Experienced Pharmacy Medicines Counter Assistant – Full Time
Location: Portmans Pharmacy, Barbican, Central London
Hours:
Monday to Friday: 9:00am–6:30pm
Occasional Saturdays: 11:00am–4:00pm
About Portmans Pharmacy
Portmans Pharmacy is a respected independent community pharmacy located in the heart of Barbican, Central London.
For more than 40 years, we have proudly served local residents, businesses and professionals by providing trusted healthcare advice, high-quality products and a consistently excellent standard of personal service.
We are looking for an experienced and qualified Pharmacy Medicines Counter Assistant to join our team on a full-time, long-term basis.
The successful candidate will be professional, reliable, well presented and confident when communicating with patients and customers. This opportunity would suit someone who takes pride in their work and is looking to develop a stable, long-term career within an established and forward-thinking pharmacy.
There is considerable scope for the successful candidate to expand their role over time. This may include specialist product and brand training, increased responsibility for retail and service development, and the opportunity to train in additional services such as ear microsuction, subject to completing the appropriate training, competency assessments and internal requirements.
About the Role
As one of the first points of contact for our patients and customers, you will play an important role in representing Portmans Pharmacy with professionalism, confidence and warmth.
This is a busy, hands-on and customer-facing position. You must be comfortable building rapport with customers, recommending appropriate over-the-counter products, promoting pharmacy services and supporting the smooth day-to-day running of the pharmacy.
We are looking for someone who wants more than simply a counter position. For the right individual, there will be opportunities to develop specialist knowledge, take ownership of areas within the pharmacy and gradually assume additional responsibilities as the business and its services continue to grow.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide every patient and customer with professional, friendly and knowledgeable service.
- Offer appropriate advice on over-the-counter medicines, minor ailments, skincare, vitamins and wellness products within your level of competence.
- Refer patients to the pharmacist whenever clinical advice or further assessment is required.
- Promote services including Pharmacy First, blood pressure checks, ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, vaccinations and other private and NHS pharmacy services.
- Assist patients with service enquiries, bookings, forms and general administration.
- Receive prescriptions and assist patients with collection and prescription-related queries.
- Handle telephone calls, emails and face-to-face enquiries professionally and efficiently.
- Process payments accurately and operate the till and EPOS system.
- Maintain high standards of stock control, pricing, merchandising and product presentation.
- Monitor stock levels, expiry dates and replenishment requirements.
- Assist with ordering and receiving stock and promptly report shortages, discrepancies or damaged items.
- Develop strong knowledge of the pharmacy’s premium skincare, wellness and healthcare brands.
- Attend product, brand and service training provided by manufacturers, suppliers and the pharmacy.
- Help promote new products, seasonal campaigns and pharmacy services.
- Ensure the shop floor, counter and customer areas remain clean, organised and welcoming.
- Work closely with the pharmacist, dispensary team and management.
- Liaise professionally with GP surgeries, healthcare providers, suppliers and other relevant organisations when required.
- Support promotional activities and contribute positively to the growth of the pharmacy and its services.
- Complete all required training, assessments and pharmacy procedures within agreed timescales.
- Take on additional responsibilities and service-related roles as appropriate following training and competency assessment.
Essential Requirements
- A recognised or accredited Medicines Counter Assistant qualification.
- Previous experience working on a community pharmacy medicines counter.
- A minimum of one to two years’ relevant pharmacy experience is preferred.
- Good knowledge of over-the-counter medicines and the ability to recognise when a patient must be referred to the pharmacist.
- Excellent spoken and written English.
- Professional, courteous and confident when dealing with the public.
- Smartly presented and committed to maintaining high professional standards.
- Reliable, punctual and organised.
- Strong customer service, communication and interpersonal skills.
- Good attention to detail and the ability to follow pharmacy procedures accurately.
- Comfortable using computers, till systems, email and other pharmacy technology.
- Able to remain calm, productive and courteous within a busy working environment.
- Able to work both independently and as part of a team.
- Willing to undertake further product, service and clinical skills training.
- A genuine interest in building a stable, long-term career with Portmans Pharmacy.
Desirable Experience
- Knowledge of skincare, vitamins, supplements and wellness products.
- Experience with pharmacy EPOS or patient management systems.
- Experience promoting NHS and private pharmacy services.
- Experience with merchandising, stock management and retail sales.
- Familiarity with the needs of professional and Central London customers.
- An interest in developing skills in additional patient services, such as ear microsuction.
What We Offer
- A stable, full-time position within an established independent pharmacy.
- A professional and supportive working environment.
- Considerable opportunity to expand and progress within the role.
- Specialist product and brand training.
- Opportunities to take ownership of particular product ranges, retail areas or pharmacy projects.
- The potential to train in additional services, including ear microsuction, subject to suitability, successful completion of training and competency requirements.
- Opportunities to develop your knowledge, responsibilities and earning potential as your role grows.
- Exposure to a broad range of NHS and private pharmacy services.
- A workplace that values professionalism, reliability, teamwork and genuine patient care.
- The opportunity to build a long-term career as Portmans Pharmacy continues to grow.
How to Apply
Please apply with your up-to-date CV and a brief covering statement explaining:
- Your current Medicines Counter Assistant qualification.
- Your previous community pharmacy experience.
- Your availability to work the advertised hours.
- Why you would like to join Portmans Pharmacy.
- Any particular product, service or career development areas that interest you.
Applications from candidates without relevant community pharmacy counter experience or a recognised Medicines Counter Assistant qualification may not be progressed.
Join Portmans Pharmacy and take the next step in your pharmacy career with a trusted independent pharmacy in the heart of Barbican.lay a key role in representing Portmans Pharmacy with professionalism, confidence, and warmth.
This is a hands-on, customer-facing position for someone who enjoys building rapport, providing expert product advice, and contributing to the smooth daily running of a busy London pharmacy.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide professional, friendly, and knowledgeable service to every customer.
- Support the pharmacist and dispensary team in all aspects of daily operations.
- Offer informed advice on medicines, skincare, vitamins, and wellness products.
- Oversee stock control, merchandising, and ordering to ensure efficiency and presentation.
- Handle payments, prescriptions, and customer queries in person and by phone.
- Maintain a clean, organised, and welcoming retail environment.
- Liaise with local GP surgeries and healthcare professionals to ensure seamless patient care.
- Promote pharmacy services and contribute to ongoing service growth.
What We’re Looking For
- Accredited Medicines Counter Assistant qualification (mandatory).
- Previous pharmacy counter or retail healthcare experience (minimum 1–2 years preferred).
- Smartly presented, professional, and confident in dealing with the public.
- Well-spoken and fluent in English, with strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Reliable, punctual, organised, and able to work independently when required.
- IT literate with good attention to detail.
- Knowledge of skincare, vitamins, and wellness products (advantageous).
- A motivated individual seeking a stable, long-term career in pharmacy.
What We Offer
- A workplace that values excellence, trust, and genuine care for its team and community.
Join Portmans Pharmacy
If you’re an experienced Pharmacy Counter Assistant with the professionalism, knowledge, and drive to deliver the very best customer service — we’d love to welcome you to our team.
Apply now and take the next step in your career with Portmans Pharmacy, Barbican.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent, Fixed term contract
Pay: £12.71-£13.00 per hour
Benefits:
Ability to commute/relocate:
- London EC1Y 8NX: reliably commute or be willing to relocate with an employer-provided relocation package (required)
Experience:
- Pharmacy Assistants: 5 years (required)
- Pharmacy: 4 years (required)
Licence/Certification:
- Medical Counter Skills Qualification (required)
Work Location: In person
