Department/School: School of Medicine and Population Health

Contract type: Fixed-term for 3 years

Advertising length (weeks):4 weeks

Overview

The Gene Therapy Innovation and Manufacturing Centre (GTIMC) at the University of Sheffield is one of three pioneering hubs in the UK dedicated to advancing the clinical development of new genetic treatment options for millions of patients with life-threatening diseases. The core of the centre will be an MHRA-licensed Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) facility manufacturing clinical grade Adeno-Associated Virus (AAV) gene therapy products with all the necessary quality assurance and regulatory certification for human trials at NHS hospital sites. As a brand-new manufacturing facility, we are exceptionally well-resourced, housing state-of-the-art equipment, including prototypes from leading manufacturers. 

We are looking for a warehouse operative with experience of working in a regulated environment to join our team. As part of this role, you will undertake materials management functions from procurement to invoicing, including the requisition, receipt, inspection, storage, picking and kitting, transfer, shipping and distribution of all categories of goods, in compliance with procedures. You will ensure the quality and availability of raw materials with full adherence to GMP while demonstrating a flexible approach to achieving deadlines.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Control, track and document inventory and transactions, and ensure stock availability for all categories of goods.
• Comply with required standards with respect to health and safety, documentation, good housekeeping, and GMP.
• Raise purchase requisitions based on GTIMC material requirements in compliance with GMP and University regulations.
• Receive deliveries ensuring documented compliance with QMS material specifications.
• Process delivery notes for goods, services and other professional contracts, and ensure invoicing queries are dealt with in a timely manner in collaboration with the Finance team.
• Manage material movements between the Warehouse and Manufacturing, including kitting and transit cleaning where necessary.
• Carry out and record remedial actions for supplier performance exceptions, e.g. expediting back orders and goods returns, in collaboration with the Quality Assurance team.
• Process goods out following QC release, ensuring compliance with documented GDP cold chain procedures.
• Manage non-domestic waste streams, including statutory reporting, to ensure compliance with University and site environmental policies.
• Ensure all biological samples are transferred to the relevant department with the required documentation within the defined transit time limit.
• Ensure clear and timely communication of delivery information to colleagues.
• Manage control and monitoring of equipment under Warehouse control as detailed in specific SOPs, e.g. cryostores and freezers.
• Manage contracts and material movements for specialist gases and liquid nitrogen.
• Control stocks of cleanroom clothing and manage the laundry contract.
• Assist with investigations into quality non-conformances, etc. when required.
• Support the Head of Quality Assurance with supplier audits and performance reports.
• Train in all appropriate SOP's to develop and maintain a thorough understanding of GMP and site operations.

• Any other duties commensurate with the grade.

Person Specification

Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.

Essential criteria

• GCSE Maths and English (or equivalent L2 qualifications)
• Experience in a logistics or warehousing role in a GMP environment.
• Proven track record of operating inventory management and/or procurement systems in an industrial or biotechnology setting
• Ability to manage own time effectively and efficiently to ensure deadlines are met.
• Excellent customer service skills, able to respond efficiently to routine and non-standard enquiries from colleagues and suppliers.
• Experience of negotiating with suppliers and resolving conflict to ensure best value outcomes.
• Understanding of the procurement and financial procedures within a commercial organisation.
• Ability to solve problems creatively and independently, whilst referring more complex issues to senior colleagues
• Ability to carry out manual handling, cleaning and housekeeping tasks safely and in accordance with SOPs.
• Ability to complete documentation with high accuracy and attention to detail, following detailed SOPs.

Desirable criteria

• Understanding of GMP principles, including the need for a high standard of personal hygiene.
• Understanding of Health and Safety regulations and systems in a manufacturing environment.

Further Information

Grade: 6

Salary: £31,387-£35,880 per annum. Potential to progress to £39,355 per annum through sustained exceptional contribution.

Work arrangement: Full-time

Duration: Fixed-term contract for 3 years.

Line manager: Head of Operations

Direct reports: Head of Operations

Our website: https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/gtimc

For informal enquiries about this job contact
Steve Mason Head of Operations on steve.mason@sheffield.ac.uk or on 0114 2225143

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place week commencing 31st March. This will consist of an Interview and a written test and a tour of the facility.  We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage in the week commencing 17th March. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact Laura Haslam at l.haslam@sheffield.ac.uk

Our vision and strategic plan

We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision (opens in new window).
 

What we offer

• A minimum of 38 days annual leave including bank holidays and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
• Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
• Generous pension scheme.
• A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
• A variety of staff networks, provide opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).
• Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
• A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes; Professional Services Shared Skills Framework
• A range of generous family-friendly policies
  • paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
  • support for those going through the menopause
  • paid time off and support for fertility treatment
  • and more

More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits (opens in a new window).

We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.