Pharmacy Dispensary Manager - Chief II Pharmacist - Temporary Contract
(09.028 (2025)
Job Type
Temporary Full-Time
Location
Tallaght, County Dublin, Ireland
Job Details
Job Title: Dispensary Manager Chief II Pharmacist
Reference No: 09.028 (2025)
Department / Directorate: Pharmacy Department, COO Directorate
Reports to: Head of Pharmacy and Pharmacy Operations Manager
Tallaght University Hospital (TUH) is a model 4, voluntary, academic teaching hospital partnered with Trinity College and situated in south west Dublin. With a staff of over 4,000 people from 63 different countries, it provides both acute and tertiary care to an increasing population of circa 800,000 people and is a provider of local, regional and national specialties. It is also a National Urology Centre, the second largest provider of dialysis services in the country, Pelvic and Acetabulum National Centre and a designated Trauma Unit.
The Hospital is part of the newly established HSE Dublin & Midlands Region, which serves a population of over 1.2 million across seven counties, and operates under the governance of an independent Board of Directors who give their time on a voluntary basis. TUH is also supported by the Adelaide Health Foundation, the Meath Foundation and Tallaght University Hospital Foundation.
TUH recognises the role it plays in our community both as an employer and provider of healthcare and is committed to building a sustainable future for our region both now and into the future with a focus on patient outcomes.
The Hospital is ambitious, recognising that healthcare delivery is undergoing seismic change and will be different now and into the future, largely due to digital and technological advances along with research continuing to discover and test new treatment options. TUH wants to be a leader in determining that future. It is a
“Hospital without Walls”
always looking to optimise care both within and beyond in line with the Sláintecare vision of providing the right care, in the right place, at the right time whilst empowering our patients and staff.
TUH Vision and Values
The vision of the Hospital is “
People Caring for People to Live Better Lives”
through excellent health outcomes supported by evidenced based practice, positive patient and staff experience in an empowering and caring environment. A culture of innovation and quality improvement in everything we do.
Our
TUH CARE
values – for patients, their families, our community and staff are:
C
ollaborate – together and with our academic and care partners
A
chieve – our goals, positive outcomes and wellbeing
R
espect – for patients, each other and our environment
E
quity – for patients and staff
At TUH we view our staff as our most valuable asset and every
member of the Team is valued equally. We recognise that a skilled, satisfied and motivated workforce is a prerequisite to high quality care.
A full overview of TUH is available on www.tuh.ie/about us
purpose of the role:
To manage, co-ordinate and develop dispensary services to meet the needs of patients of Tallaght University Hospital in accordance with identified divisional priorities. To contribute to the strategic and operational planning of pharmacy services and to help ensure the highest standards apply to all aspects of medicine supply.
To optimise the role of electronic systems in supporting the delivery of a highly efficient dispensing service.
Overview of Role:
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Identify and implement operational processes to the standards of best practice in order to optimise use of resources and ensure compliance with statutory licensing requirements
Recruit, train and lead a team of skilled staff, creating and promoting healthy working relationships.
The Dispensary Manager will liaise with the Aseptic Unit Manager, Clinical Pharmacy Services Manager, the Pharmacy Education & Research Manager and other Pharmacy Managers in the management of staff rosters.
Assist the Head of Pharmacy / Pharmacy Operations Manager in establishing pharmaceutical service level agreements for Hospital Departments/Clinical Units (depending on the chosen management structure)
Support key development projects including implementation of an Automated Dispensing System and new Pharmacy Software System as a priority. Support the implementation of Electronic Prescribing and Medicines Administration in TUH.
Support the Leader of Education & Research by promoting practice research within the pharmacy dispensary service in the provision of education and training to staff and students
Support the work of the formulary development pharmacist by ensuring that the Dispensary assist promptly with formulary activities.
Actively participate in continuing education and research activities consistent with the post
Ensure that the division makes the best use of information technology for patient care. Understand the limitations of existing systems and seek to improve technology.
Any other duties assigned by the Head of Pharmacy / Pharmacy Operations Manager
Leadership
Lead changes in work, procedures, techniques or technologies having regard to developments in the field of dispensary management.
Lead the Dispensary Management Team to ensure that the Dispensary is run in line with best practice, implementing the Pharmacy and the organisation's strategy.
Ensure that the safety and efficiency of the Pharmacy services is validated by quality assurance activities.
