Supplies Manager

We are seeking an experienced and proactive Supplies Manager to lead and oversee the purchasing, storage, and distribution of laboratory supplies across our South Essex locations. We are a provider of medical laboratory services for the NHS, operating from three key sites: Basildon Hospital, Southend Hospital, and our Basildon hub.

We are seeking an experienced and proactive Supplies Manager to lead and oversee the purchasing, storage, and distribution of laboratory supplies across our South Essex locations. We are a provider of medical laboratory services for the NHS, operating from three key sites: Basildon Hospital, Southend Hospital, and our Basildon hub.

This role requires a confident leader who can take ownership of a well-established service with minimal induction. You will manage a dedicated team of 12 Supplies Assistants, including two experienced supervisors, and will be expected to demonstrate strong leadership and a collaborative team ethos. Our supply chain systems and processes are already in place, supported by a robust IT platform, though there is scope for development and optimisation. Many of the supplies handled are high-value, temperature-sensitive, and time-critical. As such, experience in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, or a related industry would be advantageous.

This is a full-time position (37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday) and will require regular presence across all three sites.

Responsibilities:

• To manage supplies for the Pathology First contract, including purchasing, receipt, storage and consumption of goods, and sterilisation and disposal of waste
• Lead and manage all employees in the supplies department
• Be the in-house expert for supplies and purchasing tasks and systems
• To support the laboratories ensuring that supplies systems meet the needs of the organisation
• Monitor quality and performance of suppliers
• Deliver and report on financial savings and value for money

Qualifications and experience:

• Educated to degree level, or with a professional purchasing qualification, such as Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS), or equivalent experience
• Further specialist expertise in purchasing and supplies, gained over several years, and ideally evidenced through higher education, e.g. PGC
• A good knowledge of the purchasing/inventory management requirements of the laboratory
• Able to manage a team
• Ability to communicate with a wide range people within the laboratory, user organisations and suppliers of goods and services
• Well-developed interpersonal and team working abilities
• Ability to receive and distribute stock and non-stock items and facilitate stock transfers on the purchasing systems
• Ability to manage time to best advantage

About us:

SYNLAB UK & Ireland work closely with clinicians, hospitals, occupational health providers and clinical researchers to provide a complete pathology service.

We operate in increasingly diverse environments which is reflected in our workforce, clients, customers, suppliers, communities and partners. We believe an inclusive workplace culture is the best way to source, attract and retain diverse and talented people, and create a sustainable, high-performing workforce.

We believe our people are vital to the principle of making a positive difference to healthcare, therefore, we promote a culture of continuous personal development where scientists and employees have the support and resources to acquire new skills and build their careers through learning and development opportunities, coaching and clear career pathways.

We promote an open and collaborative culture where leaders act as role models and facilitate two-way communication, engage with staff and stakeholders transparently, and actively encourage feedback and suggestions.

Please note that we reserve the right to close any adverts once we have received enough applications. If you decide to apply for this post but do not hear back from us within two weeks of your application, please assume that you have not been short-listed on this occasion.

SYNLAB UK & Ireland is a committed equal opportunities employer and does not unlawfully discriminate based on any status or condition protected by applicable UK employment law.