Sue Muller: Redefining Excellence In Pharmacy Workforce Solutions

Women leaders worldwide are driving change and innovation in various sectors. With an increasing number of women in top leadership roles, they are reshaping industries, promoting diversity, and fostering inclusive growth. These leaders are not only breaking barriers but also setting new standards for leadership, encouraging future generations to challenge norms and pursue transformative roles in the global workforce.

Sue Muller, CEO of LOCUMCO, is one such accomplished leader. With over 37 years of experience as a pharmacist and business leader, Sue has successfully blended innovation and personal service in her recruitment solutions. Passionate about networking and continuous learning, she is committed to supporting pharmacy professionals nationwide.

In an exclusive interview with Global Woman Leader magazine, Sue Muller enlightened us more about her professional journey and leadership traits.

Can you share your educational background and prior industry experiences?

I earned a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree from Sydney University and began my career working part-time in various local pharmacies. Eventually, I managed an extended-hours pharmacy, working long shifts four days a week. Later, I moved to the UK under a reciprocal agreement between Australia and the UK, completing a brief internship to qualify as a pharmacist. I worked there for several months, alternating between travel and pharmacy roles. Returning to Australia, I took on locum assignments, which grew significantly, leading me to establish a business connecting pharmacists with locum opportunities, a venture inspired by this unmet industry need.

What were some key early influences in life that shaped you as an individual?

Growing up as the child of European migrants who fled a war-torn region profoundly shaped me. My parents arrived in Australia with no money and limited English. They met in Melbourne, married, and built a life through resilience and hard work. Initially, I only spoke German, the language my parents shared, but quickly adapted to English in kindergarten. My mother earned money crafting gloves and belts, while my father started selling shoes before establishing a leading financial services business in Sydney. Their perseverance and entrepreneurial spirit were invaluable role models, deeply influencing my values and work ethic.

We aim to drive growth while ensuring pharmacies across Australia continue to receive the reliable service on which they depend

Can you share your professional journey as a pharmacy recruitment specialist and the expertise you've developed?

With no formal training in recruitment, I learned on the job, leveraging my background as a pharmacist. This experience gives me a unique understanding of pharmacies' needs, enabling us to deliver tailored, industry-specific recruitment solutions that align seamlessly with their operational requirements.

Introduce us to LOCUMCO, and share the vision behind the venture and its areas of expertise.

LOCUMCO began as a small, Sydney-based recruitment service when I realized the growing demand for locum pharmacists. Over 37 years, it expanded to cover all of Australia, evolving from manual processes to a streamlined, tech-driven operation. Today, LOCUMCO employs a dedicated team, ensuring seamless support for pharmacies nationwide. Our expertise lies in providing tailored recruitment solutions, recognizing pharmacies as essential services. By connecting qualified pharmacists with opportunities, we help sustain access to vital medications, particularly in underserved communities, ensuring continuity of care across Australia.

What are your roles and responsibilities as the CEO of LOCUMCO, and what are your current growth focus areas?

As the CEO, I’ve transitioned from day-to-day job placements to overseeing overall operations and strategy. My focus is on balancing digital innovation with maintaining our renowned personal service. LOCUMCO pioneered an industry app over a decade ago, and we’re upgrading it to enhance user experience. However, many clients still value direct interaction, and we remain available 24/7 to address urgent needs, such as filling last-minute pharmacist vacancies. By combining cutting-edge technology with personalized support, we aim to drive growth while ensuring pharmacies across Australia continue to receive the reliable service on which they depend.

What have been the biggest achievements in your professional journey, and what is your leadership success mantra?

One of my proudest achievements was winning the state award and being a finalist in the national Telstra Business Awards in 2005, followed by being a finalist in the Telstra Women’s Awards in 2006. In 2016, we were also finalists in the Optus My Business Awards. Additionally, in 2002, we secured a government tender to provide emergency locum pharmacists for rural and remote areas, maintaining a 100 percent success rate over 19 years. My success mantra is simple, which is persistence and immediacy. Our team acts swiftly and effectively to ensure every pharmacy request is met, supporting communities nationwide without compromise.

How do you foresee the pharmacy recruitment landscape evolving in 2025, and which trends might create the most significant impact?

In 2025, major industry mergers, such as those between large pharmacy groups and wholesalers, could reshape the recruitment landscape. Additionally, the growing shift to digital solutions, driven by a tech-savvy younger population, will significantly impact operations. Technology and AI will continue to evolve, transforming how recruitment is conducted. As a long-time advocate for innovation, I aim to remain at the forefront of these changes. However, the demand for personalized service will persist. Balancing cutting-edge technology with a human touch will be key to meeting diverse client needs and maintaining strong relationships in the industry.

Sue Muller, CEO, LOCUMCO

Sue Muller is the CEO of LOCUMCO, a prominent pharmacy recruitment agency in Australia. With over 37 years of experience as a pharmacist and business leader, Sue has successfully blended innovation and personal service in her recruitment solutions. Passionate about networking and continuous learning, she is committed to supporting pharmacy professionals nationwide.