Identify defects in equipment. Receive and record details concerning mishaps, investigate and report findings as required to the Pharmacy Operations Manager.
Lead the clinical Dispensary services division, applying maximum delegation compatible with safety
Ensure that work schedules and work programmes are created to provide for the most effective and efficient deployment of staff and other resources. This will involve close liaison with other divisional leaders to facilitate staff rotation & deployment
In the absence of the Head of Pharmacy and/or the Deputy Head of Pharmacy act as the TUH Pharmacy Department Supervising Pharmacist as defined by the Pharmacy Act 2007 when required.
Staff Management
Lead by example a professional, punctual and dedicated team
Liaise with the Head of Pharmacy / Pharmacy Operations Manager to ensure effective recruitment and selection of staff
Evaluate training needs of individual staff and ensure that training matches the requirements of the job
Create, promote and maintain clear, open communications and healthy working relationships. Stimulate initiative among team members
Motivate team members, through the use of agreed goals and objectives and performance review
Maintain teamwork and only when necessary take action in accordance with the hospital’s disciplinary policy
Ensure required training is completed by all members of the team e.g. Mandatory Training as per hospital policy.
Manage Dispensary staff absences in line with hospital policy e.g. completing return to work meetings
Financial
Liaise with the Head of Pharmacy / Pharmacy Operations Manager to ensure that expenditure on medicines and staff is controlled within the Departmental budget
Liaise with the Formulary Development Pharmacist in relation to costing of new drugs and formulary changes.
Maintain an asset register of equipment.
Ensure that departmental or organisational policies (e.g. generic prescribing, generic substitution, compliance with formulary guidelines) are enforced
Quality Improvement
Lead the application of quality improvement tools and methods (e.g. brainstorming, priority matrix, control charts, cause and effect analysis) to improve systematically the pharmaceutical care of patients
Promote and engage in team work with medical, nursing and dispensing staff to improve the quality of the medication use process
Apply statistical methods to analyse data from routine collection systems, medication use evaluations and audits, and take action to bring about improvement using data driven decisions
Collect, interpret and present to the Head of Pharmacy data and information on the Dispensary division activities and expenditure.
Liaise with/assist the Medicines Information Manager/Pharmacy User Administrator in relation to the above.
Organisational
Co-ordinate service delivery with pharmacy staff in the Clinical Pharmacy Service and Aseptic Unit. Specifically, coordinate the rostering of staff.
Prepare the Dispensary Cover Roster in line with the guidelines.
Approve leave in line with the Pharmacy Department's Leave Policy.
Complete Pregnancy risk assessments for Pharmacy Dispensary staff
Lead the provision of induction training to new Pharmacy staff.
Prepare the Weekend and On-call Cover Roster in line with the guidelines.
Lead the pharmacy response to medication shortages in conjunction with medicines information and procurement teams.
Ensure practice in the Dispensary is supported by adequate policies and procedures.
Liaise with Hygiene & Linen Services staff to ensure that waste pharmaceuticals and other pharmacy waste are disposed of in accordance with the agreed service level.
Liaise with the Site Manager for the Contract Cleaners and, if necessary, the Hygiene & Linen Services staff to ensure that the cleaning service provided to the Dispensary meets the contracted specification.
Ensure items ordered for the Dispensary from the Purchasing & Materials Management Department are received in a timely manner.
Liaise with the Technical Services Department to ensure that the Dispensary furniture, fitting and equipment, are adequately maintained, and repairs are requested and completed in a timely manner.
Expand services as required by demand in line with available resources.
Participate in Dispensary roster as agreed.
Participate in the on-call and weekend service duty roster
Approve/Reject additions to stock lists.
Prepare risk assessments and departmental safety statements as required
Maintain the Pharmacy Duty Register as required by the Pharmacy Act 2007
Qualifications & Experience required
Must have:
Be registered in the Register of Pharmacists as maintained by the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland, or be entitled to be so registered
Have not less than five years’ satisfactory post registration hospital experience
Possess the requisite knowledge and ability (including a high standard of suitability) for the proper discharge of the duties of the office
Possess a high standard of administrative, managerial or business ability
Desirable:
Have relevant experience of management in a hospital pharmacy setting, including staff supervision and service delivery
A relevant post-graduate qualification
Experience of working with multidisciplinary teams and promoting good communications
Reward & Recognition
Remuneration is in accordance with the Department of Health Consolidated Salary Scales, grade code 3271.
