Control Room Specialist

MWI Buying Group; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Training & development

Global healthcare org

Employee wellbeing

Job summary

Cencora's Central Logistics Centre in Birmingham seeks a proactive Control Room Specialist to monitor automated warehouse systems, optimise performance, and minimise downtime. You will collaborate with IT, engineering, and operations to ensure smooth, compliant operations.

The role requires experience with KNAPP and Manhattan WMS, strong troubleshooting, and the ability to work across shifts, including weekends, in a fast-paced distribution environment.

Qualifications

• Experience in high-volume warehouse or logistics environment.
• Strong technical troubleshooting and problem solving abilities.
• Knowledge of WMS and automated warehouse technologies.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong analytical skills with attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and manage KNAPP and Manhattan warehouse management systems to ensure optimal performance and availability.
• Identify, investigate, and resolve system issues, escalating where required to minimise operational downtime.
• Analyse system performance and identify bottlenecks to improve throughput and efficiency.
• Support team leaders and managers by providing operational system expertise and technical guidance.
• Coordinate with IT, engineering, and technical teams to resolve equipment and system‑related issues.
• Manage workflow releases and outbound operational priorities to maintain customer service levels.
• Support weekly warehouse planning activities, including pick strategy and slotting optimisation.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety standards, GDP requirements, company policies, and operational procedures.

Skills

Warehouse experience

Troubleshooting

WMS knowledge

Communication

Analytical skills

Multi-tasking

MS Office 365

Cross-department work

Education

N/A

Tools

KNAPP WMS

Manhattan WMS

Job description

Our team members are at the heart of everything we do. At Cencora, we are united in our responsibility to create healthier futures, and every person here is essential to us being able to deliver on that purpose. If you want to make a difference at the center of health, come join our innovative company and help us improve the lives of people and animals everywhere.

Job Details

Location: Central Logistics Centre (CLC), Birmingham
Work Pattern: Full Time, Flexible Shift Pattern (including weekends where required)

Job Purpose

Our team members are at the heart of everything we do. At Alliance Healthcare, a Cencora company, we are united in our responsibility to create healthier futures, and every person here is essential to us being able to deliver on that purpose.

Overview of Role

We are seeking a proactive and technically skilled Control Room Specialist to support the efficient operation of our automated warehouse systems. Working at the heart of our Central Logistics Centre, you will monitor and optimise KNAPP and Manhattan warehouse management systems, ensuring maximum system performance, minimal disruption, and seamless warehouse operations. This role plays a vital part in supporting operational teams, maintaining service levels, and driving continuous improvement within a fast‑paced distribution environment.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and manage KNAPP and Manhattan warehouse management systems to ensure optimal performance and availability.
• Identify, investigate, and resolve system issues, escalating where required to minimise operational downtime.
• Analyse system performance and identify bottlenecks to improve throughput and efficiency.
• Support team leaders and managers by providing operational system expertise and technical guidance.
• Coordinate with IT, engineering, and technical teams to resolve equipment and system‑related issues.
• Manage workflow releases and outbound operational priorities to maintain customer service levels.
• Support weekly warehouse planning activities, including pick strategy and slotting optimisation.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety standards, GDP requirements, company policies, and operational procedures.

Skills and Knowledge

• Experience working within a high-volume warehouse or logistics environment.
• Strong technical troubleshooting and problem‑solving abilities.
• Knowledge of warehouse management systems (WMS) and automated warehouse technologies.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong analytical skills with high attention to detail.
• Ability to prioritise workloads and manage multiple tasks effectively.
• Advanced Microsoft Office 365 and computer skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively across multiple departments.

Desirable

• Previous experience working with KNAPP warehouse automation systems.
• Experience using Manhattan Warehouse Management Systems.
• Understanding of pharmaceutical distribution operations.
• Knowledge of Good Distribution Practice (GDP) requirements.
• Experience analysing performance data and KPI reporting.
• Understanding of warehouse control systems and automated logistics environments.
• Experience participating in root cause analysis and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Knowledge of operational planning and workload optimisation.

Benefits

• Opportunity to work within a highly automated, technology‑driven logistics operation.
• Career development and progression opportunities within a global healthcare organisation.
• Comprehensive training and ongoing professional development.
• Collaborative and supportive team environment.
• Exposure to industry‑leading warehouse automation technologies.
• Employee wellbeing and support programmes.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to improving healthcare supply chains.

Additional Information

All staff are expected to understand the principles of Good Distribution Practice of Medicinal Products for Human Use (2013/C 343/01) which is reflected in our SOP – REF Chapter 1 AHDL GDP 1.1. It will be a requirement for all staff to be trained in this SOP and have a periodic refresher. All other GDP training will be job specific and as per your personal training matrix. Ability to work a flexible work schedule and shift, including weekends if required.

What Cencora offers

Benefit offerings outside the US may vary by country and will be aligned to local market practice. The eligibility and effective date may differ for some benefits and for team members covered under collective bargaining agreements.

Full time

Affiliated Companies

• Alliance Healthcare Management Services Limited

Equal Employment Opportunity

Cencora is committed to providing equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or membership in any other class protected by federal, state or local law. The company’s continued success depends on the full and effective utilization of qualified individuals. Therefore, harassment is prohibited and all matters related to recruiting, training, compensation, benefits, promotions and transfers comply with equal opportunity principles and are non‑discriminatory.

Accommodation for Disabled Applicants

Cencora is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities during the employment process which are consistent with legal requirements. If you wish to request an accommodation while seeking employment, please call 888.692.2272 or email [e-mail]. We will make accommodation determinations on a request‑by‑request basis. Messages and emails regarding anything other than accommodations requests will not be returned.

About Cencora

Cencora is a leading global pharmaceutical solutions company that is committed to improving the lives of people and animals everywhere. We connect manufacturers, providers, and patients to ensure that anyone can get the therapies they need, where and when they need them. We’re a purpose‑driven organization, where all of our team members around the world are united in our responsibility to create healthier futures. We work together every day to help our partners bring their innovations to patients worldwide, creating unparalleled access and impact at the center of health.