Pharmacist in Charge - Emerald Specialty Pharmacy

Pharmacist in Charge - Emerald Specialty Pharmacy

Blue Cross of Idaho is seeking a visionary Pharmacist in Charge (PIC) to launch and operationalize a new specialty pharmacy line of business. The PIC will collaborate with the VP of Pharmacy and Strategy team to build a high‑performing pharmacy operation within a mature organization.

This role is essential in developing, launching, and sustaining a specialty pharmacy focused on complex therapies. The PIC is responsible for establishing and overseeing all pharmacy operations, ensuring full compliance with federal and state regulations, and delivering high‑quality pharmaceutical care. The position requires local Idaho on‑site presence and reports directly to the VP, Pharmacy.

• Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm
  
  D) or equivalent degree
• Active pharmacist license in Idaho; additional state licenses preferred or the ability to obtain them
• Minimum 3–5 years of experience in specialty or high‑volume pharmacy
• Prior PIC experience preferred; startup or build‑out experience a plus
• Prior experience with specialty pharmacy processes and accreditation (e.g., URAC, ACHC, NABP)
• Strong knowledge of specialty drug operational dispensing workflows and inventory management
• Analytical problem‑solving skills with hands‑on execution capability
• Ability to manage cross‑functional teams and external vendors

• Detail‑oriented with strong organizational and leadership skills
• Proven experience in specialty pharmacy startup, construction, or multi‑site expansion
• Entrepreneurial attitude required for a startup specialty pharmacy
• Support IT resources for integrating pharmacy management and clinical patient management systems
• Experience with specialty pharmacy data analytics, interpretation, and KPI dashboarding
• Familiarity with payer policies, prior authorization workflows, HUB coordination, and patient support programs
• Passion for patient care and operational excellence

• Support for specialty pharmacy build‑out and ensure facility meets USP/DEA/state Board of Pharmacy standards
• Develop operational workflows and processes (prescription intake, reimbursement, dispensing, inventory management)
• Implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) for dispensing, inventory, and clinical processes
• Coordinate soft launch, pilot testing, and full operational rollout
• Lead daily operations including staffing, scheduling, and coordination with vendors and providers
• Collaborate cross‑functionally and communicate with internal and external business partners

• Manage pharmacy licensing, DEA registration, and accreditation (URAC, ACHC, NABP)
• Ensure adherence to DEA, FDA, HIPAA, and state Board of Pharmacy regulations
• Maintain required records, logs, and documentation for audits and inspections
• Act as primary contact for regulatory agencies and licensing bodies

• Provide managerial oversight of clinical and dispensing processes within the specialty pharmacy
• Develop clinical pathways, protocols, and care models for targeted therapies
• Define critical metrics and clinical benchmarks for program success
• Monitor adherence, persistence, adverse event reporting, and reconciliation
• Support real‑world evidence generation and outcomes‑based contracting

• Negotiate contracts with wholesalers, specialty distributors, GPOs, and courier services
• Oversee specialty pharmacy purchasing and procurement under prime vendor agreements
• Develop procedures for procurement, inventory management, storage, and disposal of specialty medications
• Monitor cold chain integrity, lot‑level tracking, and recall procedures
• Coordinate with manufacturers, wholesalers, and distributors to maintain supply chain integrity

• Define roles, training plans, and performance metrics
• Hire, train, and supervise pharmacists, technicians, and support staff
• Foster a culture of compliance, patient safety, and continuous improvement
• Administer performance reviews and staff competency assessments

• Implement quality assurance programs and continuous improvement initiatives…