key part in supporting the delivery of specialised treatments for NHS patients, international referrals, private care services and clinical research programmes.

As part of the pharmacy leadership team, you will also contribute to the continued transformation of pharmacy services at GOSH, including developments linked to the new Children’s Cancer Centre.

About the Pharmacy Manufacturing Service

The Pharmacy Manufacturing department operates under a Manufactured Specials (MS) licence and produces more than 10,000 aseptic doses annually from its Cytotoxic and CIVAS units. These include individually prepared treatments and batch-produced medicines required for complex paediatric care.

The department supports a wide range of clinical activities, including chemotherapy preparation, parenteral nutrition, investigational medicines for clinical trials and specialist treatments for children with rare or complex conditions.

As Head of Pharmacy Manufacturing, you will guide the continued development of this service while ensuring compliance with regulatory and quality standards.

Key Responsibilities

The role combines operational leadership, clinical expertise and regulatory oversight. Key responsibilities include:

  • Leading the pharmacy aseptic manufacturing team, including pharmacists, technicians and technical staff
  • Ensuring that all manufacturing and dispensing activities comply with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and relevant regulatory requirements
  • Managing quality management systems to maintain high standards of safety and compliance
  • Supporting regulatory inspections and liaising with organisations such as the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA)
  • Driving innovation and service improvements, including digital systems such as closed-loop medication management platforms
  • Contributing to the development of the new GOSH Children’s Cancer Centre and associated cytotoxic manufacturing facilities
  • Supporting research initiatives and the development of specialist paediatric medicines
  • Providing strategic leadership for pharmacy manufacturing across the organisation

About the Organisation

Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust is internationally recognised for its expertise in paediatric healthcare and medical research. The hospital is committed to delivering outstanding care for children and young people while also advancing treatments through innovation and collaboration.

The organisation promotes a workplace culture built on inclusion, professional development and shared values. Staff are encouraged to participate in networks that promote equality and representation, including:

Essential Qualifications and Registration

Applicants should demonstrate the following professional credentials:

  • Registration with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC)
  • Postgraduate qualification such as a Diploma or MSc in Pharmacy Practice or PTQA, or equivalent professional experience
  • Desirable qualifications may include a Certificate in Clinical or Pharmacy Practice.

Experience and Knowledge

Candidates should be able to demonstrate:

  • Extensive experience in aseptic manufacturing, including chemotherapy, CIVAS and parenteral nutrition services
  • Strong understanding of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and Good Clinical Practice (GCP)
  • Experience implementing and maintaining quality management systems
  • Experience working with regulatory bodies such as the MHRA
  • Knowledge of pharmaceutical production governance within healthcare environments
  • Experience supporting the design or commissioning of pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities would be advantageous.

Skills and Professional Attributes

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

  • Leadership and mentoring skills for multidisciplinary teams
  • Ability to communicate effectively with clinical teams, managers and external stakeholders
  • Experience influencing change and guiding senior professionals
  • Strong organisational and time management abilities
  • Analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Confidence delivering presentations and written reports
  • Competence using office software such as Word and Excel
  • Project management experience would be beneficial.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Great Ormond Street Hospital aims to build a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities it serves. Applications are welcomed from individuals of all backgrounds, including those from under-represented groups.

The hospital is committed to creating an inclusive environment where staff are respected, supported and encouraged to contribute their perspectives and experiences.

Recruitment Process

Applicants will be shortlisted based on how well their experience aligns with the person specification provided in the full job description. Due to the high number of applications typically received for senior NHS roles, candidates are encouraged to submit applications as early as possible.

Applicants who require Skilled Worker visa sponsorship are welcome to apply and will be considered alongside all other candidates.

Useful UK Government Resources

If you are considering working in the UK healthcare system or relocating internationally, the following official resources may be helpful: