Pharmacy Technician and Dispensary Manager

Job description Job responsibilities Job purposeThe Pharmacy Technician and Dispensary Manager is responsible for the safe, effective and efficient day-to-day operation of the practice dispensary and for supporting the wider medicines-management service.The postholder will lead and support the dispensary team, manage workflows and stock, maintain regulatory compliance and ensure patients receive a safe, professional and responsive service. As a registered Pharmacy Technician, they will also work alongside GPs, pharmacists and other clinical colleagues to improve medicines safety and patient care.Main duties and responsibilitiesDispensary management

Manage the daily operation and workflow of the dispensary.

Ensure prescriptions are processed and medicines are dispensed accurately and promptly.

Maintain safe systems for ordering, receiving, storing, dispensing and disposing of medicines.

Monitor workload and allocate duties appropriately within the dispensary team.

Ensure appropriate staffing arrangements and contribute to rota planning.

Act as the main point of contact for operational dispensary matters.

Investigate and resolve dispensing queries, incidents and complaints.

Ensure controlled drugs are managed in accordance with legal and practice requirements.

Maintain the security, cleanliness and organisation of the dispensary.

Leadership and staff management

Provide day-to-day leadership, supervision and support to dispensary staff.

Promote a positive, professional and patient-focused working environment.

Support staff induction, training and continuing development.

Monitor staff performance and address concerns with the support of the management team.

Hold regular team meetings and communicate relevant operational updates.

Ensure staff understand and comply with practice policies and standard operating procedures.

Identify training needs and support competency assessments.

Pharmacy Technician duties

Undertake dispensing and medicines-management duties within professional competence.

Resolve prescription and medication queries in collaboration with GPs and pharmacists.

Support medication reconciliation following hospital discharge or other transfers of care.

Assist with identifying and resolving medicines-related risks.

Support patients to use their medicines safely and effectively.

Contribute to medication reviews, audits and prescribing-improvement work as appropriate.

Refer clinical concerns to the appropriate pharmacist or GP.

Maintain professional registration and work within GPhC standards and the postholders scope of practice.

Stock and financial control

Manage stock levels to maintain availability while reducing waste and over-ordering.

Oversee stock ordering, receipt and rotation.

Monitor expiry dates, cold-chain requirements and storage conditions.

Ensure appropriate processes are followed for returned, damaged or expired medicines.

Undertake and reconcile regular stock checks.

Monitor dispensing-related costs, claims and reimbursement.

Work with suppliers to resolve shortages, delivery problems and account queries.

Identify opportunities to improve dispensary efficiency and financial performance.

Governance, quality and compliance

Ensure compliance with medicines legislation, NHS requirements, GPhC standards and practice policies.

Maintain and regularly review dispensary standard operating procedures.

Lead or support the requirements of the Dispensing Services Quality Scheme.

Maintain accurate records and ensure an appropriate audit trail.

Complete and respond to relevant audits, inspections and action plans.

Report and investigate dispensing incidents, near misses and significant events.

Promote learning from incidents and implement improvements to reduce future risks.

Ensure patient confidentiality and information-governance requirements are maintained.

Support infection prevention and control, health and safety and risk-management requirements.

Communication and collaborative working

Work closely with GPs, pharmacists, nursing teams, managers, reception staff and external suppliers.

Communicate professionally with patients and respond appropriately to concerns or queries.

Liaise with community pharmacies, hospitals, care homes and other healthcare providers where required.

Attend relevant practice, pharmacy and governance meetings.

Provide dispensary performance information and updates to the management team.

Support service development and contribute to wider practice objectives.

General responsibilitiesThe postholder will:

Maintain confidentiality at all times.

Follow all practice policies, procedures and codes of conduct.

Complete mandatory training and maintain professional development.

Promote equality, dignity and respect for patients and colleagues.

Identify and report safeguarding concerns appropriately.

Take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others.

Work flexibly across practice sites where service needs require.

Undertake other appropriate duties consistent with the level and responsibilities of the role.

Qualifications and registrationThe postholder must:

Hold an approved Pharmacy Technician qualification.

Be registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council.

Maintain registration and meet all continuing professional development requirements.

Review of the job description

This job description outlines the principal responsibilities of the role but is not exhaustive. Duties may be reviewed and amended following consultation with the postholder to reflect service requirements and organisational development.