17 Pharmacy Operations Manager Interview Questions and Answers

Pharmacy operations managers are responsible for the daily operations of a pharmacy. They oversee the activities of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, and ensure that the pharmacy runs smoothly and efficiently.

To become a pharmacy operations manager, you will need at least a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy, and you will need to be licensed as a pharmacist in the state where you will be working. In some cases, you may also need to have a master’s degree or a doctorate in pharmacy.

If you are interested in becoming a pharmacy operations manager, you will need to prepare for a job interview. In this guide, you will find a list of common pharmacy operations manager interview questions and answers that you can use to prepare for your interview.

Are you familiar with the laws and regulations that apply to pharmacies in our state?

The interviewer may ask this question to assess your knowledge of the laws and regulations that apply to their state. Use your answer to highlight your understanding of these rules and how you would ensure compliance in your role as a pharmacy operations manager.

Example: “Yes, I am familiar with the laws and regulations that apply to pharmacies in our state. In my previous position, I was responsible for ensuring that all staff members were aware of any changes or updates to these laws and regulations. For example, we had to comply with new security measures when they became law. I also ensured that we always met the requirements for prescription disposal.”

What are some of the most important qualities that a pharmacy operations manager should have?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you possess the necessary skills and abilities to succeed in this role. When answering, it can be helpful to mention a few of your most important qualities and how they relate to the job.

Example: “I believe that one of the most important qualities for a pharmacy operations manager is communication. This person needs to be able to clearly explain their ideas and plans to other members of the team so everyone understands what’s expected of them. Another quality I think is essential is organization. A good operations manager should be able to keep track of all relevant information and documents so they can make informed decisions. Finally, I think problem-solving skills are vital because there may be times when unexpected issues arise.”

How would you deal with an employee who consistently showed up late or didn’t meet other performance expectations?

This question can help the interviewer assess your management style and how you would handle a challenging situation. Your answer should show that you are willing to hold employees accountable for their actions while also encouraging them to improve.

Example: “I would first meet with the employee to discuss why they were late or not meeting expectations. I would then give them specific goals to work toward, such as arriving on time every day for two weeks in a row. If they met these goals, I would reward them with a small bonus. If they didn’t meet the goal, I would have another discussion with them about what they need to do differently.”

What is your strategy for ensuring that all of the medications in your pharmacy are properly labeled and stored in the correct areas?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you prioritize your work and ensure that all of your tasks are completed in a timely manner. Your answer should show the interviewer that you have strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Example: “I use an inventory management software program to track which medications we have on hand, when they’re due for restocking and where they’re located within our pharmacy. This helps me make sure that I’m always aware of what medications we have available and ensures that I don’t miss any important details about their storage or handling.”

Provide an example of a time when you had to deal with a customer who was upset about the price of a medication. How did you handle this situation?

The interviewer may ask you a question like this to assess your customer service skills. This is an opportunity for you to show that you can empathize with customers and help them understand the price of their medications.

Example: “In my previous role, I had a patient who was upset about the cost of her medication. She told me she could get it much cheaper at another pharmacy. I asked her if she would mind waiting while I looked up the other pharmacy’s pricing. Sure enough, they were charging her twice as much as we were. I explained to her why our prices are what they are and how we work hard to keep costs down for patients.”

If you could only choose one, which area of pharmacy operations do you feel is the most important to focus on?

This question is a way for the interviewer to assess your priorities and values as they relate to pharmacy operations. Your answer should reflect your understanding of what’s important in this role, but it can also be an opportunity to show that you’re willing to do whatever it takes to ensure the success of the pharmacy.

Example: “I believe that all areas of pharmacy operations are equally important because each one contributes to the overall success of the pharmacy. However, I would say that customer service is the most important area to focus on because it directly impacts patient satisfaction and loyalty. If we provide excellent customer service, our patients will continue to come back to us, which means more revenue for the pharmacy.”

What would you do if you noticed that an employee was consistently making mistakes when filling prescriptions or performing other tasks?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you handle employee performance issues. Use your answer to show that you value accuracy and attention to detail when performing tasks in a pharmacy setting.

Example: “I would first meet with the employee one-on-one to discuss their mistakes and find out what they are doing to prevent them from happening again. I would also ask them if there is anything I could do to make it easier for them to perform their job duties. If the employee continues making mistakes, I would consider placing them on probation or terminating their employment.”

How well do you perform under pressure? Can you give an example of a time when you had to complete a task quickly?

This question can help the interviewer determine how well you perform under pressure and whether you have experience working in a fast-paced environment. When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe a time when you had to complete a task quickly and successfully.

Example: “In my previous role as pharmacy operations manager, I was responsible for ensuring that all of our pharmacists were able to fill prescriptions within a timely manner. One day, we received an influx of patients who needed their medications filled right away. I worked with my team to ensure that each pharmacist was able to meet the needs of their patients while also completing other tasks throughout the day.”

Do you have any experience working with a pharmacy management system?

