Unlicensed Medicines Manager – Commercial Operations & Specials Strategy

📍 Location: St. Helens, WA9 5JD

💼 Job Type: Full-time | 🏢 Work Location: In-person

💷 Salary: £45,000 – £60,000 per year (dependent on experience)

About Us

We are a growing pharmaceutical distribution company supporting over 180 pharmacies across the UK. As we expand our unlicensed medicines (specials) offering, we are looking for an experienced and commercially focused Unlicensed Medicines Manager to drive operational performance, supplier relationships, and pricing strategy.

This role is ideal for someone with a strong understanding of the specials market, commercial negotiation experience, and a track record of managing supply chains efficiently within a regulated environment.

Role Overview

As the Unlicensed Medicines Manager, you will be responsible for overseeing the end-to-end operational and commercial performance of our unlicensed medicines service. From pricing strategy to supplier engagement and internal process optimisation, you will play a central role in ensuring the service is competitive, profitable, and scalable.

You will work cross-functionally with procurement, warehouse, commercial, and pharmacy teams to manage stock flow, ensure reliable supply, and drive business growth through improved pricing, service efficiency, and supplier leverage.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the operational delivery and commercial performance of the unlicensed medicines (specials) category.
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships to ensure competitive pricing, consistent availability, and rapid fulfilment.
• Monitor and optimise pricing models, ensuring profitability and competitiveness within NHS reimbursement structures.
• Collaborate with internal teams to streamline specials ordering, fulfilment, and customer service processes.
• Track performance data across cost, usage, and margin to inform strategy and decision-making.
• Identify and pursue opportunities to expand the specials range and grow market share.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements related to the sourcing and supply of unlicensed medicines.
• Provide regular reporting on sales, supplier performance, and pricing trends to senior management.

Ideal Candidate

• Strong operational or commercial background in pharmaceutical distribution, with specific experience in unlicensed (specials) medicines.
• In-depth understanding of the specials market, including NHS Drug Tariff Part VIIIB pricing and supplier dynamics.
• Up-to-date knowledge of MHRA and GDP standards relevant to the handling and supply of unlicensed medicines.
• Awareness of MS (Manufacturer’s Specials) licence operations would be advantageous, though not essential.
• Understanding of the wider European unlicensed medicines landscape, including Ireland and other cross-border markets.
• Excellent commercial negotiation skills with a proven ability to drive supplier performance.
• Able to interpret usage data, market trends, and pricing structures to make informed commercial decisions.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, results-driven environment.

What We Offer

• A hands-on leadership role in a fast-growing pharmaceutical business.
• The opportunity to shape and grow a critical part of the company’s commercial strategy.
• Cross-functional collaboration with experienced teams in procurement, logistics, and commercial planning.
• Competitive salary package: £45,000 – £60,000 per year, depending on experience.