Materials Management Inventory Controller

Esneft; Colchester; Hybrid; GBP 28,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

ESNEFT in Colchester is seeking a Materials Management Inventory Controller on a permanent, full-time on-site basis. You will manage implants and medical devices through the inventory management system, ensuring accurate stock control, compliance with health and safety policies, and timely reporting to support operating theatres and other departments.

The role requires IT proficiency with procurement and e-replenishment tools, strong communication with internal teams and suppliers, and the

Qualifications

• Educated to a minimum GCE or equivalent.
• GCSE Maths & English, Grade C or above.
• NVQ level 3/CIPS or working towards.

Responsibilities

• Day-to-day management of IMS and inventory control.
• Support theatres with consumables, implants and high-cost devices.
• Accurate receipting and stock rotation to prevent wastage.
• Balance stock levels across areas and maintain tidy stores.
• Liaise with theatres, clinical teams and suppliers using IMS and P2P data.

Skills

High-volume administration

Team leadership

Stock control

Effective communication

Attention to detail

Education

GCE or equivalent

GCSE Maths & English (Grade C+)

NVQ3 / CIPS relevant qualification (or working towards)

Tools

P2P systems

Inventory Management System

Microsoft Office

Job description

Materials Management Inventory Controller

NHS AfC: Band 4

Main area Materials Management Grade NHS AfC: Band 4 Contract Permanent Hours Full time - 37.5 hours per week Job ref 432-HR987-26

Site Colchester Hospital Town Colchester Salary £28,392 - £31,157 per annum Salary period Yearly Closing 22/10/2026 23:59 Interview date 26/10/2026

We are one of the largest NHS organisation in England. Our scale provides exciting opportunities for development, innovation, research, education and training.

Talk to us about our range of flexible working opportunities, apprenticeships and staff benefits

Equality Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) is at the heart of all we do; and it forms part of ESNEFT’s core activities. The Trust operates and relies on everyone treating each other with dignity and respect, to receive equitable and fair treatment in the implementation of Policies, Procedures and in its Practices, to foster positive work relationships, and finally to act with integrity as a professional within ESNEFT as well as a representative of the NHS as a whole. The EDI Agenda reflects the Trust values such as Optimistic, Appreciative and Kind. In line with the NHS Long Term Plan, People Plan, People Promise and a Model Employer intrinsic in the Equality Diversity and Inclusion Agenda, we consistently strive to improve, to take the learning into Action for a better ESNEFT.

Job overview

We at East Suffolk & North Essex NHS Foundation Trust are seeking a highly motivated Materials Management Inventory Controller to join our team on a permanent contract, based on-site at Colchester Hospital.

You will demonstrate a high standard of professional conduct, alongside strong leadership, logistical and organisational skills, to lead the efficient management of implants and medical devices through the inventory management solution

The role requires an individual who is well versed in IT applications, including procurement systems, inventory management tools, and standard office software, enabling accurate reporting, effective stock control, and informed decision-making. As an effective communicator, you will liaise confidently with internal stakeholders, suppliers, and external partners, ensuring clear, timely, and professional communication at all levels.

This position involves both mental and physical demands, requiring sustained concentration, problem-solving, and attention to detail, as well as the ability to undertake practical tasks such as stock handling, movement of goods, and supporting day-to-day logistical operations. You will be detail-oriented, systems-savvy, and able to balance operational pressures with compliance, safety, and best practice.

Proposed Interview date: Week commencing 26th October 2026

Main duties of the job

Responsible for the day-to-day management of a highly effective and efficient Inventory Management System (IMS) support service, following all Health and Safety requirements and Trust policies and procedures.

• Be focused on the management and flow of goods into the Theatres and other interventional procedure environments
• Will provide inventory management support to theatres teams, using the IMS to deploy effective management of consumables, implants and high cost medical devices.
• Accurate receipting and transfer of good within the IMS
• Effective stock rotation to prevent wastage through expiry
• Managing stock levels across different areas to make best use of existing stocks
• Keeping store rooms tidy and accessible so stock is easy to find
• Will assist theatres stores persons and clinical teams with tracing the movement of stocks in and around theatres and capturing usage of high cost devices and implants against patients
• Help monitor the flow of ordering and receipting information from the IMS to the P2P system
• Develop a thorough working knowledge of the NHSSC ordering systems and processes
• Provide support and assistance to the Materials Management Team covering a range of management, administrative and support duties.

