Job summary
We have an exciting opportunity for a Lead Technician to join the Pharmacy Sterile Production Unit team at the Queens Medical Centre campus of the Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust.
You must be a qualified pharmacy technician registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council or registered science manufacturing technician registered with the Science Council.
This role is an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic individual with experience in aseptic manufacture.
The unit is a busy MHRA licensed unit and prepares ready to use intravenous medicines to the trust and external NHS organisations. Along with Parenteral Nutrition we also manufacture Paediatric Chemotherapy, Specials and Batches Products
Supported by the Chief Technician and the other lead technicians you will co-ordinate the manufacturing staff and organise the daily work load with a specific focus on batches. You will also be responsible for developing, implementing and maintaining a robust maintenance schedule to ensure all facility and equipment meet Good Manufacturing Practice standards.
Main duties of the job
In addition to the below summary you need to familiarize yourself with full job description and person specification documents attached to this advert.
You will also be required to participate in regular aseptic preparation of a variety of products including Parenteral Nutrition, cytotoxic and monoclonal antibody treatments, using automation and hand fill techniques. You will have supervisory responsibilities, including the participation in formal and informal systems used to monitor performance of staff.
You will need to be accurate in your work and be familiar with Good manufacturing practice (GMP). You will also be required to maintain competency and prove this with annual competency assessments.
You must be able to work under pressure, be able to prioritise work and be able to work alone or as part of a team. You will participate in the training of staff new to the department and help to develop new systems of working.
About us
With over 19,000 staff,we are one of the biggest employers in the city with a central role in supporting the health and wellbeing of our local population. We play a leading role in research, education and innovation.
Come and join our wonderful team at NUH. We are big believers in diversity and welcome new ideas to help develop our team in order to deliver world class healthcare to the vast patient populations we serve. With endless personal development opportunities available, at NUH we will endeavour to turn your job into a career!
We particularly welcome applications from people who identify as Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic, or Disabled, as we are striving to be better represented at NUH
Job description
Job responsibilities
To take the lead in co-ordinating the scheduling, preparation and supply of aseptically prepared batch products within the Sterile Production Unit, ensuring sufficient supply to meet service demand.To take the lead responsibility for scheduling, organising and executing equipment and facility planned and unplanned maintenance programs within the Sterile Production Unit, ensuring all meet required Good Manufacturing Practice standards.
To contribute to the overall organisation and supervision of technical and operational aspects of the Sterile Production Unit (SPU) to ensure high-quality, safe, timely and consistent service delivery.
The post holder will be expected to divide their time between the operational service needs of the department and other aspects of the sterile production department as agreed with the Chief Technician.
The post holder will be based primarily within SPU at the QMC Campus but will be expected to attend meetings at both Campus to enhance the effectiveness of the role as appropriate.
For full details, please read the attached Job Description and Person Specification.
Job description
Job responsibilities
To take the lead in co-ordinating the scheduling, preparation and supply of aseptically prepared batch products within the Sterile Production Unit, ensuring sufficient supply to meet service demand.To take the lead responsibility for scheduling, organising and executing equipment and facility planned and unplanned maintenance programs within the Sterile Production Unit, ensuring all meet required Good Manufacturing Practice standards.
To contribute to the overall organisation and supervision of technical and operational aspects of the Sterile Production Unit (SPU) to ensure high-quality, safe, timely and consistent service delivery.
The post holder will be expected to divide their time between the operational service needs of the department and other aspects of the sterile production department as agreed with the Chief Technician.
The post holder will be based primarily within SPU at the QMC Campus but will be expected to attend meetings at both Campus to enhance the effectiveness of the role as appropriate.
For full details, please read the attached Job Description and Person Specification.
