Permanent, full-time opportunity

Location & Hours of Operation: Ability to commute to West Hollywood, CA. We are seeking a candidate who can bring flexibility to their schedule, as hours may vary depending on business needs—particularly during the build-out and launch phases. This role offers the unique opportunity to help shape our operations from the ground up as we establish our presence in the community.

Affirming Care Pharmacy acknowledges that our future Los Angeles location will be situated on the traditional and unceded lands of the Gabrieleño Tongva and Gabrieleño Kizh peoples. We honor their enduring connection to this land and recognize the many Indigenous Peoples from across Turtle Island and around the world who call Los Angeles home today.

Who we hope to find:

We aren't just opening a new branch; we’re planting a flag. Affirming Care Pharmacy is expanding to Los Angeles, and we’re looking for a founding Pharmacist-in-Charge to lead the launch. This is far from a "plug-and-play" role; you will be instrumental from day one—navigating California’s regulatory landscape, building essential vendor relationships to stand up our operations, and acting as the “CEO” of our new Los Angeles Affirming Care pharmacy.

Reporting to the Director of Pharmacy, you'll have significant autonomy and a direct line to leadership as a founding team member in a new market. From building out our first site to dispensing the first prescription, you will shape an environment where every patient feels seen. If you’re a pharmacist who believes that "entrepreneurial" and "empathetic" belong in the same sentence, we want to talk.

In this role, you’ll make an impact by:

Building Our California Presence

• Managing the California Board of Pharmacy licensing and permitting process, including obtaining the pharmacy permit, DEA registration, and all necessary local business licenses 
• Overseeing the new site’s path to accreditation by implementing existing Affirming Care clinical and operational standards
• Coordinating the pharmacy buildout to enable in-person patient care, working with contractors, architects, and vendors to design and set up the physical space, fixtures, and workflow
• Establishing relationships with wholesalers, suppliers, and local healthcare partners
• Developing and implementing standard operating procedures tailored to California regulations and the needs of our patient population, while leveraging Affirming Care’s existing Texas infrastructure

Launching & Leading Pharmacy Operations

• Serving as the Pharmacist-in-Charge with full accountability for the pharmacy's compliance, operations, and patient care standards
• Hiring, training, and supervising a high-performing team of pharmacists and support staff as the location scales
• Adapting Affirming Care’s established Texas operational infrastructure and inventory frameworks, including 340B and non-340B systems, to the local market
• Building efficient dispensing, shipping, and delivery workflows, leveraging existing company protocols while tailoring them to local logistics
• Overseeing day-to-day pharmacy operations once the location is open and running

Educating & Supporting Patients

• Providing expert clinical counseling with a focus on PrEP, STI, and HIV care, delivering exceptional, affirming customer service over the phone and in person
• Designing personalized logistics by coordinating with patients to manage shipping, delivery, and discreet packaging preferences
• Managing refill cycles and clinical adherence to prevent medication gaps
• Assisting patients in navigating insurance challenges and access barriers

Maintaining Compliance & Driving Collaboration

• Ensuring compliance with all applicable California state laws, federal regulations, and Board of Pharmacy requirements
• Staying current on California-specific pharmacy regulations, including any changes that impact operations
• Partnering with cross-functional leadership to share market insights and contribute to company-wide clinical and operational innovations

We need someone who has:

• A Pharmacist Degree (PharmD or equivalent) from an accredited institution
• An active California Pharmacist license in good standing or the ability to obtain one prior to start
• Eligibility to serve as a Pharmacist-in-Charge in California
• 3+ years of experience as a licensed Pharmacist, with a meaningful portion in a retail, community, or specialty pharmacy setting
• Experience with pharmacy startups, new store openings, or significant buildout/renovation projects—you've been through the process of standing something up, not just maintaining them
• Familiarity with California Board of Pharmacy regulations and the licensing/permitting process
• Strong operational instincts—you are resourceful in solving problems and energized by the opportunity to build a new market while leveraging existing company infrastructure
• The ability to set priorities, manage competing demands, and work independently with minimal oversight
• Flexibility to work varying shifts, including evenings and weekends, especially during the launch period
• Strong communication skills, active listening, and a collaborative, team-first mindset
• A genuine passion for inclusive, affirming healthcare

It would also be great if you have:

• Experience with the 340B Drug Pricing Program, including setting up 340B compliance from scratch
• Fluency in Spanish
• Experience with PioneerRx or similar pharmacy management systems
• Pharmacist licensure in multiple states (particularly Texas)
• Experience working with LGBTQ+ communities and/or in HIV/PrEP specialty care
• Experience hiring and building high-performing pharmacy teams

Compensation:

• $160,000 – $190,000 USD/year
• The compensation listed above refers to a yearly base salary that may vary depending on a candidate's relevant qualifications, knowledge, competencies and work experience, and other factors including market conditions. Base pay is just one aspect of our total rewards at PurposeMed—see our other exciting benefits below! (Please note that the benefits listed are specific to Canadian, full-time team members and may be adjusted based on your location or employment type).

Do you think you could be our Founding Pharmacist-in-Charge in California? We'd love to hear from you.

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