Principal Pharmacist – Medicines Optimisation & Governance

About the role

The Principal Pharmacist – Medicines Optimisation & Governance provides strategic leadership for medicines optimisation, safety, governance and digital pharmacy services across the Trust. Working within the senior pharmacy leadership team, the postholder ensures safe, effective clinical pharmacy delivery while maintaining a direct clinical presence.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the strategic development and delivery of medicines optimisation, safety and governance programmes.
• Oversee medication safety initiatives and manage the Medication Safety Officer function.
• Drive EPMA and digital pharmacy developments, including formulary management.
• Act as professional secretary to the Medicines Governance Committee.
• Promote cost‑effective prescribing, financial stewardship and medicines optimisation.
• Manage and support senior pharmacy staff, fostering a high‑performing, innovative team culture.
• Contribute to Trust‑wide strategy, policy development and service transformation.
• Maintain a clinical presence on wards, providing expert pharmaceutical guidance and prescribing where appropriate.

Required profile

• Registered pharmacist with extensive experience in medicines optimisation and governance.
• Proven senior leadership experience within a hospital pharmacy setting.
• Ability to influence multidisciplinary teams and drive organisational change.
• Strong understanding of NHS policies, financial stewardship and clinical governance.

Required skills

• EPMA systems
• Digital pharmacy platforms
• Formulary management
• Medication safety initiatives
• Governance frameworks

What we offer

• Opportunity to shape pharmacy practice at a leading NHS Trust.
• Supportive, inclusive and diverse working environment.
• Professional development and leadership growth.