Stock Controller

Stores Operative – (25P031)

The Pirbright Institute

Salary: £33,500 - £34,500 per annum

Permanent

Onsite: Woking, GU24

Application Closing Date: 14/07/2025

Before applying, please consider all applicants must be eligible to work in the UK

About The Pirbright Institute

The Pirbright Institute delivers world-leading research to understand, predict, detect, and respond to viral disease outbreaks. We study viruses of livestock that are endemic and exotic to the UK, including zoonotic viruses, by using the most advanced tools and technologies to understand host-pathogen interactions in animals and arthropod vectors. Our major strength in understanding the immune systems of livestock provides a platform to control current diseases and respond to emerging threats.

Our Institute is made up of a dynamic and vibrant community of staff covering a diverse set of chosen fields, backgrounds, and experience. We all play a crucial role in furthering the Institute’s aspirations, advancing the frontiers of science and knowledge through our excellent scientific research, knowledge sharing and contribution; with a real focus in improving the world in which we live. Our outlook is always balanced by our strong sense of purpose, values and behaviours and an unwavering commitment to a ‘one Institute’ approach.

Organisation position and purpose

The Stores Operative is a key role in supporting science and delivering a first-class service to our internal and external customers. As part of the Finance department and reporting directly to the Stores Manager, you will be responsible for ensuring all Institute deliveries are accurately checked, receipted, and recorded in a timely manner. This will include the receipting of diagnostic samples and the occasional use of the forklift truck (training will be given if required).

You will support various departments by ensuring internal inventory orders are picked and booked out in a timely manner. Additionally, you will undertake stock checks and raise orders to guarantee critical inventory items are always held in stock and available.

Other responsibilities will include assisting end users with packaging and sample shipments and may include using the Institute vehicle for occasional collections and deliveries.

Main duties and responsibilities:

• Inspect, sign, and receive all Institute ordered goods and receipt via computer-based system (full training provided).
• Unpack and inspect deliveries for damages and discrepancies and store in the appropriate locations.
• Receive formal qualification (full training provided if required) to use forklift trucks to unload, move, stack, and arrange deliveries accordingly.
• Inform end users of deliveries and upon collection, update collection details in the goods inwards register.
• Maintain accurate records, filing system, archiving and audit trail for all goods received and distributed.
• Process internal inventory requests by picking, distributing, and booking out via computer-based system (full training provided).
• Maintain a high level of stock accuracy, investigating discrepancies, liaising with suppliers, and initiating process for correction.
• Develop knowledge of differing inventory types across multiple Stores locations.
• Raise purchase orders via computer-based system to re-stock and maintain inventory stock holding levels.
• Complete weekly stock checks, year-end counts, and inventory management as and when required.
• Once trained, receive, handle and process biological samples delivered by road and air in accordance with HSBS standards.
• Receive formal qualification in IATA 6.2 – The Shipment of infectious Substances (full training provided) to support end-users with the picking, preparing and export of shipments including infectious and non-infectious biological samples.
• Manage, review and purchase Institute stationery supplies on a weekly basis.
• Process all incoming and outgoing Institute post, currently handled by Reception.
• Promote a safe working environment in and around Stores locations by maintaining housekeeping standards and reporting areas of concern to the Stores Manager.
• A full clean driving licence to carry our business deliveries/collections using the Stores vehicle as and when necessary.
• Support the Stores Manager in delivering a first-class customer focused service to internal and external customers.
• Undertake other duties as directed by the Stores Manager.

This job description is only an outline of the tasks, responsibilities and outcomes required of the role. The jobholder will carry out any other duties as may be reasonably required by their line manager. The job description and personal specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of The Pirbright Institute.

Personal Specification

For this role we are looking for someone who is customer focused, reliable with good time management skills and a can-do attitude. The successful candidate will have strong numerical, written, and verbal communication skills and able to communicate confidently at all levels. Candidates should have strong computing skills, problem solving skills along with excellent accuracy and attention to details.

Essential/Desirable requirements

Essential

• GCSE (or equivalent) in English and Math's.
• Relevant work experience in a similar stores, inventory, or customer service-based role.
• Excellent numerical, oral, and written communication skills.
• Computer literate including the use of Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Experience of working in a high-pressure environment.
• Organised, timely and ability to manage competing priorities.
• Able to work autonomously and in a team.
• Full driving licence.

Desirable

• Forklift Truck licence.
• Experience in using Inventory & Order Management software.

Due to the nature of the work carried out by Pirbright, all successful applicants will be required to go through a comprehensive screening process including reference and qualification checks, financial and security clearances.

What we offer

• Generous Group Personal Pension Scheme and life cover (subject to age and earnings).
• 25 days annual leave per annum, pro rata, plus 10.5 public and privilege days.
• Buy and sell annual leave.
• Option to carry over up to two weeks annual leave.
• Pirbright gym with subsidised membership.
• Pirbright social club.
• Pirbright Lifestyle Hub (employee discount site).
• Cycle to work.
• Subsidised employee restaurant.
• Childcare allowance.
• Free onsite parking.
• Electric car charging facilities.

Due to the high volume of applications, we receive, if you have not heard from us within one month from closing date of the vacancy, then please contact us on [email protected] for an update.