Job overview
This is a senior leadership role at the forefront of medicines optimisation, innovation, and digital transformation within one of the largest NHS Trusts in the country. As Lead Pharmacist for High Cost Drugs, Homecare, Business and Procurement Services, you’ll shape the strategy that ensures patients across Sussex receive safe, effective, and sustainable access to life-changing medicines.
You’ll lead ambitious projects in automation, homecare reform, and efficiency, working with clinicians, commissioners, and national bodies to drive change that truly matters. We’re looking for a confident, visionary pharmacist with strong leadership, financial acumen, and a passion for improving systems that directly impact patient care.
Join us, and you’ll be part of a collaborative and forward-thinking team that values innovation, compassion, and professional growth—where your ideas will influence both local delivery and regional strategy.
Main duties of the job
In this pivotal role, you will lead and develop Trust-wide services for high-cost medicines, homecare delivery, procurement, and medicines efficiency, ensuring that patients receive safe, effective, and sustainable treatment. You’ll oversee complex budgets, supplier contracts, and governance frameworks, working closely with clinicians, finance teams, and national partners to optimise spend while improving patient outcomes.
We’re looking for a strategic, forward-thinking pharmacist with exceptional leadership, negotiation, and analytical skills. You should be confident managing multidisciplinary teams, influencing senior stakeholders, and driving innovation in service design and digital transformation. A passion for quality improvement, patient safety, and system-wide collaboration is essential—alongside the resilience, professionalism, and emotional intelligence needed to lead change across a dynamic, high-profile portfolio.
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex (UHSx), diversity is our strength, & we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness & experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, & can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) & a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients & staff with the same compassion & empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above & beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our candidate information pack & wellbeing programme, for staff which is extensive & designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.
As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching & training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us & throughout your career we will help you to grow & develop. We hope that in choosing UHSx you are choosing a long & happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make & feel valued for all that you do.
We look forward to receiving your application & the start of your journey with UHSx.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
This role is eligible for visa sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route. Sponsorship can only be provided where applicants meet the specific requirements set by UKVI, including the relevant skill and salary thresholds, and any role-specific criteria.
AsLead Pharmacist for High Cost Drugs, Homecare, Business and Procurement Services, you will provide strategic and professional leadership for the Trust’s medicines efficiency, homecare, procurement, and contracting portfolios. You will be responsible for ensuring high standards of governance, financial stewardship, and patient safety across all areas of medicines use and supply.
Key duties include overseeing high-cost drug recharging processes, leading the operational and workforce redesign of pharmacy homecare and procurement teams, managing supplier contracts and SLAs, and driving digital and automation projects to improve efficiency. You will also chair or support key governance forums, including subsidiary pharmacy contract management meetings, and lead the Trust’s medical gases governance and development programmes.
You will work closely with the Chief Pharmacist, divisional leadership teams, finance and procurement colleagues, clinical directors, and regional NHS partners, representing the Trust at system and national level. The role demands a high level of strategic insight, negotiation skill, and professional credibility, ensuring the safe, effective, and sustainable delivery of medicines services across University Hospitals Sussex and the wider healthcare system.
Person specification
Shortlisting for Interview
Essential criteria
Master’s degree in Pharmacy (MPharm or equivalent) and current registration with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).
Significant senior management experience within hospital pharmacy, with a proven track record in medicines efficiency, homecare, or procurement.
Demonstrated ability to lead and develop multidisciplinary teams, manage performance, and drive service improvement across multiple sites.
Evidence of strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including use of data to inform business cases and strategic decisions.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills; able to influence senior stakeholders and work collaboratively across organisational boundaries.
Demonstrates alignment with Trust values, professionalism, and a commitment to patient safety, inclusion, and quality improvement.
Desirable criteria
Postgraduate qualification in Management, Leadership, or Clinical Pharmacy at Diploma/MSc level.
Experience leading regional or national workstreams, policy development, or commissioning initiatives.
Experience mentoring or coaching senior staff and developing leadership capability within teams.
Experience leading digital transformation, automation, or data-driven improvement projects.
Experience representing pharmacy services at regional or national forums.
Important information for applicants:
A Note on AI Use in Applications
We value the individuality and authenticity that each candidate brings to the application process. While AI tools are increasingly accessible, we strongly discourage their use in completing your application. Your responses should reflect your own voice, experiences, and motivations—elements that are essential to a fair and accurate evaluation.
Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content may misrepresent your abilities and could result in your application being rejected. We encourage you to take the time to present your genuine self, as this helps us better understand your potential and ensures a transparent selection process.
Closing Adverts Early: In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.
Some of our adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, the advert will close once the cap has been reached. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in the position to prevent you from missing out on applying for the opportunity.
Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.
DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check . We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.
Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for the roles that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure that you meet this criteria.
UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications
