Job Advert
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) is one of the largest healthcare systems in the United Kingdom, employing approximately 40,000 staff across a wide range of clinical and non-clinical professions and roles. We deliver acute hospital, primary, community and mental health services to a population of over 1.15 million people, and to a wider population of 2.2 million when regional and national services are included.
The role:
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Senior Purchasing Officer to join our growing Pharmacy Homecare Medicines Team.
We are looking for a highly motivated, professional, enthusiastic individual with a willingness to learn and work in a fast-paced, dynamic, environment at the heart of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde's Pharmacy Services. You will be based within the NHSGGC Pharmacy Distribution Centre (PDC) purchasing office and will assist the Homecare Specialist Pharmacy Technician and Pharmacy Technician Higher Level in the governance and provision of the service.
You will work alongside our established Senior Purchasing Officer and be directly responsible for the coordination and supervision of the wider PDC homecare medicines team, which has a mix of Pharmacy Support Workers, Higher-level and Purchasing Officers, providing an efficient and effective administrative support for the NHSGGC homecare medicines service, ensuring patients receive timely supplies of medication at home. This role is not patient-facing; however, it is entirely focused on delivering patient-centred care.
If successful in your application, you will be working alongside many other multidisciplinary professionals within NHSGGC and beyond.
The PDC is a modern, high-volume, and state-of-the-art facility responsible for the automated procurement and distribution of all medicines and vaccines across hospitals, clinics, and community pharmacies in the region including Argyll & Bute in NHS Highland. We have three key operational areas at the PDC:
- Unit F Warehouse
- Unit F Office Team, which includes the Purchasing and Homecare teams
- Unit C Vaccine Holding Centre
Within the warehouse, 10 automated robots support the accurate and efficient distribution of medicines, ensuring timely delivery to meet clinical need across all service areas.
As one of the largest automated hospital pharmacy projects in the UK, we use cutting-edge robotic systems to ensure the highest standards of safety, quality, and efficiency in our service delivery.
Duration, Location, and Working Pattern:
- This is a permanent post
- Working 36 hours per week
- Hours are Monday to Friday, hours - negotiable, 5/7 whole week working and participate in our Public Holiday rota.
- You will be based within Pharmacy Distribution Centre (PDC)
Key responsibilities:
You will be responsible for the effective coordination and supervision of the homecare service, including the production and maintenance of weekly rotas and the day-to-day management of the homecare team. You will plan and prioritise both your own workload and that of the team to ensure the safe, efficient and timely delivery of services, including the authorisation of annual leave and the processing of paper and electronic prescriptions where required.
The role involves regular liaison and negotiation with homecare providers to balance patient needs with provider capacity, while working collaboratively with pharmacy technicians, purchasing, PSM, clinical and finance teams to support the implementation and ongoing management of homecare services. This includes supporting new service set-up, service switches, and ensuring accurate record keeping, pricing and data management across shared systems and databases.
You will investigate and resolve financial and operational queries from a range of stakeholders, contribute to the development of guidance documents and local standard operating procedures, and support governance processes by assisting with audits, KPI reporting, and participation in local and national meetings. While also contributing to the investigation of incidents and complaints, ensuring continuous service improvement.
In addition, you will support staff development through training and appraisal processes, ensure compliance with relevant legislation including GDPR, and act as an authorised signatory for medicines purchases. The role requires a flexible approach, with the postholder undertaking any other duties as required to support the delivery of a high-quality homecare service.
Knowledge, training, qualifications and/or experience required to do the job:
- General education, basic numeracy and literacy skills demonstrated by 3 Standard Grade Qualifications or equivalent, must include English and Maths.
- Comprehensive IT and typing skills and proficiency in using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
- Commitment to working towards achievement of relevant SVQ qualifications.
- Experience of working in a purchasing, healthcare, pharmacy or customer facing role.
- Experience of stock management.
- Experience of leading and managing staff.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
What we offer:
We offer a wide range of supportive policies designed to enhance your employee journey, including a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme, Cycle to Work Scheme, bursary scheme and extensive learning and development opportunities.
As an NHS Scotland employee, you will be entitled to:
- A minimum of 27 days annual leave, increasing with length of service, plus public holidays
- Membership of the NHS Pension Scheme, including life insurance benefits
- Salary Sacrifice Car Benefit Scheme
- Development opportunities including study bursaries, e-learning and classroom-based courses
- Enhanced pay for working public holidays
- NHS discounts on a wide range of goods and services
- Confidential employee support and assistance, including counselling and psychological therapies
Interested?
If you would like to find out more, we would love to hear from you.
For an informal discussion, please contact:
Lynne Harrison Pharmacy Technician Specialist Homecare lynne.harrison2@nhs.scot on 0141 347 8965.
This role does not meet the eligibility criteria for a Skilled Worker visa or a Heath and Care Worker visa. NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) is unable to provide candidates or employees with a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
Details on how to contact the Recruitment Service and the Recruitment Process: Information for candidates
This post may close early due to the volume of response. Please submit your application form as soon as possible.
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- Show us the real you: Your application should reflect your skills, experience, and motivations authentically.
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- Why this matters: Applications that rely on AI-generated content may be withdrawn. By applying, you confirm your responses are based on your own knowledge and achievements.
Tip: Think of AI as a helper, not a substitute. We want to understand you, not an AI tool.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) recognises the importance of work-life balance and is committed to offering a range of flexible working options where service needs allow. For roles where less than full-time hours can be accommodated, and where the tenure is listed as “various”, we encourage applications from individuals seeking flexible working arrangements. Flexible working will be included as a topic for discussion during the recruitment process.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde encourages applications from all sections of the community. We are committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion and are proud of the diverse workforce we employ.
By signing the Armed Forces Covenant, NHSGGC has pledged its commitment to being a Forces Friendly Employer. We welcome applications from across the Armed Forces Community and recognise military skills, experience and qualifications throughout the recruitment and selection process.
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