Pharmacist in Charge

Job Description

Pharmacist-in-Charge (PIC) / Director of Pharmacy

Department: Pharmacy Operations

Reports To: Senior Director of Pharmacy

Location: Whittier, California

Position Type: Full-Time, Exempt

Position Summary

The Pharmacist-in-Charge (PIC) / Director of Pharmacy is responsible for the overall leadership, strategic direction, and operational management of the pharmacy department within a high-acuity infusion, specialty and oncology pharmacy. This role ensures compliance with all state and federal regulations, oversees clinical and operational functions related to sterile compounding, and maintains the highest standards of patient safety and quality in the preparation and dispensing of IV infusions, IVIG, specialty medications, and chemotherapy agents.

The Director of Pharmacy serves as the clinical and operational leader for all pharmacy staff, providing guidance, mentorship, and oversight to ensure optimal patient outcomes, regulatory compliance, and efficient workflow.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Management

Provide strategic leadership for the pharmacy department, establishing goals, policies, and procedures aligned with organizational objectives.

Oversee recruitment, training, scheduling, and performance management of pharmacy personnel.

Foster a culture of clinical excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Collaborate with executive leadership, nursing, and clinical teams to ensure coordinated patient care and service excellence.

Regulatory & Compliance

Serve as the Pharmacist-in-Charge, maintaining all required licenses, permits, and accreditations (e.g., USP <797>, <800>, ACHC, URAC, or Joint Commission).

Ensure full compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations, including Board of Pharmacy and FDA requirements.

Oversee documentation, record-keeping, and quality assurance processes.

Lead audits, inspections, and accreditation reviews.

Clinical Oversight

Provide clinical oversight for sterile compounding, including IV infusions, IVIG, specialty injectables, and chemotherapy preparations.

Review and verify medication orders for accuracy, safety, and appropriateness.

Ensure adherence to USP <797>/<800> and aseptic technique standards.

Collaborate with prescribers and nurses to optimize therapeutic outcomes and manage adverse drug reactions.

Operations & Quality

Oversee inventory management, procurement, and cost control of pharmaceuticals and supplies.

Ensure timely, accurate, and safe dispensing of compounded sterile products.

Implement and monitor quality improvement initiatives, including medication error prevention and process optimization.

Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) for all pharmacy functions.

Financial & Strategic Management

Manage departmental budget, including revenue forecasting, expense control, and profitability analysis.

Identify opportunities for new service lines, cost savings, and process efficiency improvements.

Support business development by collaborating on payer relations, accreditation, and operational readiness for new programs.

Qualifications

Education & Licensure

Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) or Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from an accredited college of pharmacy required.

Active and unrestricted pharmacist license in the state of California; eligible for licensure in additional states if needed.

Sterile Compounding knowledge (USP <797> and <800>) preferred.

Board certification in a relevant specialty (e.g., BCOP, BCPS) preferred

Experience

Minimum 3 years of clinical pharmacy experience, preferably in infusion therapy, specialty pharmacy, or oncology.

Minimum 2 years of leadership or management experience in a pharmacy setting (e.g., infusion, hospital, or specialty pharmacy).

Sterile compounding operations and compliance programs, preferred.

Skills & Competencies

Strong knowledge of infusion therapies, IVIG, chemotherapy, and specialty pharmaceuticals.

In-depth understanding of state and federal regulations governing pharmacy operations.

Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills.

Proven ability to lead interdisciplinary teams and manage complex operations.

Proficiency with pharmacy management software and electronic health record (EHR) systems.

Working Conditions

Primarily office and cleanroom environment.

Occasional travel to inspection sites, clinics, or partner locations.

Must be able to meet physical and technical requirements for sterile compounding.

Physical Requirements

The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions in this job description:

The employee is regularly required to stand, walk, and sit, as well as talk and hear.

The employee is required to use hands to operate office equipment.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 60 pounds.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

Full-time