The appointment is Temporary , Whole time Specified Purpose Contract to cover maternity leave and pensionable.
The annual leave entitlement is 30 working days per year. The leave year runs from 1st April to the 31st of March each year.
Normal working hours are 35 worked over 5 days. Your contracted hours of work are liable to change between the hours of 8 am to 8 pm over 7 days to meet the requirements for extended day services in accordance with the terms of the Framework Agreement.
Application process
Applications can be submitted ‘on-line’ at
www.tuh.ie/careers
by completing the application form and attaching your CV. Candidates should be aware that, when applying for a post through the 'On-Line' Application System (Candidate Manager) they will receive an automated replying acknowledging receipt of their application. Should you for any reason, not receive this automated acknowledgement, you should notify the Human Resources Department, before the closing date, otherwise your application will not be considered.
All candidates should note that, in order to maintain a timely process, the closing date and time for receipt of applications will be strictly adhered to.
Informal Enquiries to:
Marguerite Vaughan, Dispensary Manager
Tel: (01) 4142520 or Email:
or
Evelyn Deasy, Deputy Pharmacist Executive Manager
Tel: (01) 4143009 or Email:
Closing Date: Before close of business on: 29th September, 2025
TUH Core Competencies:
Core Area
Competency
Level
Managing the service
Quality & Safety of Service
5
Managing the service
Delivery of Results
5
Managing Change
Problem Solving & Decision Making
5
Managing Change
Communications & Influencing
5
Managing Yourself
Team player
5
Managing Yourself
Planning and Organising
5
Managing People
People Management
5
Managing People
Leadership
5
Please go to
www.tuh.ie/careers
for details of the core competencies
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION
Age Restrictions In Relation To Applications
Age restriction shall only apply to a candidate where he/she is not classified as a new entrant
(within the meaning of the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2004).
A candidate who is not classified as a new entrant must be under 65 years of age on the first day
of the month in which the latest date for receiving completed applications for the office occurs.
Health
A candidate for and any person holding the office must be fully competent and capable of undertaking the duties attached to the office and be in a state of health as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.
Garda Vetting
Garda vetting is sought for all employees and prospective employees of Tallaght University Hospital. Given the specialised nature of the services provided, your appointment will be subject to satisfactory Garda vetting and re-vetting in circumstances where the Hospital deems it appropriate. The Hospital will then process the necessary documentation to endeavour to obtain the satisfactory Garda clearance for you. You are obliged to disclose previous and any criminal convictions acquitted during the course of your employment. Should the Hospital obtain information from the Garda vetting unit to indicate that your Garda clearance report is not satisfactory and / or if you have supplied the Hospital with false or misleading information in relation to your Garda clearance status, the Hospital reserves the right to withdraw or terminate the contract in accordance with Tallaght University Hospital Garda vetting policy.
Point on Salary Scale
New appointees to any grade start at the minimum point of the scale. Incremental credit will be applied for recognised relevant service in Ireland and abroad (Department of Health Circular 2/2011). Incremental credit is normally granted on appointment, in respect of previous experience in the Civil Service, local authorities, health service and other public service bodies and statutory agencies.
Probation
The probationary
period may be extended at the Hospital’s discretion but will not in any case exceed 9 months. Confirmation of your appointment as a permanent member of staff is subject to the successful completion of the probation period. Termination of this agreement within the probationary period shall be at the discretion of the Hospital, in accordance with the Minimum Notice and Terms of Employment Act, 1973 - 2001.
Termination of Employment
The employment may be terminated at any time by one months’ notice on either side except where circumstances are dictated by the Minimum Notice and Terms of Employment Act 1973/91. The Management’s right under this paragraph shall not be exercised save in circumstances where the Management is of the opinion that the holder of the office has failed to perform satisfactorily the duties of the post or has misconducted himself/herself in relation to the post or is otherwise unfit to hold the appointment.
Sick Leave
There is provision for sick pay at the Hospitals discretion, subject to the regulations and details found in the Staff Handbook/ Personnel Policy Manual, as per the Hospitals sick leave policy.
In the event of absence from work, you are required to contact your Manager/Supervisor within one hour of starting time on the first day of absence, while a Medical Certificate is required for any illness lasting in excess of two days. Failure to comply with the sick leave policy may result in a loss of pay for the period of absence and may also incur disciplinary action.
