Manager, Warehouse Operations and Supply Management at the Medical Research Council Unit the Gambia (MRCG)

Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia - The MRC Unit The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), established in 1947, is a leading research centre in sub-Saharan Africa. Research is carried out by three major Research Themes (Disease Control & Elimination; Vaccines & Immunity; and Nutrition & Planetary Health) that benefit from the core-supported strategic platforms and of the research services. Disease Control & Elimination investigates the interactions between hosts, pathogens and vectors; and evaluates interventions aimed at interrupting transmission and/or reducing the burden of diseases.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Manager, Warehouse Operations and Supply Management

Location: Fajara, Gambia
Accountability: The post holder will be accountable to the Head of Research Operations
Grade: To be confirmed

Purpose of the Job

• The post-holder will be responsible for strategically managing all inventory control related activities, executing inventory control measures, and monitoring the minimum and maximum stock levels to ensure an effective and integrated approach in optimizing warehouse efficiency and reducing operating costs.
• S/he will also manage the ‘Goods In’ desk and be responsible for the accurate receipting into the MSD system of all items received from suppliers, produce reports and statistics regularly

Introduction

• Research is multidisciplinary and include a large epidemiological component complemented by social sciences and combined with strong laboratory and genomics support. Vaccines & Immunity studies the ontogeny of immunity as a baseline to inform the design of vaccines and maximise their impact.
• It hosts a portfolio of Phase 1 - 4 clinical trials of existing and novel vaccines and employs cutting-edge system biology methods to understand host responses to infection and vaccination.
• The Theme is also working on tuberculosis by  examining host/pathogen interactions in adults and children.
• Nutrition & Planetary Health aims to understand the pathophysiology of diet-disease interactions in order to accelerate the development of more effective next-generation community and clinical interventions, and to build a major new program in planetary health.
• Two Cross-Cutting Programs, i.e. Maternal & Neonatal Health and West Africa, involve all Themes, often in synergy, and underpin the Unit’s commitment to carry out research to decrease the current high burden of maternal and neonatal mortality in sub-Saharan Africa and the Unit’s vocation as a Regional Centre of Excellence for Research and Training. A third cross-cutting Program, Planetary Health, is currently being developed.
• The Unit, receives an MRC core investment grant every 5 years, following the review of past activities and future plans. In addition, all research activities are supported by external grants from a variety of sources.
• The Unit has a turnover of in excess of £22m per annum and employs about 1400 staff. The main campus is in Fajara on the coast and comprises laboratories, a hospital, offices, workshops etc.
• There are field stations upcountry in Basse, Keneba and Walikunda, each in a different ecological setting, providing varied research opportunities.

Key Responsibilities
Leadership:

• Lead the development of the Units Warehouse strategy and policies and have overall accountability for ensuring successful delivery of the strategy and compliance to policies.
• Provide leadership to the warehouse team in line with agreed objectives, ensuring that they have the skills necessary to undertake responsibilities.
• Be a visible leader, accessible to the warehouse staff and all stakeholders within the Unit.

Financial:

• Advice projects and user departments on warehouse strategies, approaches and best practices which will achieve optimal Value for Money for their requirements.
• Ensure all stock requisitions are posted in the system for timely charges to projects by the end of every month
• Develop a robust recharging system on the freight cost for all stock requisitions made by projects
• Meet the acceptable stock value target on monthly basis.

Stock Management:

• Monitor the inventory levels to ensure they meet the needs of the customers while minimising costs on overstock.
• Ensure all goods received in the warehouse are stored in their correct location receipted in the system in accordance with the Unit’s warehousing policy.
• Develop a system that enables stock controllers to issue out stock and post all requisitions immediately in line with the policy
• Run period cycle counts and ensure a 100% stock count in every 6 months.
• Prepare a monthly stock valuation report to monitor dead, slow, average, and fastmoving items.
• Explore and introduce high-tech materials handling equipment’s for better customer service and improved service delivery.
• Suggest enhancements where necessary in the Unit’s ERP system relating to warehousing for efficient and effective running of the operations at the warehouse.
• Support in the development and implementation of an Inventory Management system for projects which could help in managing their supplies and forecast their needs for planning purpose.

Teamwork and Motivation:

• Maintain productive relationships with all internal stakeholders dealing with the warehouse, including Procurement, Logistics, Transport, Finance, and across the Unit to assist with the management of supplies in an efficient and effective manner.
• Teaching and Learning Support to warehouse staff.
• Develop and implement training programs for warehouse staff. e.g. Handling hazardous items, customer care etc.
• Oversee the professional development and training of those involved in warehousing operation of the Unit.

Communication:

• Ensure there is an effective communication strategy to promote the expertise of the warehouse function and ensure new systems and processes are adopted and continually communicated on a regular basis.
• Advise Management on the activity of a range of warehouse issues in order to inform the development and implementation of future strategy.
• Liaison and Networking
• Support project activity where practicable to provide stock related advice, ensure compliance and best value.

Health & Safety:

• Ensure that the Unit’s safety policies and procedures are complied in order to maintain a safe working environment for warehouse staff, visitors, and internal customers.

Other Responsibilities:

• Has a delegated authority limit £1000 for commitment of unit resources.
• The details on the above job description does not provide an exhaustive or definitive list of responsibilities but identifies the key responsibilities and tasks of the post holder.
• Undertake such other duties and tasks as may lie within the scope of this post to ensuring the effective delivery and development of the warehouse department.
• Undertake all work following the relevant safety rules and regulations as laid down in the MRC Safety Manual

Relationships:

• The post holder will be a full-time member of the Unit.
• The post holder will report to the Head of Research Operations.
• The Chief Operating Officer is Dr Davis Nwakanma.
• The Unit Director is Professor Umberto D’Alessandro.

Appraisals:

• Appraisals are held at least annually.

Length of appointment

• The appointment is initially up to 31 March 2027 and is subject to a six-month probationary period.

Person Specification
Essential:

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant specialisation with extensive experience working in the warehousing or supply management sector.
• Additional professional qualification in Procurement and logistics such as CIPS or CILT certification at level 5
• Extensive experience leading a warehousing and supplies function in the public or private sector at mid to senior management level.
• Proven experience of handling ‘complex’ operational management in a challenging environment, and within budget.
• Experience in using electronic warehouse / Inventory management systems.
• Experience in inventory management/purchasing.
• Understanding of inventory control/management systems and ERP.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proven experience of managing staff.
• Self-motivated and able to work with minimal supervision.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Good knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel.

Desirable:

• Advance level of proficiency in MS Excel.
• Experience in commercial contract management.
• Experience of supporting and delivering business change programmes
• Knowledge of the principles and processes of cultural and organisational change
• The ability to think conceptually, demonstrating creativity and innovation.

Remuneration
An attractive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience will be paid.

Application Closing Date
28th February, 2023.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should download the Application Form below. Completed Application Forms and relevant documents should be e-mailed to: [email protected] using the Job Title as the subject of the mail.

Click here to Download Application Form (MS Word)

Note

• We cannot accept applications from individuals who are currently, or in the last six months, employed by The Gambia Government.
• MRCG at the LSHTM is an Equal Opportunities Employer and operates a strict no smoking policy.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.