Deputy Responsible Pharmacist

About the role

Our client in the pharmaceutical industry is seeking an experienced and compliance‑focused Deputy Responsible Pharmacist to support the Responsible Pharmacist in ensuring that distribution and wholesale operations meet all legislative and regulatory requirements. The role will oversee key quality and operational activities while deputising for the Responsible Pharmacist when required.

Key responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with SAHPRA, SAPC, cGDP/GWP and Good Pharmacy Practice regulations.
• Support and maintain an effective Quality Management System, including SOPs, deviations, non‑conformances, CAPAs, validation and risk assessments.
• Deputise for the Responsible Pharmacist, performing RP duties and acting as the stand‑in RP when needed.
• Oversee product release, storage, quarantine, returns, recalls, cold‑chain management and scheduled medicine controls.
• Maintain Schedule 5 and Schedule 6 registers and manage Section 21 medicines.
• Prepare for regulatory and third‑party audits, address findings and close corrective actions.
• Support pharmacovigilance, product complaints, reverse logistics and stock‑management activities.
• Provide GDP/GWP training and promote continuous compliance across warehouse and distribution operations.

Required profile

• Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) and active registration with the SAPC.
• 2–3 years of experience as a Pharmacist or Deputy Pharmacist.
• Experience in pharmaceutical distribution or wholesale environments (advantageous).
• Familiarity with Quality Management Systems (advantageous).
• Detail‑oriented, quality‑driven and comfortable operating in a strictly regulated environment.

Required skills

• cGDP/GWP compliance knowledge.
• Quality Management System (QMS) implementation.
• Pharmacovigilance processes.
• Audit preparation and corrective‑action management.
• Product release and cold‑chain control.