Logistics Operative

Avantor, Inc.; Saffron Walden; On-site; GBP 12,000 - 21,000; Full time

Job summary

Avantor, Inc. is seeking a Logistics Operative to join a loading bay and logistics facility supporting research operations in Cambridge. The role involves efficient loading bay activities, safe handling of goods, and compliance with site procedures.

You will work with customers, suppliers and internal teams to deliver a reliable logistics service, maintain inventory records, and support continuous improvement while adhering to health, safety and regulatory requirements.

Qualifications

• GCSE or equivalent secondary qualification.
• Experience in a warehouse, loading bay, logistics or operational environment.
• Experience handling goods, stock control or logistics processes.
• Forklift licence/certification is desirable.
• Experience using inventory, warehouse or logistics management systems is preferred.
• Understanding of health & safety requirements within a logistics environment.
• Knowledge of ADR, chain of custody requirements or laboratory support operations would be an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Manage vehicle traffic and logistics activities using bespoke site systems.
• Safely load, unload, inspect and process incoming and outgoing goods.
• Operate forklifts, pallet trucks and other material handling equipment.
• Verify deliveries against shipping documentation and report discrepancies.
• Maintain accurate inventory and logistics records.
• Coordinate with customers, suppliers and internal teams to resolve logistics queries.
• Ensure compliance with health & safety, quality and regulatory requirements.
• Support site security procedures and the handling of regulated materials.
• Assist with gas farm operations, including stock management and routine inspections.
• Maintain a clean, safe and organised loading bay environment.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and departmental KPI reporting.

Skills

Safety first

Communication

Teamwork

Organization

Attention to detail

Problem solving

MS Office

Education

GCSE or equivalent

Tools

Forklift licence

Inventory systems

Job description

At Avantor, people are at the heart of everything we do. We are currently looking for a Logistics Operative to join our team supporting a world-leading pharmaceutical and research environment in Cambridge.

In this role, you will be responsible for the efficient operation of loading bay activities, ensuring goods, materials and deliveries are handled safely, accurately and in compliance with site procedures. You will work closely with customers, suppliers, couriers and internal teams to deliver an exceptional logistics service and support operational excellence.

What you'll do

• Manage vehicle traffic and logistics activities using bespoke site systems.
• Safely load, unload, inspect and process incoming and outgoing goods.
• Operate forklifts, pallet trucks and other material handling equipment.
• Verify deliveries against shipping documentation and report discrepancies.
• Maintain accurate inventory and logistics records.
• Coordinate with customers, suppliers and internal teams to resolve logistics queries.
• Ensure compliance with health & safety, quality and regulatory requirements.
• Support site security procedures and the handling of regulated materials.
• Assist with gas farm operations, including stock management and routine inspections.
• Maintain a clean, safe and organised loading bay environment.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and departmental KPI reporting.

What we're looking for

• GCSE (or equivalent secondary school qualification).
• Previous experience in a warehouse, loading bay, logistics or operational environment.
• Experience handling goods, stock control or logistics processes.
• Forklift licence/certification is desirable.
• Experience using inventory, warehouse or logistics management systems is preferred.
• Understanding of health & safety requirements within a logistics environment.
• Knowledge of ADR, chain of custody requirements or laboratory support operations would be an advantage.

Skills and competencies

• Strong commitment to safety, quality and compliance.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Customer-focused approach with a strong service mindset.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Good organisational and time-management skills.
• Strong attention to detail and problem-solving abilities.
• Adaptable, flexible and comfortable working in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel and Outlook.

Role Overview

This role is primarily based within a loading bay and logistics facility supporting research and development operations. The position requires standing for extended periods, walking, bending and manual handling of goods up to 20kg.

You may also be required to operate material handling equipment and work with regulated materials, including compressed gases and temperature-sensitive products, while adhering to all site safety and compliance requirements.

Why Avantor?

Join a collaborative team where safety, customer service and continuous improvement are valued every day. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a critical operation supporting cutting-edge scientific research and innovation.

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.

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.

EEO Statement

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.

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Requests for accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.