Head of Pharmacy Manufacturing(UK Visa Sponsorship)

Job Description

About the Role

Great Ormond Street Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is seeking an experienced pharmacy professional to join its specialist team as Head of Pharmacy Manufacturing.

This senior leadership role will oversee the production of aseptic medicines, ensuring that high-quality pharmaceutical preparations are safely manufactured for children and young people receiving complex medical treatment.

The successful candidate will lead the aseptic manufacturing team while helping to shape the future development of pharmacy services at the hospital. This position is particularly important as the organisation continues to modernise its facilities and expand specialist care services.

Please note: previous applicants for this vacancy do not need to apply again.

About the Pharmacy Manufacturing Service

The pharmacy manufacturing unit operates under a Manufactured Specials licence, producing more than 10,000 patient-specific doses each year.

The service includes a specialist Cytotoxic and CIVAS (Centralised Intravenous Additive Service) unit, supporting:

• NHS patient care
• International and private patient services
• Paediatric clinical trials
• Medicines are prepared individually to meet the needs of children with complex conditions, ensuring safe and precise treatment.
• Strategic Development and Future Projects

The post holder will also contribute to the development of the new Children’s Cancer Centre at the hospital. This facility will include a modern cytotoxic production environment designed to support advanced cancer therapies for children.

As part of this transformation programme, the role will focus on:

• Developing the future workforce within aseptic services
• Implementing digital pharmacy technologies
• Improving efficiency through innovation and quality improvement initiatives
• Supporting the integration of advanced digital medication systems

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Provide leadership for pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and manufacturing staff working within aseptic services
• Manage the daily operation of cytotoxic and CIVAS manufacturing units
• Ensure continuity of safe medicine production across all clinical services

Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure manufacturing processes comply with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and other statutory standards
• Maintain compliance with regulatory bodies such as the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency
• Support external quality assurance inspections and audits

Quality and Governance

• Lead the development of robust Quality Management Systems
• Monitor service performance and identify opportunities for improvement
• Ensure safe pharmaceutical manufacturing practices are embedded throughout the department

Innovation and Digital Transformation

• Support the implementation of digital pharmacy systems such as closed-loop medication management
• Encourage innovative practice in pharmaceutical manufacturing and medication safety
• Contribute to research and development, including drug dose design for paediatric patients

Strategic Leadership

• Work with senior hospital leadership to shape the direction of pharmaceutical manufacturing services
• Support workforce development and professional training within the department
• Contribute to wider organisational strategy related to medicines optimisation and patient safety

Commitment to Equality and Inclusion

Great Ormond Street Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the communities it serves.

The hospital encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities, disabled professionals and LGBTQ+ individuals.

Staff are encouraged to engage with internal support networks including:

• REACH – Race, Ethnicity and Cultural Heritage Network
• ENABLED – Disability and accessibility support network
• PRIDE – LGBTQ+ staff network
• Women’s professional development network
• These initiatives help ensure every employee feels supported, respected and able to contribute fully to the organisation.

Person Specification

Professional Registration and Qualifications

Essential

• Registered pharmacist with the General Pharmaceutical Council
• Postgraduate qualification such as Diploma or MSc in Pharmacy Practice, PTQA qualification, or equivalent professional experience

Desirable

• Certificate in Clinical or Pharmacy Practice
• Experience and Knowledge

Essential

• Extensive experience in aseptic pharmaceutical manufacturing including chemotherapy, CIVAS or parenteral nutrition
• Strong understanding of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and Good Clinical Practice (GCP)
• Experience operating within quality management frameworks
• Experience working with regulatory or inspection authorities

Desirable

Experience supporting the planning or commissioning of new pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities

Skills and Competencies

Candidates should demonstrate:

• Ability to mentor and train pharmacy staff
• Strong leadership and team management capabilities
• Excellent communication skills when working with healthcare professionals and external stakeholders
• Ability to influence senior colleagues and lead organisational change
• Strong organisational and time-management skills
• Effective problem-solving and decision-making abilities
• Good IT literacy, including Microsoft Word and Excel
• Ability to deliver presentations and reports to senior stakeholders
• Project management experience would be advantageous.

Recruitment and Shortlisting Process

• Applications will be reviewed against the person specification criteria provided in the job description.
• Candidates who best demonstrate the required qualifications, experience and competencies will be shortlisted for interview.

The Trust may close the vacancy earlier than the advertised deadline if a sufficient number of applications are received, therefore early submission is recommended.

Visa and Employment Eligibility Guidance

Applications are welcome from candidates who may require Skilled Worker visa sponsorship, subject to meeting eligibility requirements.

Useful UK government resources include:

• Skilled Worker visa guidance
• UK Visas and Immigration information
• Professional regulation of pharmacists
• Medicines regulation and manufacturing standards
• Criminal record checks for overseas healthcare applicants