Senior Assistant Technical Officer (SATO), Stores and Distribution

Job summary

We are looking for an experienced and organised pharmacy professional with a strong background in pharmacy stores and distribution services. The successful candidate will be responsible for supporting the safe, accurate, and efficient receipt, storage, control, and supply of medicines while maintaining high standards of stock management and compliance with pharmacy procedures and health and safety legislation.

The ideal candidate will have experience supervising, training, and supporting staff and volunteers in medicines handling, ordering procedures, and stock control processes. Experience as a Pharmacy Automated Dispensing Machine Super User is desirable, including providing troubleshooting support, staff training, and maintaining effective stock line management.

Applicants should have knowledge of medicines storage compliance, including fridge monitoring, temperature investigations, medicines returns, invoice reconciliation, and general pharmacy administration. A strong understanding of health and safety responsibilities, including fire safety, risk assessments, and incident reporting, is essential.

We are seeking someone who is reliable, detail-focused, and committed to delivering a safe, efficient, and high-quality pharmacy service within a busy healthcare environment.

Additional working pattern details: Monday to Friday, Providing weekend, Bank Holiday and Late cover as per rota

Main duties of the job

Stores Duties

Maintain accurate documentation, delivery records, invoice filing, and stock control processes using the Pharmacy EMIS system.

Monitor stock rotation, expiry dates, discrepancies, damaged stock, and assist with stock checks and stock taking activities.

Monitor and ensure compliance of cold chain storage of medicines.

Investigate and resolve any temperature excursions of cold chain storage facilities.

Automated Dispensing Machine Duties:

- Perform a weekly shut down/ reboot of the automated dispensing machine

- Update and maintain new drug information including bar codes into the automated dispensing machine interface computer.

- Liaise with the machine manufacturers when unable to deal with breakdown/operational Issues

Distribution duties

- Work closely with the Senior Technician for Purchasing and Distribution to support the effective delivery of pharmacy distribution services.

- Supervise, coordinate, and support staff and volunteers within the distribution section to maintain safe and efficient service delivery.

- Prepare and manage ward top-up rotas, ensuring appropriate staffing levels and organising cover for sickness absence and annual leave.

Health and Safety Duties

- Act as the departmental representative for Health and Safety, attending and contributing to regular meetings and ensuring compliance within the area.

Please refer to the job description for further information.

About us

We take pride in placing people at the centre of everything we do, working together as a united team. Driven by a shared ambition to continually grow, develop, and learn, we recognise and value every contribution. By combining our experience and skills, we not only support our vibrant, diverse communities, but also support one another.

With a team of over 9,000 employees, we are proud to be the largest employer in Gloucestershire and rank among the top 10 largest Trusts in the South West region. By joining our Trust, you will benefit from an excellent package that includes exclusive benefits, flexible working opportunities and the chance to gain valuable experience in one or both of our innovative hospitals.

As well as generous annual leave allowance, you will have access to the excellent NHS pension scheme, competitive bank rates, discounts at local shops and restaurants, access to two on-site nurseries, discounted public transport, reward and recognition and a range of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.

Details

Date posted

10 June 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£25,760 to £27,476 a year (pa, pro rata if part-time)

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

318-26-T0383

Job locations

Cheltenham General Hospital

Sandford Road

Cheltenham

GL53 7AN

United Kingdom

For further information and to apply, click on the APPLY BUTTON at the bottom of this advert, then click on CONTINUE to view the supporting documents or apply online.