Chief Officer

ABOUT US
Do you have the right skills and experience for this role Read on to find out, and make your application.
Community Pharmacy Somerset (CPS) is the local voice and representative body for pharmacies in Somerset (also referred to as a Local Pharmaceutical Committee, LPC). We work with NHS England Area Teams, Local Authorities, Integrated Care Systems, and other healthcare professionals to help plan healthcare services. We negotiate and discuss pharmacy services with commissioners and give advice to community pharmacy contractors and others wanting to know more about the 94 local pharmacies across Somerset.
ROLE OVERVIEW
Community Pharmacy Somerset (CPS) is looking to recruit a Chief Officer to lead the organisation at an exciting and critical time for the sector. We are looking for an experienced healthcare leader who is a natural collaborator that can quickly establish credible and professional relationships with stakeholders and opinion formers at all levels, including NHS and local government. The Chief Officer will be expected to shape the direction of the CPS strategic plan and continue to focus on getting the voice of the community pharmacy sector heard in Somerset. In addition, they would be able to demonstrate profound resonance with the community pharmacy sector and understand the support that pharmacy needs locally. Further details on the role can be found below.
This role is offered on a part-time basis (16 hours per week) with the successful candidate being able to offer flexibility in hours when needed. Salary will be based on experience and skills and will be offered in the range £50,000 to £65,000 FTE annual salary pro-rated to the part time hours. This flexible role blends working from home with attendance in person at meetings or visiting contractors when required.
Applications should be made by sending your CV, covering letter explaining why you are suitable for this role, and details of two referees one of which must be your current/most recent employer to: #####. Please contact James Nicholas on 07725 068072 or ##### if you would like further information about the role.
Closing date for applications is 15th May 2024. We anticipate interviews will take place w/c 20th May 2024. Candidates should assume that if they have not been contacted within two weeks of the advertised closing date that they have not been shortlisted for interview. If you are shortlisted for this post, you will be notified by email. Please note we are unable to pay interview expenses. All offers of employment are conditional upon receipt of satisfactory written references and evidence of your right to work in the UK. Your referees will be contacted by email.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
· Work closely with the Committee to develop, deliver and maintain a strategy and work plan for CPS.
· Engage with NHS leaders, commissioners, and the public to deliver the CPS strategy. Stakeholders include NHS Somerset ICB, Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, Somerset Council and NHSE South-West regional team. Develop effective partnership working with Somerset Local Medical Committee and other primary care stakeholders.
· Work closely with commissioning bodies on the planning of local pharmacy services including market entry applications and Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment development
· Work with the Committee and neighbouring LPCs to regularly review CPS ways of working to work as cost effectively as possible to ensure long-term sustainability with effective governance. Work with the committee to generate and manage an annual budget.
· Prepare proposals for the Committee’s consideration for negotiations on enhanced and other locally commissioned services.
· Guide CPS in ensuring rigorous and effective corporate governance systems in place.
· Line management of other CPS employees, ensuring HR, Health and Safety, GDPR and other statutory obligations are met.
· Promote community pharmacy through the media to raise the profile of contractors and the services that are provided.
· Maintain contact with relevant local and national politicians including councillors and seek to influence decisions where appropriate.
· Work with the CPS Operations Manager to provide information and support to the contractors in Somerset on matters such as provision of local services and local negotiations.
· Work with the Chair of CPS to prepare agendas for CPS meetings.
· Ensure that decisions taken by CPS are implemented.
· Communicate effectively with LPC members, PCN Community Pharmacy Leads and contractors. Including use of CPS website, newsletters, meetings, or other appropriate methods.
· Respond to Community Pharmacy England (CPE) requests for information or action and updating CPE on local developments.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Criteria (E - essential, D - desirable)
Qualifications
Degree or equivalent experience (E)
Knowledge and Experience
Proven and significant leadership experience and/or formal management qualification (E)
Knowledge and understanding of NHS priorities (E)
Knowledge of Community Pharmacy and its contractual framework (E)
Project management training or relevant experience (D)
Experience of negotiating at a strategic level (D)
Experience of representing an organisation publicly to the media (D)
Skills and Capabilities
Ability to build trusted stakeholder relationships and networks (E)
Ability to work with and influence a wide range of stakeholders (E)
Excellent communication and presentation skills (written and verbal). (E)
Ability to work on own initiative and organise workload (E)
Computer literate – proficient in use of MS Office applications and website management (D)
Values and Behaviours
Commitment to quality and high standards (E)
Demonstrates honesty and integrity and upholds CPS values (E)
Values diversity and difference (E)
Consistently looks to improve both through identifying best practice and through innovation (E)
Able to connect the work they do with benefit to patients, the public and pharmacy contractors (E)
Willingness and ability to be flexible (E)
Other
Own transport (E)