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Deputy Responsible Pharmacist [ PE]

Supply Chain
Port Elizabeth – Eastern Cape – South Africa

Our client in the pharmaceutical distribution sector is looking for a dedicated and compliance-focused Deputy Responsible Pharmacist (DRP) to assist with wholesale and distribution operations. This position is responsible for ensuring complete compliance with pharmaceutical legislation, regulatory standards, and Good Distribution/Wholesaling Practices. The DRP will also maintain strong quality systems and provide operational oversight within a licensed distribution environment.
 
Key Responsibilities
  • Ensure full compliance with the Medicines Act, Pharmacy Act, SAHPRA regulations, and current Good Distribution & Wholesaling Practices (cGDP/GWP).
  • Support and deputise the Responsible Pharmacist, assuming full RP accountability when required.
  • Oversee quality management systems, SOP implementation, audits, CAPA management, deviations, and non-conformances.
  • Supervise product receipt, storage, quarantine, returns, reverse logistics, recalls, and final product release.
  • Ensure appropriate handling and record-keeping of scheduled substances, Section 21 items, and controlled medicines.
  • Lead risk assessments and quality review meetings, escalating non-compliance where necessary.
  • Manage regulatory interactions with health authorities and ensure licensing and registration requirements remain current.
  • Ensure proper warehouse controls, including temperature monitoring, pest control, quarantine management, and destruction of medicines.
  • Maintain strong cross-functional collaboration with Supply Chain, Regulatory, QA, and Commercial teams.
  • Provide GDP/GWP training and ensure all employees adhere to established quality systems.
 
Minimum Requirements
  • Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm).
  • Registered and active member of the SAPC.
  • Minimum 2–3 years’ experience as a Pharmacist or Deputy Responsible Pharmacist.
  • Experience within a pharmaceutical distribution or wholesale environment.
  • Exposure to Digital Quality Management Systems
  • Experience using Oracle R12.
 
The ideal candidate should be detail-oriented, compliance-focused, and operationally savvy, with strong leadership skills and the ability to manage quality systems in a regulated distribution environment. Excellent communication skills, risk awareness, and the ability to collaborate across different functions are essential for success in this role. If you are a registered pharmacist seeking to advance your career in a regulated distribution setting, please apply now using the link below.