Purchasing Manager (Community Pharmacy)
Location: Sri Arya Healthcare Ltd, Workington, Cumbria
Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Salary: Competitive (Depending on Experience)
About Us
We are a well-established and expanding community pharmacy business operating multiple pharmacy branches across England. We are committed to providing high-quality pharmaceutical care and healthcare services while maintaining efficient procurement, iinventory management and cost control across our pharmacy network.
As part of our continued growth, we are seeking an experienced and commercially minded Purchasing Manager to oversee procurement, supplier management and inventory operations across our pharmacy branches.
Role Overview
The Purchasing Manager will be responsible for planning, coordinating and managing the procurement of medicines, medical devices, over-the-counter (OTC) products, pharmacy consumables and healthcare products across multiple pharmacy branches. The successful candidate will ensure cost-effective purchasing, supplier performance, stock availability and regulatory compliance while supporting the operational and commercial objectives of the business.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and implement purchasing strategies to ensure the timely and cost-effective procurement of medicines, pharmaceutical products, medical devices, consumables and retail healthcare products.
- Manage purchasing activities across multiple pharmacy branches, ensuring appropriate stock availability while minimising excess inventory and wastage.
- Build, develop and maintain strong working relationships with pharmaceutical wholesalers, manufacturers and suppliers to negotiate favourable pricing, discounts, rebate agreements and supply contracts.
- Source new suppliers and evaluate quotations, pricing structures and commercial terms to maximise value for the business.
- Monitor supplier performance, service levels and contractual obligations, taking appropriate action where performance standards are not achieved.
- Analyse purchasing trends, product demand and prescribing patterns to support accurate forecasting and inventory planning.
- Monitor medicine shortages and implement alternative sourcing strategies to minimise disruption to pharmacy operations.
- Work closely with pharmacists and branch managers to ensure medicines and healthcare products remain consistently available to meet patient demand.
- Manage procurement budgets and identify opportunities to reduce purchasing costs while maintaining product quality and regulatory compliance.
- Ensure compliance with General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) Standards, NHS contractual requirements, Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) guidance, Controlled Drugs regulations and all applicable procurement legislation.
- Develop and maintain procurement policies, purchasing procedures and inventory control systems.
- Monitor stock rotation, expiry dates and product recalls to minimise waste and ensure patient safety.
- Produce regular procurement reports, supplier performance reports, inventory analyses and purchasing forecasts for senior management.
- Work collaboratively with finance teams to reconcile supplier invoices, manage purchase orders and resolve pricing discrepancies.
- Support the introduction of new pharmacy services by sourcing appropriate products and equipment.
- Coordinate procurement for new pharmacy openings, refurbishments and business expansion projects.
- Maintain accurate purchasing records, supplier contracts and inventory databases.
- Identify opportunities to automate procurement processes and improve operational efficiency through technology.
- Ensure all purchasing activities are carried out ethically, transparently and in accordance with company policies.
Skills, Qualifications and Experience
Essential
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification in Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Business Management or a related discipline.
- Strong understanding of pharmaceutical procurement, medicines supply chains and inventory management.
- Excellent commercial awareness and negotiation skills.
- Strong analytical and financial management skills with the ability to interpret purchasing data and identify cost-saving opportunities.
- Excellent organisational and planning skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities across several pharmacy branches.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build effective relationships with suppliers, healthcare professionals and internal stakeholders.
- Good knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, and procurement or inventory management systems.
- High level of accuracy, integrity and attention to detail.
- Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a multidisciplinary management team.
Desirable
- At least one year's experience in a purchasing, procurement, supply chain or inventory management role within a pharmacy, healthcare or pharmaceutical environment.
- Previous experience working in a community pharmacy or multi-site pharmacy business.
- Experience negotiating supplier agreements and managing pharmaceutical wholesaler relationships.
- Knowledge of NHS Community Pharmacy Contractual Framework (CPCF) and pharmaceutical supply chain processes.
- Experience managing procurement budgets and inventory forecasting.
- Experience using pharmacy dispensing systems and inventory management software.
- Knowledge of Controlled Drugs regulations, MHRA guidance and medicines procurement requirements.
- Professional membership with the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) or a similar professional body would be advantageous.
- Previous experience as a Pharmacy Technician or within a pharmaceutical environment would be advantageous.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary based on qualifications and experience.
- Opportunity to work within a growing multi-branch community pharmacy business.
- Ongoing training and professional development.
- Career progression opportunities within a supportive management team.
- Exposure to strategic procurement, supplier management and pharmacy business operations.
Sponsorship
We welcome applications from candidates who have the right to work in the United Kingdom.
Preference will be given to UK nationals and individuals who are settled in the UK (and therefore exempt from immigration control). Subject to meeting Home Office requirements, the Company may consider sponsoring suitably qualified candidates under the Skilled Worker route, where appropriate. We are unable to offer sponsorship to overseas applicants who do not otherwise meet the eligibility requirements.
Pay: £35,000.00-£42,000.00 per year
Benefits:
Work Location: In person
