Deputy Responsible Pharmacist

Job Context

An exciting opportunity exists for a suitably qualified and registered pharmacist to join our Quality and Regulatory team as a Deputy Responsible Pharmacist. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring compliance with the Pharmacy Act 53 of 1974, Medicines and Related Substances Act 101 of 1965, SAHPRA requirements, and applicable Quality Management System standards.

The role is responsible for managing regulatory compliance, quality assurance processes, auditing activities, pharmaceutical operations, and quality management systems to support business objectives and ensure the safe handling, storage, distribution, and management of pharmaceutical products. The incumbent will also assume the responsibilities of the Responsible Pharmacist in their absence.

Key Performance Areas (KPA)

Regulatory and Legislative Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all relevant pharmaceutical legislation and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain current registrations, licenses, permits, and certifications with SAPC, SAHPRA, and other regulatory bodies.
• Ensure secure storage, handling, and distribution of pharmaceutical products.
• Implement corrective actions arising from regulatory inspections and audits.
• Prevent unauthorized access to pharmaceutical products and regulated areas.

Quality Management Systems (QMS)

• Manage and maintain certified Quality Management Systems.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within quality and compliance processes.
• Manage change control, non-conformance, deviation, and CAPA processes.
• Induct clients into Quality Management Systems and ensure adherence to established standards.
• Review and update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and process flows.

Audits and Compliance Monitoring

• Conduct internal and external audits in accordance with SAHPRA, SAPC, GDP, GWP, ISO 9001, ISO 13485, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001 requirements.
• Compile audit reports and monitor implementation of corrective actions.
• Monitor compliance trends and report findings to management and clients.

Pharmaceutical Operations

• Oversee quarantine release, sampling, stock control, destruction processes, and returns management.
• Manage export permit applications and approval processes for controlled substances.
• Ensure compliance with storage, environmental monitoring, inventory control, and recall procedures.
• Review and approve customer accounts, vendors, material masters, and inventory adjustments.

Reporting and Stakeholder Management

• Prepare departmental reports for EXCO and regulatory reporting purposes.
• Communicate with clients and regulatory authorities regarding compliance matters, incidents, and investigations.
• Manage technical agreements with client organizations.
• Investigate and resolve quality and regulatory queries.

People Management

• Manage and develop quality and compliance team members.
• Identify training requirements and monitor SOP training compliance.
• Ensure adherence to HR policies and procedures.
• Support employee development through coaching, mentoring, and performance management.

Self-Management

• Manage individual performance and development objectives.
• Maintain current knowledge of legislation, quality standards, and pharmaceutical best practices.
• Demonstrate strong problem-solving, accountability, prioritization, and time-management skills.

Qualifications Required

• Minimum tertiary qualification in Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) or B.Sc. Pharmacy.
• Registered with the South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC).
• Valid registration as a practising Pharmacist in South Africa.
• Additional qualifications in Quality Management, Regulatory Affairs, or ISO systems will be advantageous.

Skills and Experience Required

• Minimum experience within pharmaceutical quality assurance, regulatory compliance, wholesale distribution, or pharmaceutical operations.
• Sound understanding of South African pharmaceutical legislation and regulatory requirements.
• Experience managing Quality Management Systems within a pharmaceutical, healthcare, or logistics environment.
• Experience conducting audits and implementing corrective and preventive action plans.
• Experience working with controlled medicines, cold chain products, and regulated pharmaceutical products.
• Experience interacting with regulatory authorities such as SAPC and SAHPRA.

Technical Skills

• Knowledge of Good Distribution Practice (GDP) and Good Wholesale Practice (GWP).
• Knowledge of ISO 9001, ISO 13485, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001 standards.
• Understanding of pharmaceutical warehousing and distribution operations.
• Computer literacy with proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• SAP experience will be advantageous.

Behavioural Competencies

• Excellent planning and organisational skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving ability.
• High attention to detail and quality focus.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to build and maintain strong client relationships.
• Strong decision-making capability.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently.
• Collaborative team player with strong interpersonal skills

About DP World

Trade is the lifeblood of the global economy, creating opportunities and improving the quality of life for people around the world. DP World exists to make the world’s trade flow better, changing what’s possible for the customers and communities we serve globally.

With a dedicated, diverse and professional team of more than 111,000 employees from 159 nationalities, spanning 77 countries on six continents, DP World is pushing trade further and faster towards a seamless supply chain that’s fit for the future.

We’re rapidly transforming and integrating our businesses - Ports and Terminals, Marine Services, Logistics and Technology – and uniting our global infrastructure with local expertise to create stronger, more efficient end-to-end supply chain solutions that can change the way the world trades.

What's more, we're reshaping the future by investing in innovation. From intelligent delivery systems to automated warehouse stacking, we’re at the cutting edge of disruptive technology, pushing the sector towards better ways to trade, minimising disruptions from the factory floor to the customer’s door.

DP World is on a mission to transcend boundaries and bridge the gap between all nations and cultures – not just in what we do but also in how we behave.

We are dedicated to creating a culture where everyone feels respected, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential. We believe that embracing inclusion and diversity, drives innovation and growth and helps us connect people, businesses, and societies. Free minds and different perspectives are changing our world, and together we can change what’s possible.

WE MAKE TRADE FLOW TO CHANGE WHAT'S POSSIBLE FOR EVERYONE.

EEO Statement

DP World is committed to the principles of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO). We strongly believe that employing a diverse workforce is central to our success and we make recruiting decisions based on your experience and skills. We welcome applications from all members of society irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion, or belief.

By submitting your resume and application information, you authorize DP World to transmit and store your information in the world-wide recruitment database, and to circulate that information as necessary for the purpose of evaluating your qualifications for this or other job vacancies.