About this role
Job summary
About the Role
The Supply Chain Stock Assistant provides a comprehensive inventory management and supply chain service across clinical and non-clinical areas. The postholder is responsible for ensuring products are accurately received, stored, replenished, tracked, and managed throughout their lifecycle using the Trust's inventory management systems.
Working closely with clinical, procurement, and supply chain colleagues, the postholder will support inventory accuracy, product traceability, stock availability and efficient stock management practices to ensure products are available when and where they are required to support patient care.
The role contributes to the development of a modern, digitally enabled inventory management service through effective use of inventory systems, stock management processes and continuous improvement activities.
Main duties of the job
What You'll Be Doing
You'll be at the heart of the hospital's supply chain, ensuring clinical teams have the products and supplies they need to deliver safe and effective patient care. Working across a variety of departments, you'll use modern inventory systems and technology to manage and control stock, maintain accurate records, champion change, drive adoption, and ensure products are available where and when they're needed.
In this role, you will:
Ensure essential products and supplies are available to support patient care across the Trust. Manage stock levels, replenishment, receipting deliveries and inventory records using digital inventory management systems. Use barcode scanning technology and inventory systems to maintain product traceability and stock accuracy. Work closely with clinical teams and colleagues to resolve stock issues and respond to operational needs. Support the introduction of new systems, processes and technologies as part of our modernisation programme. Help reduce waste, improve efficiency and contribute to continuous improvement across the supply chain service.
About us
Bristol NHS Foundation Trust brings together more than 28,000 staff to deliver over 160 clinical services across thirteen hospital locations, operating from three main sites at Southmead, Bristol city centre and Weston.
With an annual turnover of 2.6 billion, we are now one of the largest NHS trusts in the United Kingdom.
Chaired by Ingrid Barker and led by Maria Kane as Chief Executive, Bristol NHS Foundation Trust aims to transform the way healthcare is delivered locally with a clear focus on making a difference for what we call our Four Ps:
Better outcomes for ourPatients More opportunities for our People Fairer more consistent care for ourPopulation Best Value for Public Purse Our vision for five years from now:
Patients will wait less time to be diagnosed and treated, and they will have the same high-quality experience and outcomes, regardless of who they are or where they live. We will meet rising demand by maximising the use of our available resources. More care will be delivered nearer to patients, in their homes or the community. Digital technologies will have transformed the way we work and the way we deliver care. Our people will feel engaged, energised and empowered by their work. We will be known as a place where people enjoy working, training and building a career. Our volume of globally renowned research and innovation will have grown significantly. We will contribute to system financial balance
Job description Job responsibilities
Interpersonal and communication skills
Develop effective working relationships with clinical teams, procurement staff, receipt and distribution teams, suppliers and colleagues. Act as a first point of contact for routine stock management and inventory enquiries. Communicate stock availability issues, shortages, substitutions and supply disruptions to relevant stakeholders. Support staff within clinical areas in the use of inventory management processes and systems. Participate in team meetings, service reviews and implementation activities. Work collaboratively with the Project Support Officer and wider Procurement team to support implementation of inventory management processes, system enhancements, go-live activities and continuous improvement initiatives.
Professional knowledge and expertise
Undertake materials management, inventory control and replenishment activities across multiple departments. Maintain agreed stock levels using inventory management systems and established procedures. Receive, check and process deliveries and goods receipts. Perform stock counts, inventory reconciliations and stock validation exercises. Process stock returns, recalls and product withdrawals. Maintain inventory records and undertake stock management processes that support product traceability, product recall management and patient safety requirements. Maintain availability of products within assigned clinical areas through effective replenishment, inventory control and stock management activities.
Planning and coordination
Proactive approach and organise daily workload across assigned clinical and non-clinical areas. Coordinate replenishment schedules and inventory activities to minimise disruption to clinical services. Participate in stock-count programmes and implementation activities. Support and undertake inventory reviews and validation exercises during system rollouts and service changes.