Information Technology & data
Make the most effective and efficient use of developments in information technology for both patient care and administrative support in a manner which integrates well with systems throughout the organisation.
Collect, interpret and present data and information on the Department’s activities, staffing and expenditure, as required.
Pension Arrangements and Retirement age
There are three superannuation schemes currently in operation for staff in Tallaght University Hospital:
(a) Voluntary Hospital Superannuation Scheme (Non-New Entrant)
(b) Voluntary Hospital Superannuation Scheme (New Entrant)
(c) Single Public Service Pension Scheme
Please read carefully the summary of the criteria for the three superannuation schemes below. This will assist you in identifying which scheme membership is applicable to your employment circumstances.
(a) If you have been continually employed in the public service prior to the 1st April 2004 and you have not had a break in service of more than 26 weeks, you will be included in the Voluntary Hospital Superannuation Scheme (Non-New Entrant) with a Minimum Retirement Age of 60 and a Maximum Retirement Age of 65.
(b) If you have been continually employed in the public service post the 1st April 2004 and you have not had a break in service of more than 26 weeks, you will be included in the Voluntary Hospital Superannuation Scheme (New Entrant) with a Minimum Retirement Age of 65. There is no Maximum Retirement Age.
(c) If you have commenced employment in the public service as a new entrant or you are a former public servant, returning to the public service after a break of more than 26 weeks, you will be included in the Single Public Service Pension Scheme effective from the 1st January 2013 with a minimum retirement age of 66 (rising to 67 and 68 in line with state pension changes). The maximum retirement age under this scheme will be age 70.
Health & Safety
All employees must comply with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 2005.
Comply with relevant Health and Safety responsibilities as outlined in Hospital Polices, Protocols and Procedures relevant to your area.
Take reasonable care to protect your own safety, health and welfare and that of any other person who may be affected by your acts or omissions at work.
Hygiene / Infection prevention and control
All employees have responsibility for Hygiene awareness. Hygiene is defined as “The practice that serves to keep people and environments clean and prevent infection.”
All employees also have a responsibility under their terms of employment to prevent transmission of infection and to follow the hospital infection control policies and guidelines as outlined in the Infection Control Manual.
All employees must be aware that they work in an area where there is potential for transmission of infection.
All employees have a responsibility to follow hand hygiene guidelines as this is the single most important intervention to prevent the transmission of infection.
Quality, safety and risk management
Support the delivery of the Quality, Safety and Risk Management Programme, including the appropriate identification and management of risks and incidents throughout the hospital.
Data Management
Ensure compliance with the obligations required by the Data Protection Act 2018.
Confidentiality
You will be aware of the confidential nature of Hospital work and in particular, the right of patients to confidentiality. To this end, you will not discuss workings of the Hospital or its patients or disclose any information of a confidential nature except as required to do so in the course of your work. No records, documents or property of the Hospital may be removed from the premises of the Hospital without prior authorisation. You must return to the Hospital upon request and, in any event, upon the termination of your employment, all documents or other property of the Hospital which are in your possession or under your control.
Mandated and Designated Persons under Children First Act 2015
Schedule 2 of the Children First Act 2015 specifies the classes of persons defined as Mandated Persons for the purposes of the Act. This includes a range of disciplines that are employed by the hospital including all medical practitioners, registered nurses, physiotherapists, psychologists, social workers and others. This includes staff working in adult services. All mandated persons have two main legal obligations under the Children First Act 2015. Mandated persons, under the legislation are required to report any knowledge, belief or reasonable suspicion that a child has been harmed, is being harmed, or is at risk of being harmed. The Act defines harm as assault, ill-treatment, neglect or sexual abuse, and covers single and multiple instances. Mandated persons are also required to assist Tusla, if requested, in assessing a concern which has been the subject of a mandated report. Designated Officer are required to receive reports of suspected child abuse or neglect from any person who is of the opinion that (a) a child has been or is being assaulted, ill-treated, neglected or sexually abused, or (b) a child’s health, development or welfare has been or is being avoidably impaired or neglected. Full detailed list of mandated and designated staff together with details of their roles and responsibilities can be found on https://www.tusla.ie/children-first. It is the responsibility of all staff employed by TUH to be aware of their roles and responsibilities under the legislation and to complete mandatory Children First Training.