Person Specification
Training and Qualifications
Essential
- BTEC and NVQ Level 3 in Pharmacy services / Level 3 Diploma in the Principles of Aseptic Pharmaceuticals Processing, or equivalent
- Registered Pharmacy Technician with GPhC OR Registered Science Technician (RSciTech) with Science Council
Desirable
- Supervisory training and qualification
- Evidence of willingness to undergo training in pharmacy related aspects of sterile production
- Aseptic dispensing course attended, e.g. Aseptic Preparation and Dispensing of Medicines (Leeds University)
Experience
Essential
- Ability to dispense aseptic products accurately following GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice)
- Experience of working in a licensed/unlicensed production unit
- Extensive experience and knowledge of quality assurance of aseptic preparation services
- Experience of stock management including stock takes and dealing with supply issues
- Knowledge of GMP & other legislation
Desirable
- Supervisory experience in sterile production
- Staff training and management
- Quality and audit experience
- Evidence of initiating investigations and project work
Communication Skills
Essential
- Good written and verbal communication skills
- Already participating in the training of other staff
- Empathy with pharmacy stakeholders
- Professional and approachable
- Confident & able to inspire confidence in others
- Can work well on their own or as part of a team
- Self-motivated & able to motivate other
- Evidence of active participation in change management
Desirable
- Involvement in appraisals and objective setting
- Experience with dealing with conflict resolution and having sensitive conversations
- Experience liaising with internal and external services / suppliers
Analytical and Judgement Skills
Essential
- Able to assess and minimise risk in production process
- Positive thinker, problem solver
- Decision making and prioritisation skills
- Able to analyse, interpret, label and dispense from prescriptions and production worksheets
- Works effectively as part of a team and also alone - depending on task
- Able to use initiative when dealing with a variety of situations
Planning and Organisation Skills
Essential
- Manages their own time effectively, able to prioritise their work and work in an organised manner
- Organise and co-ordinate work and training of others
- Able to oversee more than one task at a time, prioritise accordingly and work to agreed deadlines
- Able to work under pressure
Desirable
- Experience planning in maintenance work for equipment / facility
Physical Skills
Essential
- Manual dexterity to perform detailed technical tasks accurately
- Able to concentrate for prolonged periods
- Able to lift boxes weighing up to 10kg
- Good IT Skills/ ability to use VDU screens for several hours per day
Other requirements specific to the role (e.g. be able to drive or work shifts)
Essential
- Conscientious and compassionate
- Ability to work accurately under pressure
- Demonstrates logical thinking
- Flexibility - will be required to participate in rostered, flexible shift working, including weekend working
Desirable
- Involvement in recruitment of staff
- Conducting return to work interviews following staff sickness
- Able to use initiative when dealing with a variety of situations
Person Specification
Training and Qualifications
Essential
- BTEC and NVQ Level 3 in Pharmacy services / Level 3 Diploma in the Principles of Aseptic Pharmaceuticals Processing, or equivalent
- Registered Pharmacy Technician with GPhC OR Registered Science Technician (RSciTech) with Science Council
Desirable
- Supervisory training and qualification
- Evidence of willingness to undergo training in pharmacy related aspects of sterile production
- Aseptic dispensing course attended, e.g. Aseptic Preparation and Dispensing of Medicines (Leeds University)
Experience
Essential
- Ability to dispense aseptic products accurately following GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice)
- Experience of working in a licensed/unlicensed production unit
- Extensive experience and knowledge of quality assurance of aseptic preparation services
- Experience of stock management including stock takes and dealing with supply issues
- Knowledge of GMP & other legislation
Desirable
- Supervisory experience in sterile production
- Staff training and management
- Quality and audit experience
- Evidence of initiating investigations and project work
Communication Skills
Essential
- Good written and verbal communication skills
- Already participating in the training of other staff
- Empathy with pharmacy stakeholders
- Professional and approachable
- Confident & able to inspire confidence in others
- Can work well on their own or as part of a team
- Self-motivated & able to motivate other
- Evidence of active participation in change management
Desirable
- Involvement in appraisals and objective setting
- Experience with dealing with conflict resolution and having sensitive conversations
- Experience liaising with internal and external services / suppliers
Analytical and Judgement Skills
Essential
- Able to assess and minimise risk in production process
- Positive thinker, problem solver
- Decision making and prioritisation skills
- Able to analyse, interpret, label and dispense from prescriptions and production worksheets
- Works effectively as part of a team and also alone - depending on task
- Able to use initiative when dealing with a variety of situations
Planning and Organisation Skills
Essential
- Manages their own time effectively, able to prioritise their work and work in an organised manner
- Organise and co-ordinate work and training of others
- Able to oversee more than one task at a time, prioritise accordingly and work to agreed deadlines
- Able to work under pressure
Desirable
- Experience planning in maintenance work for equipment / facility
Physical Skills
Essential
- Manual dexterity to perform detailed technical tasks accurately
- Able to concentrate for prolonged periods
- Able to lift boxes weighing up to 10kg
- Good IT Skills/ ability to use VDU screens for several hours per day
Other requirements specific to the role (e.g. be able to drive or work shifts)
Essential
- Conscientious and compassionate
- Ability to work accurately under pressure
- Demonstrates logical thinking
- Flexibility - will be required to participate in rostered, flexible shift working, including weekend working
Desirable
- Involvement in recruitment of staff
- Conducting return to work interviews following staff sickness
- Able to use initiative when dealing with a variety of situations
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).