Material Handler Coordinator / Inventory Management Specialist
Job Summary
The Material Handler Coordinator is responsible for ensuring the efficient management, replenishment, storage, and distribution of laboratory inventory across multiple laboratory locations. The role supports laboratory operations by maintaining accurate inventory levels, managing specialist scientific products, and ensuring compliance with storage requirements, including cold-chain materials. The position requires strong customer focus, inventory management expertise, and collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.
Responsibilities
Inventory Management & Stock Control
Conduct daily stock counts and replenishment activities across 24 laboratory areas with multiple stocking locations.
Perform routine stock checks and cycle counts to ensure inventory accuracy.
Maintain accurate inventory records, including stock location, quantity on hand, and inventory value.
Ensure stock rotation within consignment stockrooms and laboratory Point of Use (POU) locations.
Monitor and review inventory levels against agreed minimum and maximum stocking parameters.
Continuously optimize stock levels using inventory management systems and usage data.
Stores & Goods Inward Operations
Support the day-to-day operation of onsite stores and goods receipt functions.
Receive, inspect, and process incoming inventory, including: Solvents
Chemicals
Laboratory consumables
Specialist scientific products
Verify deliveries against purchase orders and delivery documentation.
Ensure all stores requisitions are processed through the inventory management system.
Point of Use (POU) Replenishment
Review daily inventory requirements for laboratory POU locations.
Generate and execute replenishment activities based on approved Bills of Materials (BOMs) and Inventory Manager guidelines.
Pick, distribute, and replenish inventory according to established stocking levels.
Ensure timely and accurate replenishment to support uninterrupted laboratory operations.
Cold Chain & Specialist Product Management
Manage temperature-sensitive inventory stored between -2°C and -70°C.
Ensure cold-chain products are received, labelled, and transferred immediately to the appropriate storage conditions.
Maintain compliance with handling and storage requirements for regulated materials.
Coordinate the storage and replenishment of solvents, reagents, and other specialist laboratory products.
Customer Support & Continuous Improvement
Respond to customer queries regarding inventory availability, stock levels, and product information.
Support new product setup and inventory onboarding for business development initiatives.
Conduct regular reviews with customers to ensure stocked products continue to meet operational requirements.
Maintain awareness of industry trends, emerging best practices, and benchmark standards.
Identify opportunities for process improvement and inventory optimization.
Compliance & Reporting
Ensure adherence to site inventory procedures and quality requirements.
Maintain accurate inventory transaction records and reporting.
Support inventory audits and investigations where required.
Utilize inventory management technology and reporting tools to track inventory performance and usage trends.
Skills, Knowledge & Experience
Technical Skills
Experience in inventory management, warehousing, or laboratory support environments.
Proficiency in inventory management systems and associated reporting tools.
Strong data entry, analysis, and reporting capabilities.
Understanding of stock control principles, replenishment methodologies, and inventory accuracy requirements.
Familiarity with handling scientific products, chemicals, solvents, or laboratory consumables is advantageous.
Communication & Customer Service
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Strong customer service orientation with the ability to build effective working relationships.
Ability to collaborate effectively within cross-functional and matrix organizations.
Skilled at responding to customer needs and resolving operational issues.
Personal Attributes
Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt to changing business needs.
Proactive approach to continuous improvement and operational excellence.
Effective organizational and time management skills.
Preferred Experience
Experience supporting laboratory, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or scientific research environments.
Experience managing cold-chain inventory and temperature-controlled products.
Knowledge of inventory optimization and stock management best practices.
Basic project management experience is desirable.
Key Success Measures
Inventory accuracy and stock integrity.
Timely replenishment of laboratory inventory.
Customer satisfaction and responsiveness.
Compliance with storage and handling requirements.
Vwr · Cork, Ireland