Lead Pharmacist - Medicines Optimisation

Job Overview

The Medicines Management Team at CLCH are looking to recruit a dynamic and innovative Lead Pharmacist for Medicines Optimisation Services. The post will involve shaping clinical services within the Trust including leadership of pharmacists working in primary care networks. This role is offered at 0.9 FTE for a one year fixed term contract, with flexibility to work 0.8 FTE if preferred.

Within this role you will support the Chief Pharmacist in the implementation recommendations in the NHS 10 year plan and further develop the service.

The post holder will provide effective leadership and oversight of the team, including staff management, workload prioritisation, and proactive planning to meet the future needs of the organisation. They will also be expected to deputise for the Deputy Chief Pharmacist and Chief Pharmacist when required.

Main duties of the job

The Post Holder Will Be Responsible For:

Leading on the development and integration of clinical medicines optimisation services within the wide geography of CLCH including care homes, in primary care networks and in the domiciliary setting.

To provide effective line manage for multiple direct reports.

Provide professional advice, support and training on policies and practice to health professionals in community care and related agencies’ staff.

Contribute to the clinical governance and patient safety initiatives of the Trust through interventions which optimise the management of medicines in all relevant areas of practice.

To contribute to the development and maintenance of a comprehensive medicines management service in the wide range of care settings for vulnerable client groups in the community.

Deputise for the Associate/Deputy Chief Pharmacist and the Chief Pharmacist as required.

Working for our organisation

We are proud to be one of the largest community healthcare providers in the country, with more than 4,500 colleagues caring for over four million people across London and Hertfordshire. Every day, our teams bring their skill, compassion, and determination to the people who depend on us.

What inspires us is at the heart of who we are: when we work together, we can help people move forward in ways that truly matter. Our teams support children as they take their first steps in life, and they stand beside adults as they rebuild strength, confidence, and independence. From newborn health visiting to community nursing, stroke rehabilitation, and palliative care, we are there for people through some of life’s most important moments.

Joining Central London Community Healthcare means becoming part of a community that lifts each other up. It means working in an organisation that values compassion, welcomes new ideas, and believes in the potential of every colleague. Your development matters here. Your wellbeing matters. Your voice helps shape the future of the care we provide.

We offer a competitive employment package because the work you do matters. At Central London Community Healthcare, you will join an inclusive organisation that invests in its people, supports development, and helps you thrive while delivering high-quality care.

Detailed Job Description And Main Responsibilities

Applicants are expected to present clear and relevant evidence of the competencies and responsibilities detailed in the attached Job Description and Person Specification, together with a demonstrated commitment to the Trust’s values of Accountability, Inclusion, Compassion, and Empowerment.

**Please see attached Job Description and Person Specification for full roles and responsibilities.**

Person specification

Education/Qualification

Essential Criteria

• Vocational Masters Degree in Pharmacy
• Professional registration with the General Pharmaceutical Council
• Sound knowledge of prescribing, pharmacy and medicines management issues
• Postgraduate clinical pharmacy qualification to at least diploma level or equivalent experience through relevant short courses
  
  
  

• Physical assessment skills
• Independent prescriber qualification
  
  
  

• Extensive post-qualification experience
• Clinical pharmacy, drug information or prescribing advice in the hospital setting
• Experience in primary (i.e. primary care networks) and secondary care
• Experience of mentoring and training
• Experience in managing a team or service i.e. multiple direct reports
  
  
  

• Experience of financial management including budget setting and monitoring
• Experience within care homes, domiciliary medicines optimisation services
  
  
  

• Excellent communicator – both verbal and written, as well as presentation skills
• Accessibility and ability to listen
• Effective negotiation skills and ability to persuade others
• Ability to plan, set objectives, priorities and review performance against objectives
• Ability to assimilate, analyse and interpret complex financial and clinical data
• Good inter-personal skills and ability to build relationships
• Ability to command and deal sensitively with emotive situations and be seen as credible by professional colleagues
• Ability to manage and work within resources and to tight deadlines
• Computer literate including word processing and advanced spreadsheet skills
• Ability to develop effective working relationships at all levels and to manage political pressure
• Ability to lead complex changes
• Understanding of the NHS and political environment
  
  
  

• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
• Awareness of confidentiality issues
• Flexibility in approach to meet service needs
• Self-motivator, innovative and ‘can-do’ approach