Lead Pharmacist - Dispensary & Technician Services
- Location: Footscray Hospital (primarily)
- Employment Type: Full-Time, Ongoing
- Salary: Grade 4 + Superannuation + Salary Packaging
About the role:
Western Health is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Lead Pharmacist – Dispensary and Technician Services to provide strategic leadership for the maintenance and development of pharmacy dispensary and technician services.
This newly established role will provide oversight for Footscray and Sunshine dispensary services as well as responsibility for the development, implementation and maintenance of standard dispensary processes across all Western Health. This position is also responsible for leading the pharmacy technician services at Western Health in collaboration with the lead pharmacy technician.
This position is permanent, full-time (80 hours per fortnight) and available now!
Key responsibilities:
- To lead and direct the provision of pharmacy dispensary services for Footscray and Sunshine Hospitals, and ensure dispensary processes across all sites are appropriately aligned and documented.
- To provide leadership and direction for Pharmacy Technician services across Western Health
- To co-ordinate and participate in the supply and dispensing of medications as per Western Health standard operating procedures.
- Oversee the creation and management of dispensary staff and technician schedules and rosters by direct reports at Footscray and Sunshine sites, considering workload demands and employee preferences.
- Line manage direct reports – this includes, but is not limited to, participation in performance development initiatives and management of underperformance interventions, recruitment and selection, leave management and mandatory training compliance.
- To provide expert advice on dispensary services and to communicate this to staff.
- To collaborate with the Lead Technician to provide expert advice on technician services and to communicate this to staff.
About you:
- Significant experience in dispensary pharmacy practice and strong understanding of Pharmacy Technician scopes of practice and services.
- Proven leader with strong people management, change management and stakeholder engagement capabilities.
- Highly developed analytical, communication and problem-solving skills, with a commitment to quality improvement and patient safety.
- Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of all relevant aspects of pharmacy services, and a demonstrated ability to practice in accordance with AdPha Guidelines.
About Western Health
Western Health is one of the largest healthcare providers in Victoria, caring for a vibrant, diverse and rapidly growing community of one million people in Melbourne’s western suburbs.
With more than 13,000 staff, Western Health delivers 800,000+ occasions of care every year, providing high-quality, person-centred care across every life stage.
We provide a combination of hospital, community-based, at-home and in-reach services to aged, adult and paediatric patients and newborn babies. Specialties include oncology, renal, mental health, women’s health and maternity, chronic diseases, geriatrics and cardiology.
We have remarkable strengths in chronic disease, complex care and developing innovative and sustainable healthcare solutions. Our experience at the coalface of healthcare delivery for some of Australia’s most culturally and socioeconomically diverse and vulnerable populations provides us with unique insights into the most pressing health challenges. We have remarkable strengths in chronic disease, complex care and developing innovative and sustainable healthcare solutions.
Western Health operates four acute public hospitals: Sunshine Hospital (including Joan Kirner Women’s and Children’s), Footscray Hospital, Williamstown Hospital and Bacchus Marsh Hospital. We also operate Sunbury Community Hospital, Sunshine Mental Health and Wellbeing Centre, Melton Health and Community Services, Bacchus Marsh Community Health Centre, Caroline Springs Community Health Centre and Grant Lodge Residential Aged Care in Bacchus Marsh. Western Health also provides the primary healthcare service at the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre, a women’s prison located in Ravenhall.
Why join us?
Compensation and benefits
- Competitive salary packages aligned with market standards.
- Health and wellbeing programs, including flexible work arrangements.
- Scholarships and grants to support your continuous learning journey.
Learning and development opportunities
- Access the Western Health Learning Academy (WHA) for personalised learning pathways.
- Professional growth programs, including postgraduate studies and clinical education.
- Mentorship and career support.
Community impact and inclusion
- Make a meaningful difference in patients’ lives through compassionate care.
- Join a workforce that champions diversity and inclusion.
- Engage in community wellbeing initiatives and groundbreaking healthcare research.
Organisational culture and environment
- Thrive in a collaborative, compassionate and innovative team environment.
- Be part of a culture that celebrates continuous improvement and excellence in healthcare.
Ready to make an impact?
If you’re passionate about innovation, driving change and enhancing patient safety, we’d love to hear from you. Simply click on the “Apply” button and follow the prompts.
If you are currently employed at Western Health, please ensure you sign in through the 'Employee Login' via the external Careers Page or access the Careers Page via the intranet before applying.
Closing date: 11:59pm on 28 January 2026.
Enquiries: For further information about this role, please contact:
Name: James Polmear
Title: Deputy Director of Pharmacy - Operations
Phone: 0432 757 329
Email: James.Polmear@wh.org.au
Western Health is an equal opportunity employer committed to attracting and retaining diversity in our workforce. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Western Health is committed to providing a safe environment for the children and young people who are involved in our services, sites and operations. We follow and abide by all legislative requirements to keep children and young people safe.
All appointments are made subject to a satisfactory Police Record Check, an Immunisation Status Clearance and a Working with Children Check (if applicable).
Western Health does not accept unsolicited resumes/applications from recruitment agencies.
Western Health