Pharmacy Manager

Job Description

Manages the hospital’s outpatient pharmacy as the Pharmacy In-Charge. Oversees and coordinates the main functions and daily operations of the pharmacy, ensuring that all professional and administrative procedures are followed in accordance with DHA rules and regulations.

Key Responsibilities

• Performs all managerial duties at the department level, either directly or by delegating tasks to assigned staff.
• Provides advice and guidance in developing pharmacy policies, procedures, and standards, and participates in the ongoing evaluation of patient care related to medication use and effectiveness.
• Ensures that ethical and professional practices are followed across pharmacy services by supervising proper storage, preparation, and dispensing of all drugs, chemicals, and biological products. Conducts routine inspections and reviews related records and monthly reports.
• Oversees standard procedures for storing, handling, recording, dispensing, and distributing both regularly stocked and specially prescribed medications.
• Secures all required permits from the Ministry of Health and DHA for importing narcotics, controlled, and psychotropic drugs, and submits annual forecasts of narcotic requirements based on projected usage.
• Directs the preparation and publication of the annual drug formulary as a reference for all medical staff. Reviews pharmaceutical catalogs, brochures, and professional reference materials for staff use.
• Maintains regular contact with local pharmaceutical agents and vendors to stay updated on newly registered drugs. Ensures vendors comply with storage and sanitation standards and recommends corrective actions when needed.
• Serves as Co-Chair of the Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee, providing guidance on treatment criteria, drug costs, and appropriate use in patient care.
• Responds promptly to circulars or notices from the Ministry of Health regarding medication withdrawal, discontinuation, or reporting of adverse effects.
• Ensures all staff receive mandatory training in fire safety, infection control, and other in-house educational programs, either directly or through delegation.
• Keeps abreast of developments in pharmacy practice and updates staff through discussions, lectures, and in-service training.
• Works with other departments to plan programs that support comprehensive patient care.
• Develops and maintains master work schedules for all departmental functions, including leave, vacation, holiday, and weekend coverage.
• Establishes professional quality standards and recommends improvements as needed.
• Manages personnel functions for assigned staff, including orientation and training of new employees.

Skill & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy from an accredited college or university.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in hospital or clinical pharmacy, including at least two (2) years in pharmacy management or administration.
• Current pharmacy license in country of origin and valid DHA license to practice in the UAE.
• Strong command of English; knowledge of Arabic is preferred but not required.
• Comprehensive understanding of DHA pharmaceutical policies and regulations.
• Ability to build trust and collaborate effectively with medical staff, relevant departments, and Dubai Municipality officials or their representatives.