Material Handler Coordinator / Inventory Management Specialist

Job Summary

The Material Handler Coordinator is responsible for ensuring the efficient management, replenishment, storage, and distribution of laboratory inventory across multiple laboratory locations. The role supports laboratory operations by maintaining accurate inventory levels, managing specialist scientific products, and ensuring compliance with storage requirements, including cold-chain materials. The position requires strong customer focus, inventory management expertise, and collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

Inventory Management & Stock Control

• Conduct daily stock counts and replenishment activities across 24 laboratory areas with multiple stocking locations.
• Perform routine stock checks and cycle counts to ensure inventory accuracy.
• Maintain accurate inventory records, including stock location, quantity on hand, and inventory value.
• Ensure stock rotation within consignment stockrooms and laboratory Point of Use (POU) locations.
• Monitor and review inventory levels against agreed minimum and maximum stocking parameters.
• Continuously optimize stock levels using inventory management systems and usage data.

Stores & Goods Inward Operations

• Support the day-to-day operation of onsite stores and goods receipt functions.
• Receive, inspect, and process incoming inventory, including:
  • Solvents
  • Chemicals
  • Laboratory consumables
  • Specialist scientific products
• Verify deliveries against purchase orders and delivery documentation.
• Ensure all stores requisitions are processed through the inventory management system.

Point of Use (POU) Replenishment

• Review daily inventory requirements for laboratory POU locations.
• Generate and execute replenishment activities based on approved Bills of Materials (BOMs) and Inventory Manager guidelines.
• Pick, distribute, and replenish inventory according to established stocking levels.
• Ensure timely and accurate replenishment to support uninterrupted laboratory operations.

Cold Chain & Specialist Product Management

• Manage temperature-sensitive inventory stored between -2°C and -70°C.
• Ensure cold-chain products are received, labelled, and transferred immediately to the appropriate storage conditions.
• Maintain compliance with handling and storage requirements for regulated materials.
• Coordinate the storage and replenishment of solvents, reagents, and other specialist laboratory products.

Customer Support & Continuous Improvement

• Respond to customer queries regarding inventory availability, stock levels, and product information.
• Support new product setup and inventory onboarding for business development initiatives.
• Conduct regular reviews with customers to ensure stocked products continue to meet operational requirements.
• Maintain awareness of industry trends, emerging best practices, and benchmark standards.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement and inventory optimization.

Compliance & Reporting

• Ensure adherence to site inventory procedures and quality requirements.
• Maintain accurate inventory transaction records and reporting.
• Support inventory audits and investigations where required.
• Utilize inventory management technology and reporting tools to track inventory performance and usage trends.

Skills, Knowledge & Experience

Technical Skills

• Experience in inventory management, warehousing, or laboratory support environments.
• Proficiency in inventory management systems and associated reporting tools.
• Strong data entry, analysis, and reporting capabilities.
• Understanding of stock control principles, replenishment methodologies, and inventory accuracy requirements.
• Familiarity with handling scientific products, chemicals, solvents, or laboratory consumables is advantageous.
• Valid driving license.

Communication & Customer Service

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong customer service orientation with the ability to build effective working relationships.
• Ability to collaborate effectively within cross-functional and matrix organizations.
• Skilled at responding to customer needs and resolving operational issues.

Personal Attributes

• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt to changing business needs.
• Proactive approach to continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Effective organizational and time management skills.

Preferred Experience

• Experience supporting laboratory, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or scientific research environments.
• Experience managing cold-chain inventory and temperature-controlled products.
• Knowledge of inventory optimization and stock management best practices.
• Basic project management experience is desirable.

Key Success Measures

• Inventory accuracy and stock integrity.
• Timely replenishment of laboratory inventory.
• Customer satisfaction and responsiveness.
• Compliance with storage and handling requirements.
• Continuous improvement of inventory processes and stocking strategies.

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Disclaimer:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of employees assigned to this position. Avantor is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

Why Avantor?

Dare to go further in your career. Join our global team of 14,000+ associates whose passion for discovery and determination to overcome challenges relentlessly advances life-changing science.

The work we do changes people's lives for the better. It brings new patient treatments and therapies to market, giving a cancer survivor the chance to walk his daughter down the aisle. It enables medical devices that help a little boy hear his mom's voice for the first time. Outcomes such as these create unlimited opportunities for you to contribute your talents, learn new skills and grow your career at Avantor.

We are committed to helping you on this journey through our diverse, equitable and inclusive culture which includes learning experiences to support your career growth and success. At Avantor, dare to go further and see how the impact of your contributions set science in motion to create a better world. Apply today!

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We are an Equal Employment/Affirmative Action employer and VEVRAA Federal Contractor. We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/province, or local law.

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