Principal Pharmacist (IMH)

Institution:  Institute of Mental Health
Family Group:  Pharmacy

Principal Pharmacist

 

We are seeking an experienced and visionary Principal Pharmacist to lead the strategic, clinical, operational, and professional development of our Pharmacy Department.

As Principal Pharmacist, you will play a pivotal role in shaping pharmacy services, advancing medication safety and innovation, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality, patient-centred pharmaceutical care. You will work closely with senior leadership, multidisciplinary teams, and national stakeholders to drive excellence across clinical practice, research, education, workforce development, and healthcare policy.

This is an exceptional opportunity for a senior pharmacy leader who is passionate about transforming healthcare delivery and influencing pharmacy practice at both institutional and national levels.

 

Key Responsibilities

 

Strategic Leadership & Governance

  • Lead the strategic planning and overall management of the Pharmacy Department, ensuring alignment with organisational and NHG goals.
  • Develop and implement pharmacy strategies to support safe, effective, cost-efficient, and patient-centred medication use.
  • Provide leadership in medication management policies, governance frameworks, and risk management initiatives.
  • Ensure compliance with all legal, regulatory, accreditation, and professional standards governing pharmacy practice.

 

Clinical Excellence

  • Champion the delivery of high-quality pharmaceutical care and medication safety across the institution.
  • Drive evidence-based practices and oversee initiatives that optimise therapeutic outcomes for patients.
  • Lead the development and implementation of medication-use policies and standards in alignment with national healthcare priorities.

 

Workforce Development & Education

  • Shape and drive pharmacy workforce strategies, education, training, and professional development programmes.
  • Mentor and develop pharmacy leaders and future talent within the organisation.
  • Collaborate with educational institutions and professional bodies to strengthen pharmacy training and capability-building initiatives.

 

Research & Innovation

  • Foster a culture of research, innovation, and continuous improvement.
  • Lead and support impactful research projects, publications, and presentations that advance pharmacy practice and patient care.
  • Establish strategic partnerships with healthcare, academic, and research institutions.

 

Stakeholder Management

  • Build strong partnerships with clinicians, healthcare leaders, regulators, professional bodies, and external stakeholders.
  • Serve as a trusted advisor and recognised thought leader on pharmacy-related matters.
  • Represent the organisation in institutional, cluster-wide, and national pharmacy initiatives.

 

Operational & Financial Management

  • Oversee pharmacy operations to ensure efficient, safe, and sustainable service delivery.
  • Optimise resource allocation while maintaining high standards of patient care and operational excellence.
  • Lead organisational change, service transformation, and quality improvement initiatives.

 

Requirements

 

Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Pharmacy or equivalent recognised pharmacy qualification.
  • Registered Pharmacist with the Singapore Pharmacy Council (or eligible for registration in Singapore).
  • Postgraduate qualification (e.g., Master's degree, PharmD, MBA, Public Health, Healthcare Administration, or equivalent) is highly desirable.

 

Experience

  • Minimum 10 to 15 years of experience in hospital or healthcare pharmacy practice.
  • Proven track record in leading large pharmacy teams and managing complex healthcare operations.
  • Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, organisational transformation, quality improvement, and stakeholder engagement.
  • Strong understanding of Singapore healthcare policies, medication governance, and regulatory requirements.
  • Experience contributing to national, cluster, or professional pharmacy initiatives will be advantageous.

 

Leadership Competencies

  • Strategic and systems thinker with the ability to influence at executive and national levels.
  • Strong people leadership, coaching, and succession planning capabilities.
  • Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills.
  • Ability to drive innovation, transformation, and sustainable change.
  • Recognised for professional credibility, thought leadership, and collaborative partnership building

 

Appointment to the Head role may be offered to incumbents who have been formally assessed and deemed capable of fulfilling the responsibilities and expectations of the position.