Chief Pharmacy Technician - Quality Assurance


Company:	NHS Jobs
Salary:	£49,387 to £56,515 a year
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	Worcester, WR5 1DD
Job type:	Permanent
Posting date:	5 Oct 2026
Closing date:	23 Oct 2026

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Summary

Job Purpose The Chief Technician - Quality Assurance is responsible for providing assurance for the safe and accurate preparation of aseptically prepared medicines in accordance with all applicable regulatory requirements. The post holder will lead the development, implementation and maintenance of a robust pharmaceutical quality system that supports the delivery of high-quality aseptic services across Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust. The role will provide professional leadership on all matters relating to aseptic quality assurance, governance and regulatory compliance. The post holder will act as an approved product approver and be responsible for the release of aseptically prepared products from the aseptic unit. They will work closely with the Principal Pharmacist - Technical Services, Deputy Chief Pharmacist - Cancer and Aseptic Services and wider Trust stakeholders to ensure the aseptic service remains compliant with national guidance, quality standards and regulatory requirements whilst supporting continuous service improvement and innovation. Main Responsibilities The post holder will lead the development, maintenance and continual improvement of the pharmaceutical quality system, ensuring compliance with all applicable legislation, standards, guidance and best practice relating to aseptic services. They will be a key member of the aseptic governance team and provide expert advice on quality assurance matters to pharmacy staff, Trust colleagues and external stakeholders. The role includes leading internal and external audit programmes, developing and monitoring action plans, supporting regulatory inspections, maintaining effective relationships with auditors and ensuring that identified actions are implemented within agreed timescales. The post holder will support investigations relating to incidents, complaints, deviations and non-conformances and will apply risk management principles to ensure appropriate corrective and preventative actions are implemented. The post holder will be responsible for managing and overseeing environmental monitoring programmes, including physical, microbial and environmental monitoring activities, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. They will lead the development and delivery of validation programmes including validation master planning, equipment qualification, calibration schedules and planned preventative maintenance activities. The role includes supporting recommissioning activities following maintenance works or service interruptions and ensuring permit-to-work processes are completed appropriately. The post holder will contribute to supplier qualification activities, supplier audits and product assessments and will support the development and implementation of processes associated with unlicensed medicines and quality management activities. They will contribute to the development of KPIs, reporting mechanisms and governance frameworks that monitor the quality and performance of aseptic services. The role requires the production of reports, presentations and assurance documentation for pharmacy, governance and Trust committees and the communication of complex quality and governance issues in a clear and understandable manner to a wide range of audiences. Aseptic Services Management The post holder will support the operational leadership of aseptic services and, where required, deputise for senior technical staff to ensure continuity of service delivery. They will maintain competence across aseptic processes and operational activities and will be expected to undertake operational duties where required to support service demands. They will ensure all aseptic activities comply with relevant legislation, standards, professional guidance and local procedures. This includes quality assurance standards for aseptic preparation services, medicines legislation, health and safety requirements, patient safety standards and Trust policies. The post holder will contribute to resolving operational challenges, balancing service pressures and supporting safe and effective service delivery. The post holder will support the management of documentation, worksheets, labels and records associated with aseptic preparation and will ensure robust governance arrangements are maintained across all aspects of service delivery. They will support the monitoring of commercial compounders and contribute to service reviews and performance monitoring processes. Financial Responsibilities The post holder will contribute to the effective management of resources within aseptic services. This includes supporting budgetary control, monitoring expenditure relating to equipment and consumables and identifying opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce waste. They will contribute to cost improvement programmes and support the review of supplier contracts, service level agreements and procurement activities to ensure value for money and service sustainability. Training and Staff Development A key aspect of the role is supporting the development of a highly skilled and competent workforce. The post holder will contribute to the design, implementation and delivery of structured competency-based training programmes for pharmacy staff working within aseptic services. They will support training, competency assessment and ongoing professional development activities for technical, pharmacy and multidisciplinary staff. The post holder will act as a role model for quality assurance and aseptic practice and will support the delivery of education programmes for pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, assistants and trainee staff. They will contribute to workforce planning and support the development of future training pathways that meet service needs and align with regional and national standards. The successful candidate will be expected to maintain their own professional knowledge and competence and participate fully in appraisal, personal development planning and continuing professional development activities. Service Improvement and Development The post holder will play a significant role in the strategic development of aseptic services and quality assurance activities. They will contribute to business planning, service redesign, quality improvement initiatives and innovation projects that support the future direction of pharmacy services. They will identify opportunities for improvement, develop proposals and support implementation of changes that improve quality, efficiency, patient safety and service resilience. The role requires participation in audits, evaluations, regional forums, professional networks and national developments relating to aseptic services. The post holder will contribute to the development of policies, procedures and governance frameworks that support service delivery across the organisation. Operational and Managerial Responsibilities The post holder will contribute to recruitment, retention, workforce planning and performance management activities within aseptic services. They may be required to support interviews, staff supervision, appraisal processes, absence management and other people management activities in accordance with Trust policies and procedures. They will be expected to participate in operational pharmacy activities where required and support the wider pharmacy service in delivering safe, effective and timely care for patients. Participation in weekend and bank holiday working arrangements may be required in accordance with service needs. The post holder must maintain patient confidentiality, comply with all relevant legislation and professional standards and act at all times in a professional, caring and responsible manner. They will be expected to work collaboratively with colleagues across pharmacy, clinical services, governance, estates and external organisations to support delivery of high-quality pharmacy services.

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