View Vacancy -- Stores Manager - Operations Group - Stores - LMB 2466

The MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB) is one of the birthplaces of modern molecular biology and has played an important role in the development of many new techniques, most notably protein crystallography, cryo-electron microscopy, DNA sequencing and monoclonal antibodies. The LMB has a clear goal of understanding biological processes at the molecular level, with the ultimate aim of using this knowledge to tackle specific problems in human health and disease. We aim to tackle difficult, long-term problems, which often require investment over many years.

There are four scientific Divisions - Structural Studies, Protein and Nucleic Acid Chemistry, Cell Biology and Neurobiology. However, scientific collaboration between the different Divisions is extensive. Scientists are well supported by excellent scientific facilities and by the LMB Operations Group which maintains the core infrastructure and services of the institute.

The LMB provides an unsurpassed environment for both new and established researchers. Scientists are drawn to the LMB from all over the world, thus creating a lively and international community for the exchange of ideas and technical innovation

Overall purpose: 

The LMB Stores is responsible for inspecting, receipting, handling, storage and distribution of all deliveries into the building and provides a stock of over 500 high-volume consumables, reagents and other items which are available to 600+ scientific and support members of the LMB. It is also responsible for providing several replenishment services, including restocking of satellite storage cupboards, liquid nitrogen and cryogenics deliveries and the replacement of compressed gas cylinders. Stores also provides a biological shipments service and a portering service, including setting up spaces for events and issuing new or replacement furniture. 

In this role you will provide leadership and day-to-day management of the team of seven people providing these services, ensuring these are undertaken following safe working practices. Your role, as Stores Manager, will be to manage and supervise your team to ensure that all these duties are carried out effectively and efficiently and that a high level of customer service is maintained. You will be required to display excellent leadership, mentoring and communication qualities in this role.

Main duties/ Key responsibilities:

Inventory Stock

You will manage an effective and efficient stores inventory service for all members of the LMB. This involves the ordering, delivery and onward issue of consumables, chemicals, enzymes, stationery, etc. and requires a detailed knowledge of products held in stock, their location, safe handling techniques and required storage conditions. Responsibilities include:

•    The accurate input of all relevant data into the digital inventory system to ensure an accurate transaction database.
•    Managing inventory stock volumes and procurement, taking account of both usage and fluctuations in the supply chain environment.
•    Regularly auditing the inventory items held within Stores for relevance, quality, pricing, sustainability and Health & Safety requirements.
•    Working with suppliers, Lab Services & Purchasing and the UKRI Commercial Team to obtain best pricing for inventory items.
•    Pro-actively managing the resolution of inventory stock issues arising from incorrect deliveries, supply problems, invoicing issues etc.

Management

You will lead the Stores Team, providing day-to-day supervision of staff and their duties and motivating the team to ensure departmental objectives are constantly achieved and a high level of customer service is maintained. Responsibilities include:

•    Planning, organising, implementing and recommending continued improvements within the department to maintain and improve the overall service to customers. This will involve working with other department/groups within the LMB. 
•    Monitoring staff performance/progress and acting when improvements are required. 
•    Ensuring that the Health & Safety (H&S) of the Stores staff and facilities are well managed, staff are trained in good working practices and any H&S policies and risk assessments are in place and well documented. 
•    Management of the loading bay, goods-in yard and gas cylinder storage area, ensuring that these areas are secure, safe and that good house-keeping is maintained.
•    Working with the Scientific Services and Sustainability Manager to improve the sustainability of Stores processes and replace Stores products with more sustainable alternatives where appropriate.

Delivery, replenishment and portering

You will manage your team effectively to ensure the receiving, receipting and onward delivery of materials and equipment across the LMB. Responsibilities include:

•    Management of accurate checking, receiving, booking and subsequent distribution of all deliveries into the LMB by the Stores Team.
•    Managing the restocking of satellite consumables storage cupboards.
•    Managing the internal onward delivery of cryogenic materials such as dry ice and liquid nitrogen to storage vessels. It is of note that the liquid nitrogen delivery to cryogenic storage facilities is a business-critical operation. 
•    Managing an LMB-wide portering service, using available Stores staff to set-up conference rooms and public spaces to support planned events such as scientific symposia.
•    Providing a delivery service for stock furniture items.
•    Being responsible for the biological shipments service provided to members of the LMB and holding the biological shipments licence.

Working relationships:

•    You will report to the Scientific Services and Sustainability Manager.
•    You will lead, manage and supervise the Stores Team staff members.
•    You will manage the relationships with key stakeholders, communicating with people from across the LMB, including scientists, operational staff, divisional administrators, middle and senior management to ensure that Stores is providing the best possible service.
•    You will regularly liaise with suppliers and their representatives regarding products, pricing, supply issues, etc. 
•    You will work with the Health & Safety department to ensure that the Stores Team is working safely and that appropriate procedures and risk assessments are in place and adhered to.

Education / qualifications / training required: 

Essential: 
•    Degree or relevant experience.

Desirable: 
•    Relevant Health & Safety qualification.
•    Management training/qualification.
•    IATA qualification in transportation of dangerous goods. 

Previous work experience required: 

Essential: 
•    Experience of running a stores department, preferably within a scientific/academic environment.
Desirable: 
•    Experience of developing and implementing new systems.
•    Experience working with compressed gases and cryogenics (liquid nitrogen and dry ice).

Knowledge and experience: 

Essential:
•    Experience of managing digital inventory and ordering systems.
•    Experience of data analysis.
•    IT skills, including Microsoft Office (Word and Excel) and databases.
•    Knowledge of H&S requirements associated with a stores and portering operation.
•    Experience of carrying out risk assessments.
•    Experience of managing budgets and resources in a complex setting with competing demands.

Desirable: 
•    Experience of negotiating contracts with suppliers.

Personal skills / behaviours / qualities: 

Essential: 
•    Ability to manage, lead and motivate a team, setting achievable targets.
•    Ability to plan and prioritise work without or under limited supervision.
•    Excellent written and oral communication skills, particularly with regard to resolving issues.
•    Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to work closely and effectively with staff at all levels.
•    Excellent record keeping skills.
•    Negotiating skills.

Desirable: 
•    Ability to handle challenging situations.

You must at all times carry out your responsibilities with due regard to the UKRI: 
•    Code of Conduct
•    Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policy
•    Health and Safety policy
•    Data Protection policy

Job descriptions should be reviewed on a regular basis and at the annual appraisal. Any changes should be made and agreed between you and your manager.

The above lists are not exhaustive and you are required to undertake such duties as may reasonably be requested within the scope of the post. All employees are required to act professionally, co-operatively and flexibly in line with the requirements of the post, the MRC and UKRI. 

The role holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role. UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during the course of employment