What is the job?
This role oversees the efficient handling, transaction, and movement of production material to ensure a continuous flow environment that meets output and delivery targets. Key tasks include setting up and auditing PFEP for stock locations, designing water spider routes, and implementing standard work for material handling, transaction, and replenishment. The Inventory Controller develops the team to follow standard work, report deviations, and engage in problem solving that leads to continuous improvement. Stock accuracy will be maintained through regular auditing of standard work to ensure it is consistently followed.
This is a leadership role and you will be responsible for 8 additional team members.
Working Hours: Monday to Friday - Split shifts to ensure cover with both shifts (Fridays 8:00 – 4:30pm Monday to Thursday, 2 days 8:00 – 4:30pm & 2 days 9:30 – 6pm)
What is essential to us…
· Previous team leader experience required
· Previous experience in a Stores/Material Handling role is desirable
· A positive approach to continuous improvement activities
· A flexible approach to work requests – prepared to go the extra mile to get the job done
· Detail oriented and works in a structured and organised manner
· Strong communication skills with the ability to train, mentor and present new ideas
· Computer literate and able to use ERP systems (eg. AX 2012 or D365) effectively
· Willing to work split shifts to ensure cover with both shifts (8:00 – 4:30pm on 3 days and 9:30 – 6pm on 2 days)
Who we are?
Thorlabs is a global, industry leading optical technologies company. We are experts in the design and manufacture or a range of innovative photonics products. We use these products in manufacturing and research, from fibre optics to piezo motors. We are the gold standard with optics laboratories worldwide. There are now 22 facilities across the world in 9 countries. Here in Ely, we are responsible for the Motion Control and Optical Tables product line.
Where you will be working?
You will be working in our new purpose-built facility in Witchford, Ely. Our purpose-built facility is just 12 miles from Cambridge, within the beautiful mediaeval city of Ely. There are train and bus links to Ely from Kings Cross and Liverpool Street London, and our site is within distance of Ely train station and Ely Bus station.
Requirements
What we would like you to do/ to see…
Leadership (up to 20% Focus)
• Ensure all team members are safe and are working in line with PPE requirements and safe systems of work
• Lead daily Tier 1 meetings and ensure team participates in continuous improvement initiatives that address issues that impact throughput; participate in Tier 2 meetings with other team leaders and supervisors
• Motivate team members and perform regular appraisals or 1-to-1 meetings
• Communicate goals and objectives to team members and utilise resources adequately
• Communicate team briefs to all team members on a regular basis
• Assist management with hiring and training new starters, and provide performance assessments
• Develop strategies to promote team member adherence to company and industry regulations
• Conduct return to work interviews and disciplinary actions (warnings, performance improvement plan, etc.)
Functional (80% Focus)
Material Handling
· Design and implement milkrounds (frequency, route, tasks) to support a continuous flow of materials from Stores through Production to Inspection and Shipping
· Regularly audit milkrounds and review deviations with team or other front line leaders as needed
· Review and update kanban quantities to ensure optimised kanban replenishment schedules
· Oversee and audit the visual inspection of components before storage in location
· Ensure FIFO is followed as part of inventory management
· Lead team to process rejects for production scrap and alert front line leaders to unusual trends
Inventory Management
· Develop team to apply standard work towards stock transactions in order to achieve consistently high stock accuracy
· Review daily stock adjustment journals and transfer journal to ensure standard work is followed
· Conduct occasional cycle counts and follow up with investigations to correct stock inaccuracies
· Regularly update Finance on stock accuracy metrics, including key findings and corrective actions
· Responsible for location set-up and layout of inventory materials within the Business Unit
· Liaise with production control (planners and buyers) on any shortages
· Review NCRs or RMAs related to kitting errors and implement corrective actions to reduce errors
· Conduct comprehensive handover to 2nd shift to ensure consistent service on both shifts
Continuous Improvement and H&S
· Apply problem solving methods (5 Whys, Ishikawa) to identify root causes of stock inaccuracies or underperformance of key performance metrics
· Ensure that SOPs and workflows are created for all Stores-related tasks
· Ensure racks are well maintained, 5S is followed, and safe practices are followed at all times
What will you get?
At Thorlabs there are lots of opportunities for inhouse customised training and development that accelerates your career progression. We have free onsite parking, free refreshments, as well as an entertainment area in our large canteen for your enjoyment.
And the benefits are?
Competitive Salary to attract the best, plus an excellent benefits package including pension, health care, 25 days holiday plus public holidays.
Job Reference: THOR-VC-382
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.
This is a rolling campaign, so we will actively interview applicants.
This role does not currently meet the UK Visas and Immigration criteria for obtaining a Skilled Worker Visa we are therefore unable to accept applications that require employer sponsorship in order to obtain a Skilled Worker Visa.
We would encourage all internal applicants to inform their line managers of their interest in this position.
Benefits
-Contributed Pension Scheme -Group Life Cover -Private Health Care -Group Income Protection & more.
Please apply through the Apply for this job button or send a copy of your CV along with a covering letter and your salary expectations to: Human Resources at Thorlabs Ltd, 204 Lancaster Way Business Park, Ely, Cambs, CB6 3NX or e-mail .
In line with the requirements of the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006, all applicants must have a valid permission to enter or remain in the UK with no condition that prevents them from working in the UK. Documented evidence of such permission will be required from candidates as part of the recruitment process.