Job summary
- Main area
- Pharmacy
- Grade
- NHS AfC: Band 8b
- Contract
- Permanent
- Hours
- Full time - 37.5 hours per week
- Job ref
- 493-ICB-7021427
- Employer
- NHS Cheshire and Merseyside Integrated Care Board
- Employer type
- NHS
- Site
- Magdalen House
- Town
- Bootle
- Salary
- £62,215 - £72,293 pa
- Salary period
- Yearly
- Closing
- 09/03/2025 23:59
Employer heading

Lead Pharmacist - Sefton
NHS AfC: Band 8b
An exciting opportunity has arisen to be part of the changing shape of NHS commissioning in Cheshire and Merseyside. Our current organisational structure supports effective working both locally and across Cheshire and Merseyside as we develop as an Integrated Care System.
The population of Cheshire and Merseyside is diverse and growing and we are keen to see that diversity recognised within our own workforce. As an employer we seek to open opportunities for our staff to gain new skills, gain knowledge and develop careers in heath and care.
We welcome students, staff, people of all races, religions, genders, sexual orientation, physical abilities, backgrounds, and philosophies and those who are accepting of others. Our goal is to support all of our workforce in their work, if you believe you can bring your skills and experiences and an open-minded approach into our fast paced and dynamic organisation, we are committed to providing a positive and supportive experience for all of our staff.
Job overview
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join NHS Cheshire and Merseyside ICB (Integrated Care Board) as a Lead Clinical Pharmacist. Cheshire and Merseyside ICB covers a population of 2.7million people with services provided by 17 NHS trusts, 349 GP practices, 9 local authorities and 590 pharmacies. The post holder will work as a lead member of a place Medicines Optimisation team to support in delivering the objectives of the functions of the team.
Working as a lead member of the Medicines Optimisation Team, you will lead on identifying, promoting and sharing best practice. You will also lead on quality improvement with respect to medicines optimisation, and ensure the safe, effective, and economic use of medicines. You will be a lead within your team and will work on key areas of medicines optimisation across both your place and the ICB footprint.
The successful applicant will possess excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to communicate complex concepts clearly and effectively. They will be an effective leader with extensive clinical knowledge and expertise in medicines management, with a passion for medicines optimisation and medicines safety.
Main duties of the job
This will be varied and will adapt over time as the Medicines Optimisation and Pharmacy function develops. However, the postholder is expected to fulfil the following key functions: -
· To lead on the development and delivery of safe, effective and cost-effective use of the medicines resources in accordance with the medicines optimisation agenda.
· Responsible for delivering, managing, and developing a specific clinical area/programme of the medicines management optimisation plan which may be at place or ICB level.
· Undertakes risk management and ensure compliance with medicines legislation.
· Responsible for leading and delivering specialist advice on a specific component of the optimisation plan which may be at place or ICB level.
· To manage and lead a team providing prescribing support/input.
· To lead and develop clinical audit and provide specialist training.
· Deputise for a Head of Medicines Management or appropriate senior colleague.
· To lead and provide specialist expertise regarding commissioning or redesign of services pertaining to the use of medicines.
· Lead and provide specialist advice pertaining to medicines at relevant meetings.
· Undertake duties directed and delegated by the HOM consistent with grade and competence.
The main duties and responsibilities described above are not exhaustive and the post holder can expect to take on other responsibilities or specific tasks as required.
Working for our organisation
We are committed to recruiting the best person for the job, based on ability and merit as measured against a criteria for this role.
We are committed to being a diverse and inclusive employer and we foster a culture where all staff are valued, respected and acknowledged.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
The full job description provides an overview of the key tasks and responsibilities of the role, and the person specification outlines the qualifications, skills, experience, and knowledge required. Please view the attached documents.
Person specification
Experience
Essential criteria
- Extensive post registration experience working at a senior level including primary care and multi sector experience.
- Evidence of line managing staff
Qualifications
Essential criteria
- Evidence of commitment to continuing professional development
- Independent prescribing qualification or working towards/intention of obtaining
- Diploma in Clinical Pharmacy or equivalent e.g. completion of CPPE pathway
Skills
Essential criteria
- Evidence of ability to communicate, verbally and in writing, providing and receiving highly complex medicines related information to Consultants, GPs, nurses, other healthcare and social care professionals, practice staff and patients (some of whom may have language difficulties, physical or mental disabilities). Specialist expertise in relation to clinical and commissioning functions of pharmacy developed over several years of practice
- Evidence of ability to communicate effectively with managers and staff at all levels.
- Evidence of ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines.
Applicant requirements
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Documents to download
Further details / informal visits contact
- Name
- Jennifer Johnston
- Job title
- Head of Medicines Management - Sefton
- Email address
- [email protected]
List jobs with NHS Cheshire and Merseyside Integrated Care Board in Health Science Services or all sectors