Pharmacy Assistant Job in Chester CH1 | Immediate Start & Flexible Shifts with Phone Direct
Are you a dedicated and detail-oriented individual looking for a rewarding role in healthcare? Phone Direct is actively recruiting for an experienced Pharmacy Assistant for an immediate temporary-to-permanent placement with a leading pharmacy in the heart of Chester CH1. This is your opportunity to join a vital community service, gain invaluable experience, and secure a role with competitive pay and the potential for long-term career progression.
Role Snapshot: Pharmacy Assistant, Chester
Pharmacy Assistant Job Description
Phone Direct is partnering with a well-established, busy community pharmacy in Chester CH1 to find a reliable and compassionate Pharmacy Assistant. This role is central to the daily operation, providing crucial support to the Pharmacist and ensuring patients receive exceptional service. You will be the friendly face of the pharmacy, handling a mix of customer service, administrative duties, and basic dispensary tasks. This position is perfect for someone with previous pharmacy or retail experience who thrives in a fast-paced, patient-focused environment.
As a leading recruitment agency in the North West, Phone Direct specialises in connecting skilled individuals with meaningful local opportunities. We understand the specific demands of healthcare roles, from a Medical Receptionist to a Pharmacy Assistant. This role offers more than just a job; it’s a chance to build a stable career with a reputable employer who values their staff. Whether you're seeking an immediate start after a career break or looking to transition from a similar role like a Customer Support position, this opportunity provides the training and environment to succeed.
Core Responsibilities & Daily Duties
Your day will be varied and rewarding, focusing on both customer interaction and operational support. Here’s what you can expect:
- Customer Service & Counter Duties: Greeting patients, receiving prescription requests, handling over-the-counter sales, and providing advice on healthcare products within your scope of training. You will process payments and manage the till efficiently.
- Prescription Management Support: Assisting the pharmacist with the dispensing process. This includes receiving and assembling prescriptions, labelling medication, and managing stock levels under supervision.
- Stock Control & Merchandising: Receiving, checking, and putting away deliveries of medication and retail stock. Ensuring shelves are fully stocked, clean, and well-organised, and conducting regular stock checks.
- Administrative Excellence: Maintaining accurate patient records on the pharmacy computer system, managing the collection of prescriptions, and handling phone enquiries from patients, GP surgeries, and care homes.
- Compliance & Hygiene: Adhering to all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), maintaining strict confidentiality (GDPR), and ensuring the dispensary and retail areas are kept clean, tidy, and compliant with health and safety regulations.
Ideal Candidate Profile & Essential Requirements
To thrive in this Pharmacy Assistant role in Chester, you will need a blend of practical skills, the right attitude, and a genuine desire to help people. Our client is looking for someone who is reliable, a quick learner, and a true team player.
Essential Skills & Experience
- Previous experience in a pharmacy, healthcare setting, or customer-facing retail role.
- Excellent numeracy and literacy skills, with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
- Strong, clear communication skills and a compassionate, patient manner.
- Basic IT proficiency and the ability to learn new pharmacy software systems.
- A genuine interest in healthcare and a commitment to patient confidentiality.
Desirable Qualifications
- An NVQ Level 2 in Pharmacy Services or equivalent qualification.
- Experience with specific pharmacy dispensing software (e.g., PharmOutcomes, EMIS).
- Knowledge of common medicines and medical terminology.
- First Aid certification.
- Own transport for reliability, though the location is easily accessible by public transport.
If you have transferable skills from a role like a GP Receptionist or high-pressure Customer Services environment, we strongly encourage you to apply. Your organisational and people skills are highly valuable.
Salary, Benefits & Career Progression
We believe in transparency and valuing our candidates. This Pharmacy Assistant position offers a comprehensive package designed to reward your skills and commitment.
Remuneration & Practical Benefits
- Competitive Hourly Rate: A rate that reflects your experience, paid weekly directly by Phone Direct.
- Holiday Pay Accrual: Your statutory holiday pay is managed and paid correctly.
- Pension Scheme: Access to a workplace pension scheme.
- Flexible Shift Patterns: Full-time and part-time hours considered, with some weekend work required on a rota basis.
