Logistics Operative

Science and Technology Facilities Council
Salary: £25,842 | UKRI Band B | Closing date: 9th August 2026
Contract Type: Open-ended (Permanent)
Hours: Full-time
Location: Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Harwell, Oxfordshire OX11 0QX

Together, our scientists, technologists, engineers and business support team explore the unknown and turn what they find into work that changes the world around us. Whether it’s sending probes into space or finding new ways to treat cancer, everyone here plays a vital role in making a positive difference to society.

Come and discover how much you can achieve when you’re surrounded by world-leading experts, encouraged to constantly learn and empowered to explore your curiosity.

Key accountabilities

As part of the Logistics Team, this core role is key to the day-to-day provision of a diverse range of logistics-related services, delivering efficiently and to a high standard to staff and collaborators.

This post will include a range of responsibilities for logistics and shipping activities including despatch, front desk duties, on-site deliveries, porterage of equipment, postal services, gas delivery and supply and care and custody provision, handling dangerous goods and undertaking administrative duties and data entry.

The post holder will ensure that the daily activities and operations comply with STFC Safety, Health and Environment Codes and regulatory standards, and that plant is maintained and checked daily. Taking responsibility to use PPE equipment and to adhere to safe working practices.

The post will work collaboratively and effectively with team members and those from other teams, providing cover for all activities and services. This role is part of a wider logistics function and is an integral area within Estates Services.

Role Remit and Responsibilities

General

Undertake and respond to the daily and weekly core logistics activities and duties, to ensure that they are discharged efficiently and timely, including (but not limited to):

• Front desk covered – first point of contact for customers.
• Provision of the postal function.
• Service Logistics inbox is responded to.
• Internal deliveries to site maintained and timely.
• Gas supply and servicing.
• Care and custody of stored goods.
• Despatch and shipping activities and tasks.
• Ensure that the local logistics Service Level Agreements are supported and met, and that customer feedback is recorded and responded to.

Other tasks and responsibilities

• Site deliveries using vans, buggies or forklift trucks.
• Safe loading and unloading of vehicles.
• Sorting, delivery and collection and franking of daily in/out-coming post from/for Royal Mail.
• Filling, handling and site delivery/collection of liquid nitrogen dewars.
• Handling and storage of hazardous materials such as oils, acids and chemicals.
• As required, processing /booking UK dispatches using couriers or freight agents, this includes database work and physical packing and labelling.
• Adopt agreed standard operating processes for tasks and functions to ensure consistent practice.
• Actively contribute to ensuring that the logistics building operating area is clean and debris free using the machinery available to keep clean.
• Maintaining basic parts of fleet vehicles, including checking/replacing bulbs, washer fluid levels and wiper blades.
• Occasional delivery of goods in the local area.
• Support continuous improvement and undertake training.
• Undertake additional duties at the request of the Logistics Service Manager, or Estates Senior Managers, that are considered reasonable and commensurate with your post.

Health and Safety

• Undertake all required mandatory H&S training.
• Undertake risk assessments to ensure safe manual handling.

• To ensure principles of good housekeeping are maintained and to ensure health and safety for your own actions as well as others.

   

Administration

• Entering data into databases and using web-based systems.
• Retain and manage records and data efficiently and electronically where possible.
• Responsibility for providing up to date and accurate information on usage so that customers and users can be recharged.

Corporate Responsibilities
 

• Provide a professional and effective service and respond to corporate requirements as requested, helping to maintain the excellent reputation held by STFC.
• Contribute to wider campus activities.

Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• 5 GCSEs (including English and Maths, or other equivalent qualifications/experience).(S)
• Clean current UK driving licence.(S)
• An up-to-date counterbalance forklift certificate.(S&I)

Desirable

• First aid qualification.(S)

Knowledge, Skills and Experience
Essential
 

• Relevant health and safety knowledge and awareness.(I)
• Good level of literacy and numeracy with attention to detail and accuracy.(I)
• Prior experience of working in a busy logistics or warehouse environment.(S)
• Experience of working and co-operating within teams.(S&I)
• Use initiative to prioritise and follow standard operating procedures.(I)
• Use of Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook).(S&I)
• Ability to use web-based system with ease.(I)
• Experience of maintaining and retrieving data records and recording information accurately.(I)

Desirable

• Dangerous goods and handling.(I)
• Awareness of despatch and courier systems and suppliers and freight agents for bulk.(I)

Special Requirements
Essential
 

• Must be able to carry out the essential duties of the role, including manual handling tasks, with reasonable adjustments where appropriate.

STFC values their employees by offering a benefits package designed to provide an excellent work/life balance including 30 days’ annual leave, 10.5 public and privilege holidays, flexible working hours, a workplace nursery, exceptional average salary pension scheme, social and sporting activities and societies and a subsidised restaurant.

As one of Europe’s largest research organisations, this is a place where there’s always something new to learn about the world around us, about your career, but most of all, about yourself. Join us and discover what’s possible.

As this job does not fulfil the UK Government minimum criterion for obtaining sponsored migrant worker status, we will be unable to apply for sponsorship for anyone not eligible to work in the UK. At interview, all shortlisted candidates are required to bring with them identification documents and original documents that prove they hold or can obtain the right to work in the UK. You can check your eligibility here: https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa/y  

Please note that we reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive a sufficient number of suitable applications. We therefore encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible.