Junior Cold Chain Pharmacist Opportunity at Adcock Ingram

Adcock Ingram is seeking a meticulous and dedicated Junior Cold Chain Pharmacist to join their distribution and warehousing operations in Cape Town, Western Cape. In this foundational pharmaceutical role, you will be responsible for upholding strict Good Wholesaling Practice (GWP) and Good Pharmacy Practice (GPP) compliance standards, with a specific focus on cold chain integrity. Temperature-sensitive therapeutics and biologicals require stringent regulatory oversight, and this position offers an exceptional platform for an early-career pharmacist to build specialist expertise in pharmaceutical supply chain quality assurance, deviation handling, and regulatory compliance.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain in-depth knowledge of cold chain protocols and quality assurance procedures within the pharmaceutical warehouse.
• Ensure the proper handling, storage, and compliant distribution of temperature-sensitive inventory (including 2–8°C cold chain and frozen stock).
• Conduct thorough root-cause investigations for all documented temperature excursions and stock deviations.
• Review, evaluate, and formally approve cold chain-related documentation and batch logs.
• Assist in the drafting, updating, maintenance, and facility-wide implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Manage warehouse deviations, ensuring detailed tracking and prompt, successful closure.
• Support the execution and tracking of Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPAs).
• Facilitate change control documentation and warehouse change management processes.
• Conduct training sessions for warehouse floor staff regarding cold chain handling and hygiene protocols.
• Participate in self-inspections, internal audits, and quality reviews to maintain continuous audit readiness for SAHPRA and SAPC inspections.
• Coordinate cold chain validation initiatives and equipment calibration schedules.
• Manage sample coordination, stock investigations, and supervision of safe destruction of expired or compromised cold chain inventory.
• Perform QA and compliance duties as assigned by the Responsible Pharmacist.

Estimated Salary Range (Market Benchmark)

The hiring employer has not officially specified a salary for this position. Based on South African market data and industry benchmarks for a junior professional / entry-level qualified pharmacist role, the estimated remuneration is approximately R25,000 – R38,000 per month. Please note that this is an industry estimate and actual remuneration will be determined by the employer based on qualifications, experience, and internal pay structures.

Why Join the Company

Adcock Ingram is one of South Africa's most prominent, trusted, and long-standing pharmaceutical manufacturers and distributors. Working within their supply chain operations provides young professionals with direct exposure to world-class manufacturing standards, rigorous quality control frameworks, and mentorship from experienced Responsible Pharmacists. Employees benefit from a collaborative work environment that prioritizes safety, integrity, and sustainable career progression within the broader healthcare sector.

Application Strategy (Exclusive)

• Emphasize Cold Chain Compliance Knowledge: Clearly articulate your familiarity with Good Distribution Practice (GDP) and cold chain storage parameters (such as 2–8°C handling and data logger reading) in your CV summary.
• Highlight CAPA & Quality Assurance Exposure: Provide concrete examples from your community service or academic projects where you documented a deviation, handled an investigation, or followed strict standard operating procedures.
• Detail SAPC Registration: Ensure your registration number with the South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC) is prominently visible near the top of your resume along with proof of completed community service.

Interview Preparation

To help you prepare for technical and scenario-based interviews, consider how you would answer these potential questions:

• 'If a temperature monitoring device alarms indicating a temperature excursion in the cold room overnight, what immediate steps and investigative procedures would you follow?'
• 'How do you handle pushback when training operational warehouse staff on strict standard operating procedures and hygiene controls?'

You can practice answering these behavioral and technical questions using the YouthNextStep Interview Simulator.

How to Apply

Please apply using the Quick Apply button on this page.

• Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) degree from a recognized South African university.
• Current registration with the South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC) as a Pharmacist.
• Successful completion of Pharmacist Community Service.
• Sound understanding of Good Pharmacy Practice (GPP), Good Wholesaling Practice (GWP), and SAHPRA regulatory guidelines.
• Basic familiarity with cold chain logistics, temperature excursion investigation, and SOP development.
• Excellent attention to detail, analytical mindset, and strong organizational skills.
• Proficiency in standard computer packages (MS Office suite, Excel, and warehouse/inventory management systems).