The Chief Pharmacy Officer (CPO) will play a pivotal role in ensuring the highest standards of patient care, regulatory compliance, and business growth. The Chief Pharmacy Officer/ Head of Pharmacy Operations is responsible for the overall leadership, strategic direction, and empowering management of the pharmacy business for 1918 Winter Street Partners, a subsidiary of C&S Wholesale Grocers. This includes overseeing the pharmacy's operations, ensuring compliance with all laws, regulations, standards and guidelines that govern the practice of pharmacy. The CPO leads the Rx leadership team in development and implementation of strategies to improve patient care and medication adherence, drive market access, advance patient and clinical services, while delivering on financial objectives. The Chief Pharmacy Officer also works closely with other departments, such as marketing, supply chain, operations, and legal, to optimize pharmacy execution and ensure that the pharmacy's services are marketed effectively.
Essential Functions (Responsibilities & Duties of Position)
- Lead the end-to-end pharmacy function and all Pharmacy business teams in the development and execution of the pharmacy strategy that delivers the highest standards of care, while delivering on financial objectives aligned to the company’s mission and business objectives. The CPO will collaborate cross-functionally to deliver on key strategic initiatives and business improvements. Critical to the CPO role will be to build and sustain a high performance pharmacy team.
- Lead store and digital pharmacy operations, developing and leading strong pharmacy operational disciplines and standards with a focus on continual improvement and exceptional execution. This role ensures optimal pharmacy workflow and supporting technical and process infrastructure. Ensure the continued evolution and advancement of the Rx digital pharmacy platform.
- Manage the Pharmacy P&L to meet / exceed financial objectives. Drive strong financial discipline and accountability within the Rx team. Ensure the development of accurate and reliable budgets for each pharmacy cost center. across the enterprise. Manage inventory levels to optimize customer experience and working capital. Develop and implement plans that drive business growth, such as adherence programs, vaccinations, MTM, and other pharmacy services.
- Lead the relationships and negotiations with PBMs/health plans, drug wholesalers, pharmaceutical manufacturers and pharmacy service vendors to secure favorable terms and pricing agreements. Ensure strong processes, capabilities, and resulting outcomes in branded and generic drug procurement.
- Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local pharmacy regulations and accreditation standards. Drive a culture that embraces the highest standards of conduct in protecting customer privacy (HIPPA). Oversee and ensure robust procedures for safe and secure storage and distribution of controlled substances.
- Be an engaged participant with industry associations, trade groups, regulatory bodies at the federal and state level as needed to advance the interests of the company and pharmacy profession.
The Chief Pharmacy Officer (CPO) is recognized as an expert in the pharmacy industry. They oversee the pharmacy departments of the entire organization. They manage staff, ensure regulatory compliance, develop policies, and supervise the dispensation of medications. The CPO will also manage budgets and resources and implement initiatives to improve patient outcomes. They have exceptional leadership skills, strategic vision, expert knowledge of the pharmacy business and the broader healthcare ecosystem and regulatory environment, They operate in a highly regulated and complex industry, and must have the ability to monitor and anticipate change in the consumer, competitive, regulatory, and technological environment.
Position Qualifications:
- Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree from an accredited pharmacy program; MBA or advanced business degree is a plus.
- Proven track record of leadership in pharmacy operations and healthcare management, typically with 10+ years of experience.
- Licensed pharmacist with active and unrestricted licensure
- Deep knowledge of pharmacy laws, regulations, and industry standards.
- Proficiency in pharmacy-related technology, EHR systems, and telepharmacy solutions.
- Deep understanding of the pharmacy business model as it relates to PBMs and Health Plans, drug wholesalers, Medicare/Medicaid, 340B, Rx workflow and dispensing systems, None-resale supplies purchasing, pharmacy licensing and regulatory landscape (including HIPPA).
- Understanding of central fill models, digital Rx and tele pharmacy solutions, specialty pharmacy, compounding of prescriptions, and EHR.
- Strong knowledge and experience working with legislative and regulatory bodies in addition to state pharmacy boards.
- Knowledge of methods and procedures used in the practice of pharmacy including chemistry, mathematics and national formulae; federal and state laws pertaining to the dispensing and the use of prescription drugs, including controlled substances; composition, storage and uses of drugs
- Ability to travel as needed to oversee pharmacy operations across the nation.
ABOUT US:
C&S Wholesale Grocers, LLC is an industry leader in supply chain solutions and wholesale grocery supply in the United States. Founded in 1918 as a supplier to independent grocery stores, C&S now services customers of all sizes, supplying more than 7,500 independent supermarkets, chain stores, military bases and institutions with over 100,000 different products. C&S also proudly operates and supports corporate grocery stores and services independent franchisees under a chain-style model throughout the Midwest, South and Northeast. We are an engaged corporate citizen, supporting causes that positively impact our communities. C&S has established a subsidiary, 1918 Winter Street Partners, which will operate the recently announced purchase of several hundred stores that have become available due to The Kroger Co. and Albertsons Companies Inc. merger. The transaction is not final and C&S’s agreement is subject to Kroger and Albertsons resolving the pending cases in court.
