Community Pharmacist In-Charge

Why This Role Matters
The Retail Pharmacy Manager plays a critical leadership role in ensuring safe, compliant, and commercially successful pharmacy operations within a community setting. This position balances professional healthcare responsibilities with retail and business management functions. By overseeing dispensing accuracy, regulatory compliance, retail growth strategies, and team development, the pharmacist ensures patients receive high-quality healthcare services while the pharmacy maintains strong financial performance. This role is essential in strengthening community healthcare access while driving sustainable business outcomes.

Job Description
The Pharmacy Excellence Group Pty Ltd, based in Birchip, Victoria, is seeking an experienced and skilled Pharmacist to lead retail and dispensary operations. This full-time position requires strong leadership capability, compliance knowledge, and retail business acumen. The successful candidate will manage day-to-day pharmacy functions, ensure adherence to AHPRA, QCPP, and PBS regulations, drive sales performance, oversee staff development, and maintain professional healthcare standards. This role is ideal for pharmacists who combine clinical expertise with strong retail management skills.

Key Features of the Role:
• Leadership position within a community pharmacy
• Full responsibility for retail and dispensary operations
• Strong focus on compliance and professional standards
• Retail growth and financial performance accountability
• Staff recruitment, mentoring, and performance management
• Promotion of professional services such as vaccinations and Meds Checks
• Competitive salary package with superannuation

Responsibilities
• Lead and supervise all retail and dispensary operations to ensure efficient store performance
• Ensure compliance with AHPRA requirements, QCPP standards, PBS regulations, and relevant legislation
• Oversee accurate dispensing of prescriptions and provide professional patient counselling
• Implement add-on selling, promotional campaigns, and retail initiatives to drive revenue growth
• Manage merchandising standards, store presentation, and customer-friendly retail layout
• Monitor inventory systems including purchasing, stock rotation, pricing, returns, and shrinkage control
• Ensure secure storage and documentation of Schedule medicines and Dangerous Drugs
• Analyse retail financial performance including budgets, labour costs, and gross profit margins
• Process PBS claims accurately and manage reconciliation and health fund rebates
• Oversee POS and Dispense systems for reporting, stock ordering, and data backup
• Recruit, train, mentor, and manage pharmacy staff
• Conduct staff performance reviews and structured training programs
• Maintain optimal staffing levels aligned with sales performance
• Develop strong relationships with local medical practitioners and allied health professionals
• Promote professional healthcare services including vaccinations and preventive health programs
• Maintain workplace health and safety standards
• Ensure strict confidentiality of patient and business information

Required Qualifications
Candidates must meet professional registration and accreditation requirements and demonstrate strong leadership capability in retail pharmacy operations.

Educational Requirements:
• Bachelor’s Degree or higher qualification in Pharmacy
• Completion of 12-month pharmacy traineeship
• Medication Management Review Accreditation
• Current AHPRA registration
• Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident, or valid working rights

Experience and Skills:
• Minimum 2–3 years of experience in a similar pharmacist or pharmacy management role
• Strong leadership and people management skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities
• Sound retail and financial management knowledge
• Experience in inventory and stock control systems
• Proficiency in POS, Dispense, and pharmacy software systems
• Ability to implement merchandising and promotional strategies
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Knowledge of PBS processing and regulatory compliance
• Ability to manage confidential information responsibly

Salary Insights
The salary range for this role is $80,000 to $90,000 per annum plus superannuation. Compensation reflects the leadership responsibilities, compliance oversight, and retail management accountability associated with the position. Salary may vary based on experience, accreditation, and demonstrated business performance capabilities.

Company Overview
The Pharmacy Excellence Group Pty Ltd operates a community pharmacy in Birchip, Victoria, delivering professional healthcare services alongside retail pharmacy solutions. The organization focuses on compliance, operational excellence, patient care, and sustainable retail growth. By combining professional pharmacy standards with strong business management practices, the group aims to provide high-quality healthcare access within the regional community.

FAQs

Q1. Is Medication Management Review Accreditation mandatory?
Yes, accreditation is required for this role.

Q2. Is prior leadership experience necessary?
Yes, a minimum of 2–3 years’ experience in a similar position is required.

Q3. Are working rights in Australia required?
Yes, applicants must be Australian Citizens, Permanent Residents, or hold valid working rights.

Q4. What systems experience is preferred?
Experience with POS systems, Dispense software, and pharmacy management systems is preferred.

Q5. Does the role include retail sales responsibility?
Yes, the role includes retail growth strategies, merchandising, and financial performance management.

Application Tips
• Clearly highlight AHPRA registration and Medication Management Review Accreditation
• Emphasize leadership and retail pharmacy management experience
• Demonstrate financial and sales performance achievements
• Include experience in PBS claims processing and compliance
• Showcase staff training and mentoring capabilities
• Provide examples of merchandising and business growth initiatives