Practical and technical skills
Use handheld barcode-scanning devices and inventory management systems. Accurately undertake stock transactions, goods receipting and inventory adjustments. Operate manual handling equipment including roll cages and stock trolleys. Maintain accuracy when processing inventory transactions and stock records.
Patient care and support
No direct patient care responsibilities. Work within clinical environments to ensure availability of products and supplies required for safe patient care. Support product traceability and recall processes that contribute to patient safety. Undertake routine inventory and stock management activities on behalf of clinical areas to support the availability of products and enable clinical staff to focus on patient care.
Service development and improvement
Contribute to continuous improvement of inventory management processes. Participate in implementation of new inventory management practices and technologies. Support introduction of inventory processes within new departments and clinical areas. Participate in go-live, stock validation and hypercare activities associated with implementation of inventory management processes. Support inventory data collection, stock validation and inventory verification activities associated with service developments and system implementation. Participate in stock-count activities required before and after implementation of inventory management systems within new and existing areas. Provide operational input into process mapping and inventory management reviews to support continuous improvement and service development.
Finance and resource management
Be responsible for the safe handling, storage and use of stock and supplies. Maintain accurate inventory records contributing to financial control and stock governance. Support reduction of stock waste through effective stock rotation and expiry management. Monitor stock use, inventory levels and replenishment requirements to support effective stockholding and minimise excess inventory. Identify stock nearing expiry, low stock levels and excess stock holding and take action in accordance with agreed procedures. Leadership and team management Demonstrate positive team working behaviours. Provide support and guidance to new colleagues in routine inventory management procedures. Contribute to the development of good inventory management practice within supported departments.
Information and data management
Maintain accurate information within the associated inventory systems to support stock control, product traceability and inventory accuracy. Undertake barcode scanning and inventory tracking activities. Record batch, lot and expiry information where required. Participate in audit, validation and data quality activities. Ensure compliance with information governance and Trust procedures.
Innovation and continuous improvement
Identify opportunities to improve inventory management processes. Contribute ideas for reducing waste, improving stock accuracy and enhancing service delivery. Participate in testing and evaluation of new inventory management processes when required.
Autonomy and decision authority
Work independently within established policies, procedures and inventory management processes. Prioritise daily workload across assigned departments. Make routine decisions relating to stock replenishment, inventory accuracy and stock organisation. Refer complex issues and exceptions to supervisors or managers.
Physical demands
Frequent walking between clinical areas. Frequent lifting, carrying and movement of stock and supplies. Regular pushing and pulling of stock cages and trolleys. Frequent use of handheld devices and computer systems. Occasional participation in extended stock-count and implementation activities.
Cognitive demands
Frequent concentration when processing stock transactions and inventory records. Regular analysis of stock information and inventory discrepancies. Frequent interruptions from clinical staff and operational demands. Ability to manage changing priorities throughout the working day.
Emotional resilience
Occasional exposure to pressure arising from urgent supply requirements and service interruptions. Maintain a professional and customer-focused approach during periods of operational pressure.
Work environment
Frequent work within clinical environments. Exposure to busy storerooms, loading areas and clinical departments. Occasional exposure to unpleasant environmental conditions associated with healthcare environments. Frequent use of warehouse, storage and inventory management equipment.
Person Specification
Essential and Desirable Essential
Inventory management, stock control and stock optimisation Supporting product availability through effective inventory management Product traceability, record accuracy and attention to detail Problem solving and operational decision making Digital working, technology and data quality Continuous improvement, service development and adapting to change Teamwork, communication and stakeholder collaboration Inclusion, respect and behaviours aligned with Trust values
Desirable
Knowledge of inventory management systems Knowledge of barcode scanning and product traceability processes Experience using inventory management systems Experience working within healthcare Experience supporting operational change, implementation or go-live activities NVQ Level 2/3 in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business Administration or equivalent
Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Employer details Employer name Bristol NHS Foundation Trust
Address Christopher Hancock Building - Southmead Hospital Operating Unit
Southmead Rd
Bristol
BS10 5NB
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.nbt.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)