Working for our organisation

We are ESNEFT and we provide hospital and community health services to almost one million people across east Suffolk and north Essex. Our dedicated staff deliver care from acute hospitals in Colchester and Ipswich, community hospitals, surgeries, community clinics and in patients’ own homes.

We are one of the largest NHS organisations in England, employing more than 12,000 staff. We pride ourselves on supporting our staff. We offer a wide range of training and development opportunities, as well as flexible working options.

Along with supporting you to achieve your career goals we offer a generous pension scheme, unsocial hours payments (where applicable), 27 days annual leave on commencement (pro rata) and access to a range of NHS discounts. Our Staff Health and Wellbeing programme offer a variety of services.

Our philosophy is that Time Matters to everyone. Across the Trust we concentrate on improving the things we do and removing those which cause time delays for our staff and patients.

We are investing in our commitment to Time Matters with a partnership with leading electronic patient record (EPR) supplier Epic. This digital transformation will bring what’s widely regarded as the world’s best EPR system to ESNEFT, transforming life in hospital for staff and patients.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

For full details of the responsibilities and duties of this role please see the attached job description.

Qualifications

• Educated to a minimum GCE or equivalent
• GCSE equivalent in Mathematics & English, Grade C or above NVQ Level 2 in a relevant subject or equivalent qualification or significant equivalent previous proven experience
• NVQ level 3/Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply (CIPS) or further Specialist qualification (or working towards)

Experience

• Evidence of working in high volume administration
• Demonstrable experience of working effectively within a team in stores, stock control or purchasing
• Experience of working within a pressurised and busy environment
• Proven experience of working with P2P systems and relevant e-replenishment systems
• Microsoft Office and IT experience
• Understanding of best practice within recruitment
• Demonstrable experience in dealing with sensitive and confidential information
• Experience of working in a leadership capacity
• Experience working in a stores or stock control environment
• Experience of using an Inventory Management system
• Experience of dealing with confidential information
• Previous health and safety, risk management experience
• Proven job experience with NHSSC systems and operating procedures

Knowledge

• Understanding of effective control practices
• Understanding and recognising the importance of confidentiality and data protection
• Understanding of the NHS and current agenda
• Demonstrable knowledge of service improvements and project management
• Risk management and governance
• Understanding of policies and procedures, regulatory and legislative rules
• Product knowledge in the Healthcare industry

Please note that where response levels are exceptional we may close the post before the specified date, therefore early application is recommended.

If you require any information in an alternative format or have any access needs for the application process, please contact us.

Secondment - if you are interested in undertaking a role on a secondment basis, please ensure that you have discussed this with your current line manager prior to submitting your application. Please note if you are already an employee of ESNEFT fixed term roles will only be offered on a secondment basis.

When providing reference details please provide email addresses so references can be sought promptly to cover the last 3 years of employment.

Successful candidates may be charged for their DBS check. Please ensure you read the information found in the attached DBS Information document

The Trust is committed to its staff and their development and to equal opportunities and diversity. Applications are welcomed from all sections of the community.

Whilst we welcome applications from all and your application will be considered on individual merit, if you are offered a position and require a Skilled Worker Certificate of Sponsorship we may not be able to process your application to the final stage due to Home Office eligibility. Please note Band 2 roles are not eligible for sponsorship.

In submitting an application form, you authorise East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust to confirm any previous NHS service details via the Inter Authority Transfer (IAT) process should you be appointed to the post.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your interest in East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust; we look forward to receiving your application for employment.

We do not charge any fees at any stage of our recruitment process, including job applications, interviews, sponsorship arrangements or employment offers

Employer certification / accreditation badges

The postholder will have access to vulnerable people in the course of their normal duties and as such this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.