Materials Management Assistant

NHS; Whitehaven; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare provider in Whitehaven seeks a Materials Management Assistant to manage supply orders and ensure timely delivery of items. The ideal candidate should possess strong English skills, proficiency in Microsoft Office, and experience with NHS Supply Chain systems. This role involves physical handling of supplies and requires excellent organizational abilities. Benefits include 27-day holiday and NHS discounts.

Benefits

27 days holiday

Access to NHS discounts

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Experience in stock control, purchasing, or logistics.
• Ability to lift and move goods within Trust sites.
• Friendly, positive, and physically fit attitude.

Responsibilities

• Order medical and non-medical supplies accurately and on time.
• Receive and check deliveries, ensuring items are stored correctly.
• Assist in maintaining a materials management service.

Skills

Strong command of English

Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Interpersonal skills

Ability to work under pressure

Education

GCSE English/Maths or equivalent

ECDL or relevant experience

Tools

NHS Supply Chain systems

Oracle

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Overview

North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a Materials Management Assistant to join the Logistics and Supply Chain team, based at West Cumberland Hospital, Whitehaven. The closing date is 01 October 2025.

The role involves the precise and punctual ordering of both medical and non-medical supplies for the wards and departments at West Cumberland Hospital. The ideal candidate will have a strong command of English, proficiency in Microsoft Office, and familiarity with computerised stock ordering systems such as Oracle, NHS Supply Chain (LOL/EDC), Ingenica or equivalent platforms. The ability to work efficiently under tight deadlines is essential.

On-the-job training will be provided. The successful candidate should demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team. Good communication with colleagues at various organisational levels is a key component of this role.

Main duties of the job

To assist in the implementation and maintenance of a materials managed service, undertaking the day-to-day ordering activity on behalf of the customer. Replenishing goods at theatre and departmental level using bar code systems as appropriate.

Receive, check and put away deliveries ordered via the materials management service. Ensure items are rotated and do not exceed expiry dates, stored in the correct location, and the store area is kept tidy.

The position requires physical effort daily, such as manual handling of roll cages and unpacking of products onto store room shelves in confined spaces.

Ensure discrepancies for returns and credits are processed timely and appropriately.

Carry out quarterly reviews with ward/theatre/department leads, using system information to illustrate spending patterns and identify products and stock levels.

Keep all associated paperwork regularly updated in line with code and location changes.

Have a flexible attitude to working hours to meet customer needs. Provide cover for other Materials Management Assistants as identified by the Supply Chain Supervisor / Manager. Ensure compliance with Trust Standing Financial Instructions (SFIs) and policies.

About us

At NCIC, we aim to deliver outstanding healthcare services to the population of North Cumbria. The Trust is committed to creating a centre of excellence in rural and remote healthcare, providing a wide range of community and acute services throughout the county.

Our five key principles demonstrate our belief in delivering safe, high-quality care every time:

• Being a clinically led organisation
• Quality and safety at the heart of our Trust
• A positive patient experience every time
• A great place to work
• Managing our money well

We are committed to supporting a diverse workforce that reflects our local community and to being an inclusive and compassionate place to work. Across the North East and North Cumbria we work to be the greenest region in England by 2030, and all staff are expected to support sustainability.

Job responsibilities

Please see attached job description and person specification for the essential and desirable criteria. Note that due to changes to UK immigration policy, Health and Care Visa or Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship may not be available if the UKVI salary threshold is not met or if the occupation is not on the Immigration Salary List. Applicants must check eligibility before applying. If you meet the essential criteria for a post under the Disability Confident Scheme or Armed Forces Covenant, you will be guaranteed an interview. Relocation assistance may be available for successful applicants moving to the region for certain posts. Evidence of meeting all essential criteria should be documented in the supporting information. If responses are sufficient, the post could close earlier than the stated closing date, so apply promptly. Shortlisted candidates will be notified via email to log on to their Trac account to select an interview time (usually within 2 weeks of the closing date).

For candidates using Hotmail or with strict firewall settings, ensure Junk Mail is checked regularly.

Disclosure and Barring Service:

From 28 November 2020, DBS filtering rules apply. Youth cautions, reprimands and final warnings may no longer be auto-disclosed. The multiple conviction rule has been removed; each conviction will be considered individually. If unsure about disclosure requirements, seek free confidential advice from charity bodies such as Unlock.

Unlock Tel: [phone], email [e-mail] or use the online form on the Unlock website. DBS cost details: Standard DBS £21.50, Enhanced DBS £49.50 plus admin costs. DBS checks may be required and costs may be deducted from salary where applicable.

The Trust is committed to safeguarding adults and children; successful candidates may be subject to a DBS check as part of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions) Order. DBS costs may be met through salary deductions.

Benefits may include a lease car (where applicable), 27-day holiday rising to 33 days after 10 years, access to NHS discounts, and an Employee Assistance Programme. Benefits subject to availability.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Educated to GCSE English/Maths or equivalent level/or relevant experience
• ECDL or relevant experience; CIPS level 2

Knowledge & Experience

• Manual handling / warehouse experience
• Office administration and customer service skills; experience dealing with customers, the public and suppliers
• Experience of NHS Supply Chain stock control or purchasing/supply
• Experience in stock control, purchasing, supply or logistics
• Experience of Purchase Order/stock control systems
• Ability to lift and move goods within Trust sites in line with manual handling requirements
• Self-motivated team player
• Flexible and able to use initiative; capable of working unsupervised
• Ability to communicate at all levels
• Ability to work under pressure
• Excellent communication, organisation, interpersonal and analytical skills
• Proven numeracy and literacy skills with attention to detail
• Good working knowledge of software packages including Microsoft Office & Excel
• Experience of working in NHS / public sector
• Ability to deal with conflict and difficult customers

Personal Circumstances

• Friendly, positive and confident attitude
• Physically fit; able to work at any Trust site

Other requirements

• Equality and Diversity awareness (Level 1)

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and will require a Disclosure to be made to the DBS to check for any previous criminal convictions.

North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust

Salary: £24,937 to £26,598 per annum (pro rata)