Long-Term Career Pathway
This is not just a stopgap. The pharmacy is keen to invest in the right person. For a dedicated Pharmacy Assistant, this role offers a clear pathway:
- Initial Temporary Placement: Prove your skills and fit within the team during the temporary period.
- Permanent Offer: For high performers, a permanent contract with the pharmacy is the intended outcome.
- Further Training & Qualifications: Opportunity to undertake funded training, such as the NVQ Level 3 in Pharmacy Services, to become a Qualified Pharmacy Technician.
- Career Advancement: Progress into senior assistant, dispensary technician, or even management roles within the group.
Apply Now for Immediate Consideration
This Pharmacy Assistant role in Chester CH1 is interviewing now. Don't miss this chance to join a supportive team and start a career in healthcare.
Submit Your Application →Prefer to speak to someone?
020 3393 5357Why Register with Phone Direct?
As a trusted recruitment partner across the UK, including for roles like Healthcare Assistants in Bolton and Recruitment Jobs in Leeds, we offer more than just job placements.
-
Dedicated Consultant: A single point of contact who understands the Chester healthcare market.
-
Weekly Pay & Smooth Process: Reliable, on-time payments and support with all compliance.
-
Access to Exclusive Roles: We partner with employers who don't always advertise publicly.
-
Career Advice & Support: Guidance on CV writing, interview prep, and career progression.
Other Immediate Roles in Chester
Phone Direct is also recruiting for these urgent positions in the Chester and North West region:
-
Medical Receptionist
Chester City Centre | Full-Time | ASAP Start
-
Healthcare Assistant
Chester & Surrounding Care Homes | Flexible Shifts
-
Customer Service Advisor
Remote & Hybrid Options | Immediate Starts
How to Apply for This Pharmacy Assistant Role
Submit Your Details
Click the 'Apply Now' button on this page to submit your initial application through our secure portal. Have your CV ready.
Screening Call
A Phone Direct consultant will call you to discuss your experience, the role in detail, and answer any questions you have.
Interview & Start
We'll arrange a fast-track interview with the pharmacy client. Upon success, we'll handle all onboarding for a smooth, quick start.
Need to apply directly or have a specific question?
If you are interested email your cv and info to [email protected]
Email Your CV Visit Our FAQFrequently Asked Questions: Pharmacy Assistant Jobs in Chester
While an NVQ Level 2 in Pharmacy Services is highly desirable, it is not always essential for an entry-level Pharmacy Assistant role. What our client values most is relevant experience, a strong work ethic, and the right attitude. Experience in a customer-facing healthcare setting (like a GP surgery), retail pharmacy, or even a demanding retail environment is a significant advantage. Full training on pharmacy-specific procedures will be provided. If you're considering qualifications, our career guidance services can advise on funded training routes.
Most community pharmacies in Chester operate between 9 am and 6 pm, Monday to Saturday, with reduced hours on Sundays. Shifts typically fall within these windows. This particular role is full-time, but part-time hours may be considered for the right candidate. You will likely work on a rota that includes Saturdays. The exact pattern will be confirmed during the interview. For those seeking completely different shift structures, we also place Construction Labourers and Bricklayers who often work on earlier site hours.
You will initially be employed by Phone Direct on a temporary contract, working at the client's pharmacy. This period acts as a mutual trial. During this time (often 12 weeks), you receive weekly pay and support from us. If both you and the pharmacy are happy with the arrangement, the client will typically offer you a permanent contract directly with them. We facilitate this transition smoothly. This model benefits you by providing a foot in the door and allowing you to assess the role before committing permanently.
Absolutely. We welcome applications from candidates in surrounding areas such as Ellesmere Port, Wrexham, Mold, and the wider Cheshire region. The pharmacy is located with good public transport links in Chester city centre. When you apply, simply mention your location and transport arrangements. Phone Direct serves the entire region, and we also have other local opportunities that might be closer to you, similar to how we connect talent for roles across the UK from Remote Customer Support in Doncaster to specialised trades.
Start Your Healthcare Career in Chester Today
This Pharmacy Assistant role is more than a job—it's a chance to make a real difference in your community while building a stable future. With an immediate start, supportive team, and clear career path, your next opportunity is waiting.
Phone Direct is an equal opportunities employer and recruitment agency.
Reference: PA-CHE-CH1-2025