Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre – fully affiliated with the University of Toronto - is seeking an experienced and strategic Director of Pharmacy to lead and oversee all pharmacy operations (inclusive of inpatient, outpatient, and retail pharmacy operations). The Director of Pharmacy is responsible for ensuring the safe, effective, and compliant delivery of pharmaceutical services while driving operational excellence, quality improvement, and patient-centered care.
This leadership role collaborates closely with physicians, nursing leadership, regulatory bodies, and interdisciplinary teams to optimize medication management practices, support organizational objectives, teaching and research and ensure compliance with all applicable provincial and federal regulations.
Sunnybrook has a bold vision to Invent the Future of Health Care. Guided by our Invent 2030 strategy, we deliver precise, integrated, and patient-centered care while nurturing thriving teams. We educate 5,000+ trainees annually, host world-class research and innovation through the Sunnybrook Research Institute, and touch the lives of over 1.1 million patients each year. This is a place where innovation meets impact, and where your leadership will leave a lasting legacy.
Pharmacy, together with Medical Imaging and Laboratory Medicine and Molecular Diagnostics, is part of the Precision Diagnostics and Therapeutics Program, one of 11 clinical programs. Pharmacy is a critical part of Sunnybrook’s vision, through supporting clinical trials, cutting-edge cancer care, and the many specialized services offered at Sunnybrook.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Strategic Planning
- Provide leadership, direction, and oversight for pharmacy operations and clinical pharmacy services.
- Participate in the development and evolution of a strategic roadmap for the Precision Diagnostics and Therapeutics program, aligned with the corporate Invent 2030 strategic plan.
- Develop and implement strategic initiatives that align with programmatic and organizational goals and improve patient outcomes.
- Foster a culture of safety, accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.
- Lead departmental planning, goal setting, and performance management initiatives.
Pharmacy Operations
- Oversee daily pharmacy operations, workflow optimization, and resource allocation.
- Ensure timely and accurate dispensing, medication distribution, and clinical pharmacy services.
- Evaluate and improve operational efficiency, productivity, and service quality.
- Manage medication procurement, inventory control, and formulary management programs.
Regulatory Compliance & Quality Assurance
- Ensure compliance with Ontario College of Pharmacists standards, Accreditation Canada requirements, and all applicable legislation and regulations.
- Provide oversight of professional practice for all Pharmacists.
- Monitor and maintain pharmacy policies, procedures, and quality assurance programs.
- Lead medication safety initiatives and risk management activities.
- Oversee audit preparation and corrective action planning as required.
Financial Management
- Develop and manage departmental budgets.
- Monitor financial performance and identify opportunities for cost containment and operational efficiencies.
- Negotiate and manage vendor and supplier relationships.
- Support business development and growth initiatives where applicable.
Team Leadership & Development
- Recruit, mentor, and develop pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and support staff.
- Establish performance expectations and conduct regular evaluations.
- Promote employee engagement, professional development, and succession planning.
- Lead training and education initiatives related to pharmacy practice.
Clinical Excellence
- Support evidence-based medication management programs.
- Collaborate with healthcare providers to optimize therapeutic outcomes.
- Monitor emerging trends, technologies, and best practices in pharmacy care.
- Champion patient safety and medication stewardship initiatives.
- Provide leadership and oversight of Pharmacy involvement in implementation of new corporate Health Information System (scheduled to go live in fall of 2027).
Teaching
- Coordination of Staff and residency/graduate student/fellow training programs
- Contribute to interprofessional education i.e. Medical Grand Rounds, Clinical Pharmacy rounds etc.
Research
- Review grant proposals and protocols
- Supervise Resident/Graduate protocols
- Publish/present work
Qualifications
Required
- Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD)
- Licensed and in good standing with the Ontario College of Pharmacists.
- Minimum 7-10 years of progressive pharmacy experience within a hospital setting.
- Minimum 5 years of leadership or management experience
- Comprehensive knowledge of pharmacy regulations, accreditation standards, and medication safety practices.
- Demonstrated experience managing budgets, operations, and multidisciplinary teams.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
- Proven leadership skills with demonstrated ability to build strong teams
Preferred
- Completion of relevant leadership or healthcare management certifications.
- Experience implementing pharmacy technology systems and automation solutions.
