Leadership Spotlight- Head of Pharmacy

Leadership Spotlight shares insight into the leaders behind our teams and the work they deliver across Richmond. These features highlight how our organisation operates, the expertise within our teams, and the leadership that supports the safe and effective delivery of clinical research.

In this edition, we spotlight Konrad Wieczorek, who leads Pharmacy.

Background and career journey

Konrad Wieczorek joined Richmond Pharmacology in 2024, bringing a broad range of experience across hospital pharmacy, aseptic services, quality assurance and clinical trials. Throughout his career, he has held roles at organisations including the Royal Free Hospital, UCLH, North Middlesex Hospital, Barts Health and ITH Pharma, developing expertise across both operational pharmacy and clinical research settings.

Today, as Head of Pharmacy, he leads the pharmacy service supporting Richmond's clinical research studies, ensuring investigational medicinal products are managed safely, efficiently and in accordance with regulatory requirements. Working closely with sponsors, CROs and study teams, he helps deliver rapid IMP set-up, timely dispensing and responsive pharmacy support, enabling studies to start on schedule and run smoothly throughout their lifecycle.

Role and responsibilities

Konrad’s role involves overseeing pharmacy operations, supporting study set-up activities and ensuring quality and regulatory standards are maintained across all pharmacy processes.

He also works closely with teams across the organisation to help studies run smoothly and ensure departments remain aligned in a fast-paced clinical research environment.

Approach to leadership and daily work

Konrad describes his leadership style as patient, supportive and focused on maintaining high standards. He encourages team members to think critically, communicate openly and take ownership of their work, while creating an environment where people feel comfortable asking questions and learning from experience.

What makes Pharmacy successful

The Pharmacy team’s success comes from a combination of expertise, reliability and adaptability. Everyone understands the importance of their role in maintaining study quality and participant safety.

The team is highly collaborative and able to respond quickly to changing study demands without compromising standards.

A challenge the team solves that people might not realise

Much of the Pharmacy team's work takes place behind the scenes and is often invisible to those outside the department. Beyond supplying medication, the team is responsible for ensuring investigational products are sourced, stored, prepared and dispensed in a fully compliant and traceable manner.

Studies frequently involve complex requirements, changing timelines and strict regulatory expectations. The team must anticipate potential issues before they arise and maintain continuity without compromising quality, participant safety or study delivery.

Developing and supporting people

When hiring and developing people, Konrad looks for individuals who are willing to learn, take ownership and communicate effectively.

He focuses on helping team members build confidence, think critically and understand the wider impact of their work within clinical research.

Looking ahead

Looking ahead, Konrad sees significant opportunities to further strengthen Pharmacy's role within clinical research through process improvement, greater use of technology and closer cross-functional collaboration.

A major milestone for the department is the upcoming pharmacy extension project, which will provide additional office and storage capacity to support future growth and study complexity.

Proud moments

Throughout his career, Konrad has taken particular pride in strengthening pharmacy and quality systems that improve safety, efficiency and operational resilience. Equally important has been the opportunity to support and develop colleagues, helping team members build confidence, expand their skills and progress in their careers.

Advice for those considering this field

Konrad encourages anyone considering a career in pharmacy to stay open to learning and embrace new challenges.

While technical knowledge is important, communication, adaptability and problem-solving skills are equally valuable in a fast-paced and highly regulated environment.

Outside of work

Outside of work, Konrad has a strong interest in data science and Python, particularly exploring how data can be used to improve processes and support better decision-making. He also enjoys staying active through tennis and rollerblading.

‍