Head Of Pharmacy at Avenue Healthcare

Job Objective/Purpose

The Head of Pharmacy will oversee operations in all the organization’s divisions and ensure patients receive consistent, high-quality care and management of medicines. This involves setting up of system-wide standards and protocols as well as providing strategic leadership across all of Avenue’s pharmacy services and working closely with key stakeholders across the group.

Key Responsibilities

• Managerial and Administrative 
• Provide skilled professional leadership and act as a role model for department employees. 
• Develop the strategic vision for the department on the service developments and future plans. 
• Develop the departmental / divisional annual business plan. 
• Develop and promote medication management and use plan with other stake holders that improve patient outcomes - including responsibility for the development of medication management policies, protocols, initiatives & guidance, and implementation of regulatory requirements and facilitate resolution through the relevant organizations as required. 
• Oversee the department’s service areas performance and productivity as well as staff performance. 
• Work with the procurement department in the competitive quotation/tendering process to ensure the most cost-effective purchasing of stock. 
• Oversee the design, implementation and management of a safe and effective medication use system and develop and implement the department’s policies. 
• The Head of Pharmacy is responsible for the total operation of the Pharmacy service of the Group, providing departmental planning and formulating policies and procedures for pharmacy service. 
• Provide advice and respond to queries in relation to medication management across the organization. 
• Provide professional leadership for medication management processes for the organization. 
• Ensure the accuracy, legality, safety, and efficacy of prescribed medications in line with federal and local regulations as well as international standards.
• Provide expert advice and leadership for the investigation for medication-related significant events, complaints, and queries. Manage complex facts or situations requiring analysis, interpretation, management of conflicting views/opinions and comparison of options. Ensure systems are in place to respond in an appropriate and timely manner. 
• Provide specialist advice to clinical risk management and patient safety initiatives relating to medication use. Identify issues of clinical risk within the medication management services and present relevant reports as appropriate. Ensure all incidents and areas of risk are followed up, and risk issues are communicated back to prescribers and/or administrators of medication accordingly. 
• Support and encourage medication error reporting throughout the organization through a non- punitive error reporting system, and a just culture. 
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Personal Specifications

• Bachelor of Pharmacy(BPharm). A Masters is an added advantage. 
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in Pharmacy Management
• A seasoned Chief or Head of Pharmacy with a track record in senior medical leadership
• Previous experience of working within a private sector healthcare group as well as accreditation experience (COHSASA, JCI etc)
• Ability to work cooperatively and strategically in a multicultural team environment with all levels of professional, technical, and  administrative staff.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and written and oral English communications skills.
• Highly responsive, ethical, and responsible individual with a professional approach to business and a desire to be held accountable for  results.
• Demonstrated capacity to interface and maintain effective relationships with all departments and employees.
• Ability to successfully represent the hospital internally and externally to a diverse mix of constituencies to further the mission of the  organization.
• A valid Kenya Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) Practice License