This question can help the interviewer determine your familiarity with a specific software program that may be used in their pharmacy. If you have experience using this system, share what you liked about it and how it helped improve your work efficiency. If you don’t have any experience working with this type of system, explain why you would like to learn more about it.

Example: “I’ve worked with several different types of pharmacy management systems throughout my career, but I find that the one I currently use is the most efficient for my needs. The system allows me to keep track of inventory levels, which helps me make sure we always have enough supplies on hand. It also makes it easy for me to communicate with other staff members and customers through an online portal.”

When is it appropriate to call in a prescription to a pharmacy?

This question can help the interviewer determine your knowledge of when to call in a prescription and how you would handle that situation. Use examples from your previous experience to show the interviewer that you know when it’s appropriate to call in a prescription and what steps you take to ensure the customer has an excellent experience.

Example: “I always encourage customers to call in their prescriptions before they arrive at the pharmacy because I want them to have a positive experience every time they come into our store. If someone calls in a prescription, I make sure to ask them if there are any specific instructions or concerns about the medication so we can be prepared for when they arrive. This helps me provide exceptional service to all my customers.”

We want to improve our customer service reputation. What ideas do you have to help us do this?

Customer service is an important part of any business, and the interviewer may ask this question to see how you can help improve their pharmacy’s customer service reputation. Use your answer to highlight your interpersonal skills and ability to work with others to create a positive experience for customers.

Example: “I think one way we could improve our customer service reputation is by having more staff available during peak hours. This would allow us to provide better assistance to customers who need it most. Another idea I have is to implement a rewards program where customers earn points for purchases that they can redeem later on. This would encourage repeat business and give us another opportunity to show our customers that we value them.”

Describe your strategy for ensuring that all of the inventory in your pharmacy is properly labeled, stored and organized.

This question can help the interviewer assess your organizational skills and attention to detail. Use examples from past experiences where you developed a strategy for organizing inventory, labeling medications or storing supplies.

Example: “In my previous role as pharmacy operations manager, I noticed that our organization of inventory was inconsistent. Some shelves were organized by brand name while others were organized by generic name. This made it difficult for employees to find specific brands of medication when filling prescriptions. To address this issue, I created an inventory management system that would allow us to organize all of our inventory by type, such as pain relievers, blood pressure medications and cold remedies. We also implemented barcode scanning technology so we could track each item in real time.”

What makes you the best candidate for this position?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications and why you are the best person for the job. Before your interview, make a list of all your skills and experiences that relate to the position. Think about what makes you unique compared to other candidates.

Example: “I am the most qualified candidate because I have extensive experience managing operations in a pharmacy setting. In my previous role as a pharmacist, I managed several teams of employees and helped develop new systems to improve efficiency. I also understand the importance of customer service and how it can impact sales. I believe these skills will help me succeed in this role.”

Which computer programs or systems have you used in the past to help you complete your daily tasks?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your computer skills and how you use them in the workplace. You can answer this question by naming a few programs or systems that you have used in the past, along with what they are used for and why you find them helpful.

Example: “In my previous role as pharmacy operations manager, I used several different computer programs to help me complete my daily tasks. One program I found particularly useful was the inventory management system, which helped me keep track of all of our inventory levels at the store level, department level and product level. This allowed me to make sure we had enough stock on hand to meet customer demand.”

What do you think is the most important aspect of customer service for pharmacy operations managers?

Customer service is an important part of any business, and the interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your customer-focused approach. Use examples from your experience that show how you prioritize customer satisfaction in your operations management role.

Example: “I think it’s essential for pharmacy operations managers to provide excellent customer service because our customers are often in need of medical care or advice when they come into the store. I always make sure my team members know that we value their opinions and treat them with respect. In fact, I recently had a situation where one of my employees was feeling stressed at work, so I listened to her concerns and offered solutions to help her feel better.”

How often should a pharmacy have its inventory audited?

This question can help the interviewer determine your knowledge of industry regulations and standards. It’s important to show that you understand how to follow all necessary procedures, including those related to inventory management. In your answer, explain what factors influence when a pharmacy should have its inventory audited.

Example: “In my previous position as operations manager at a large chain pharmacy, I oversaw our annual inventory audit. However, we also had quarterly audits for each individual store. This was because some stores needed more frequent audits than others due to their unique circumstances. For example, one store in an area with high theft rates may need more frequent audits than another store in a safer neighborhood.”

There is a nationwide shortage of a common medication. How do you handle this situation?

This question is a great way to test your problem-solving skills and ability to work with others. It also shows the interviewer how you would handle a challenging situation that could affect many people. In your answer, explain what steps you would take to ensure patients receive their medication while working with other pharmacists and managers to find solutions.

Example: “I would first talk to my team about our options for finding more of this medication. I would then contact all nearby pharmacies to see if they have any extra supplies we can purchase or borrow. If neither option works, I would call the manufacturer to see if there are any alternatives we can use in place of this medication until it becomes available again.”