Job summary
We are seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic Production Technician to support our Pharmacy Manufacturing Unit at Watford General Hospital.

The successful candidate will be involved in the day-to-day supervision of manufacturing activities alongside colleagues, with a goal of delivering a high-quality service to our patients.

This is an exciting opportunity to develop your cleanroom supervision and Technical Services skills, whilst embracing digitalisation.

The Pharmacy Manufacturing Unit holds an MHRA Manufacturer's "Specials" License for its activities.

We are looking for a qualified technician with relevant post qualification experience (in a hospital preparative services) to join our small, friendly team.

You must have experience of aseptic compounding, staff supervision, team working and work planning.

You will act as an expert witness for Science Manufacturing Technician (SMT) students.

Main duties of the job
To prepare products appropriately, efficiently and cost effectively within the unit by strictly adhering to departmental procedures and in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), MHRA and all other relevant pharmaceutical guidelines related to aseptic production.

To provide technical support to the Pharmacy Production/Aseptic Services.

To supervise the activity of Production/pharmacy Assistants, SMT/SMPO students and Pharmacy Technicians.

To perform in-process checks for aseptically prepared/manufactured products after undertaking an accreditation program.

To participate in aseptic preparation of cytotoxic and monoclonal antibodies.

To support and participate in the maintenance of the Pharmaceutical Quality Systems within the technical services department.

To support meeting financial expectations for income generation and expenditure reduction targets within the department.

To ensure maintenance of the pharmacy manufacturing unit facilities (including monitoring, calibration, validation and general maintenance) is carried out.

About us
With a new hospital planned for Watford, work underway to update theatres at St Albans City Hospital and plans for a neighbourhood healthcare centre in Hemel Hempstead, this is an exciting time to join us. We are building on the success of our award-winning virtual hospital and re-imagining models of care, working closely with partners and making the most of advances in digital healthcare. Staff wellbeing and development are a priority, as is the role of innovation in improving clinical care, outcomes and patient experience. Our vision is Excellent patient care, together and our values are to be empowered, compassionate, professional and inclusive. They capture an important balance across what we must all do as individuals and to support others. We offer a variety of flexible working options as we recognise the importance of a good work life balance.www.westhertshospitals.nhs.uk/flexibleworking If you have a disability or long-term health condition and require support or guidance please contactwestherts.recruitment@nhs.net If you are a Service Leaver, Veteran, Military Reserve, Cadet Force Adult Volunteer, or partner/spouse of those serving please tick "Member of the Armed Forces Community" on the application form. We reserve the right to close this advert early due to the volume of applicants. Please apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. If you do not hear back within 3 weeks of your application, please assume you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.

Job responsibilities
To support and participate in the maintenance of the Pharmaceutical Quality Systems within the Technical Services department including Deviations, Change Controls, Risk management, non-compliances, Root Cause Analysis, Complaints and Recalls.

The post holder will work closely with the Technical/Cancer Services pharmacists, pharmacy/production technicians and production assistants, and all other pharmacy staff, medical, nursing staff, cancer unit staff and other staff, clinical pharmacists, QC/QA staff, maintenance contractors and the general public.

We provide opportunities for education and training and support continuing professional development.

Please refer to the attached job description and person specification for a full list of duties and details about the role.

Person Specification
Education and qualifications:
Essential

• NVQ 3 or BTEC in Pharmaceutical Sciences or equivalent.
• Science Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship Level 3.
• Registration with professional body.

Desirable

• Accredited Checking Qualification.
• Evidence of further post qualification training in Technical Services.
• Registered with the GPhC or relevant professional body.
• Up to date CPD portfolio.

Knowledge:
Essential

• Understanding of the principles of GMP and QA in Aseptics/Production manufacturing environment.
• Understanding of Pharmaceutical Quality Systems.
• Knowledge of Audit and validation. Computer and IT competent.
• COSHH Regulations and Health and Safety at Work Act.
• Need for confidentiality.
• Good Dispensing Practice.

Desirable

• Familiar with chemotherapy regimens.
• EMIS (Ascribe) Pharmacy System.
• BD Cato aseptic workflow system.

Experience:
Essential

• Post qualification experience (in hospital preparative services).
• Working in a Pharmaceutical GMP manufacturing facility or in a manufacturing environment that employs a quality system (Previous Production/Aseptic experience).
• Demonstrate ability to deliver induction and competency-based training of staff.
• Training and supervision of junior staff.

Desirable

• Writing reports.
• Supervisory experience.
• Experience of implementing change.
• Developing training packages.
• Advanced use of e-mail, internet, MS Windows, MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details
Employer name: West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
Address: Watford General Hospital, Watford, WD18 0HB, United Kingdom
Employer's website: http://www.westhertshospitals.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact:
Technical Services Team Manager
Teresa Martins
Teresa.martins1@nhs.net
01923436605

Details
Date posted: 05 August 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 5
Salary: £33,677 to £40,996 a year inc HCA
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time, Flexible working
Reference number: 360-C-11602
Job locations: Watford General Hospital, Watford, WD18 0HB, United Kingdom