Pathology Stores Personnel | Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust

Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust; Chelmsford; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A major healthcare organization located in Chelmsford is seeking a Stock Control Assistant to manage stock levels and ensure efficient delivery within the Pathology department. This role requires clear communication with laboratory staff and suppliers, adherence to health and safety standards, and the capability to monitor inventory accurately. The ideal candidate will have strong organizational and analytical skills, and the position offers opportunities for career development in clinical logistics and stock management.

Qualifications

• Ability to communicate clearly with staff and suppliers.
• Experience in stock management and inventory checks.
• Understanding of health and safety requirements in a clinical environment.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and manage inventory levels and stock rotation.
• Communicate and resolve stock delivery issues.
• Assist in training new staff.

Skills

Communication skills

Inventory management

Organisational skills

Analytical skills

Ability to follow health and safety regulations

Tools

NHS Supply Chain portals

Microsoft Outlook

Job description

Job Overview

To provide an efficient and effective stock control and distribution service within the Pathology department, supporting diagnostic services across all Trust sites. This includes the receipt, storage, rotation, and issue of stock items, ensuring availability of essential materials to laboratory and clinical staff, maintaining stock accuracy, and ensuring compliance with health and safety and infection control standards.

Main Duties & Responsibilities

1. Communication
   • Communicate clearly and courteously with internal staff (laboratory, clinical, and procurement teams) and external suppliers.
   • Respond to stock and delivery queries in person, by phone or email.
   • Escalate supply issues and discrepancies to the Supervisor/Manager promptly.
2. Analytical and Planning
   • Monitor stock levels using inventory management systems.
   • Assist in routine stock checks and stock‑taking procedures.
   • Alert supervisor of potential stock shortages or excess.
   • Prepare and supply stock to areas of the Hospital and GP surgeries as required.
   • Adhere to Health and Safety requirements and advice whilst carrying out your role, with particular attention to lifting and carrying and maintaining a tidy and safe workspace.
   • Deliver stock to areas within the Hospital.
   • Complete store request orders within the desired turnaround time.
   • Unload large deliveries safely into storage area. These larger deliveries may arrive on pallets and involve extended periods of moving and lifting stock.
   • Exercise judgement and provide general advice when dealing with enquiries – analyse problems, seek advice where necessary to resolve problems.
   • Make up blood culture packs for hospital use.
3. Clinical Duties
   • Incidental patient contact when delivering stock to ward locations.
4. Policy and Service Development
   • Follow Trust and departmental SOPs, including those related to stock control, infection control, and manual handling.
   • Suggest improvements to current procedures where applicable.
5. Financial and Physical Resources
   • Responsible for careful use and secure storage of stock items and supplies.
   • Ensure correct rotation of stock and disposal of expired items. Assist in processing goods received and returned.
   • Be responsible for the receipt of deliveries from suppliers.
6. Staff Management
   • Participate in training new staff in store‑related duties when required.
7. Information Resources
   • Use inventory and procurement systems (e.g., NHS Supply Chain portals or bespoke inventory software).
   • Maintain accurate records of stock levels, deliveries, and discrepancies.
   • Use of pallets, trolleys, and manual handling equipment; competent use of computer systems for stock management and reporting; competent in Microsoft Outlook and basic computer skills.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Physical Effort – Frequent standing, walking, bending, and lifting (moderate loads).
• Mental Effort – Frequent need for concentration when checking deliveries and stock records; occasional interruptions due to urgent supply requests or delivery issues.
• Emotional Effort – Minimal emotional effort required; role is busy and requires organisational skills.

About Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust

Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust is one of the largest Trusts in the country, serving a population of 1.2 million people. The Trust’s acute hospital sites – Broomfield in Chelmsford, Basildon, and Southend – are committed to providing the best health services for the local population. With a workforce of approximately 15,000 staff, the Trust is a well‑led, high‑performing, and innovative organisation working in the best interests of its community.

Career Development

Working within multiple storerooms with occasional time in clinical areas of the department, this role offers opportunities to develop expertise in stock control, distribution, and clinical logistics while supporting patient care and organisational excellence.