Supplies Manager

SYNLAB España; Basildon; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading medical laboratory services provider in South Essex is seeking an experienced Supplies Manager to oversee purchasing, storage, and distribution of laboratory supplies. The role involves managing a team, ensuring quality supplier performance, and optimizing supply chain processes. Ideal candidates will have strong leadership skills, relevant purchasing experience, and a degree or equivalent qualification.

Qualifications

• Several years of specialist expertise in purchasing and supplies.
• Good knowledge of purchasing/inventory management in a laboratory.
• Experience in managing stock and facilitating stock transfers.

Responsibilities

• Manage supplies for the Pathology First contract.
• Lead and manage all employees in the supplies department.
• Monitor supplier quality and performance.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Team management

Time management

Education

Degree or CIPS qualification

Job description

Job Title: Supplies Manager

Location: Essex

Salary: £38,385 - £46,221 per annum

Job Type: Full-time, Permanent

We are seeking an experienced and proactive Supplies Manager to lead and oversee the purchasing, storage, and distribution of laboratory supplies across our South Essex locations. We are a provider of medical laboratory services for the NHS, operating from three key sites: Basildon Hospital, Southend Hospital, and our Basildon hub.

This role requires a confident leader who can take ownership of a well-established service with minimal induction. You will manage a dedicated team of 12 Supplies Assistants, including two experienced supervisors, and will be expected to demonstrate strong leadership and a collaborative team ethos. Our supply chain systems and processes are already in place, supported by a robust IT platform, though there is scope for development and optimisation. Many of the supplies handled are high-value, temperature-sensitive, and time-critical. Experience in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, or a related industry would be advantageous.

This is a full-time position (37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday) and will require regular presence across all three sites.

About the role:

1. Manage supplies for the Pathology First contract, including purchasing, receipt, storage, and consumption of goods, as well as sterilisation and waste disposal.
2. Lead and manage all employees in the supplies department.
3. Serve as the in-house expert for supplies, purchasing tasks, and systems.
4. Support the laboratories to ensure supply systems meet organizational needs.
5. Monitor supplier quality and performance.
6. Deliver and report on financial savings and value for money.

About you:

1. Educated to degree level or with a professional purchasing qualification such as CIPS, or equivalent experience.
2. Several years of specialist expertise in purchasing and supplies, ideally evidenced through higher education (e.g., PGC).
3. Good knowledge of purchasing/inventory management requirements in a laboratory setting.
4. Ability to manage a team effectively.
5. Excellent communication skills with a wide range of stakeholders.
6. Strong interpersonal and team-working abilities.
7. Experience in managing stock and facilitating stock transfers on purchasing systems.
8. Effective time management skills.

About Us:

SYNLAB UK & Ireland collaborates with clinicians, hospitals, occupational health providers, and clinical researchers to deliver comprehensive pathology services. We value diversity and foster an inclusive workplace culture, supporting staff development through various learning opportunities. Our leadership promotes transparency, engagement, and continuous improvement.

Please note that we reserve the right to close the vacancy early once sufficient applications are received. If you do not hear back within two weeks of applying, please assume you have not been shortlisted. We are committed to equal opportunities and do not discriminate unlawfully on any protected characteristic.

Click the APPLY button to submit your application. Candidates with experience in Medical Supplies Management, Purchasing, Procurement, Supply Chain, and related fields will be considered.