NHS England and NHS Improvement is recruiting a Chief Pharmaceutical Officer for England. Applications are welcomed from senior pharmacy leaders registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council, with a Masters degree in Pharmacy (or equivalent) and a postgraduate or management qualification, or equivalent experience. Candidates would also need to demonstrate excellent knowledge and experience of working in or with the Department of Health and Social Care, the NHS, and other health organisations.

The Chief Pharmaceutical Officer for England is the NHS’ and Government’s most senior advisor on pharmacy and medicines use. The postholder is principal advisor on medicines and pharmacy policy development and delivery and provides professional leadership to pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in England. They support the delivery of the objectives of the NHS Long Term Plan and other NHS England and NHS Improvement priorities within the health and social care system.

The Chief Pharmaceutical Officer leads a wide team of pharmacy professional advisors within NHS England and NHS Improvement, working at both national and regional levels, to ensure evidence-based pharmacy professional advice and guidance are deployed effectively to improve patient care.

The postholder also has an important role in representing the health and social care system’s interest in pharmacy and medicines and influencing the thinking and development of the NHS and broader system at large, and of patient, Governmental, industry, professional, trade body, and other national and international organisations.

 They will be able to demonstrate highly developed leadership, interpersonal, negotiation, advisory and partnership working skills. They will need to demonstrate the ability to communicate with people, including the media, convey complex messages to different recipient groups, and to build and develop strong relationships.