Inventory Management & Purchasing Officer

About the role

The Inventory Management & Purchasing Officer is responsible for procuring forensic laboratory supplies and maintaining accurate inventory records. This role supports both the Finance and Procurement functions to ensure smooth laboratory operations.

Key responsibilities

• Maintain laboratory inventory integrity through regular stocktaking, record keeping, and inventory registers.
• Create purchase requisitions and purchase orders for consumables, and reconcile them with receipts.
• Generate goods receipts, verifying pricing and unit measures.
• Conduct daily perpetual or annual stocktakes in line with the Department of Justice Finance Management Practice Manual (FMPM).
• Minimise wastage by reviewing stock usage, minimum levels, and reorder points.
• Investigate and report discrepancies, unusual usage, and wastage; advise Finance Manager on corrective actions.
• Develop and update work instructions, manuals, and procedures for inventory control.
• Prepare monthly reports, maintain inventory and financial records, and ensure compliance with legislation and policies.
• Prepare invoices and accounts‑payable extracts for timely payment processing.
• Assist scientific and external staff with inventory requests and liaise with suppliers.
• Provide advice on sourcing rarely used laboratory supplies.
• Ensure compliance with Workplace Health and Safety requirements, including manual handling and emergency procedures.

Required profile

• Experience in inventory management and purchasing, preferably in a laboratory or scientific environment.
• Familiarity with finance and procurement processes and related documentation.
• Ability to conduct accurate stocktakes and generate detailed reports.
• Strong analytical skills to identify discrepancies and recommend corrective actions.
• Good communication skills for liaising with internal teams and external suppliers.
• Knowledge of Workplace Health and Safety regulations.

Required skills

What we offer

• Opportunity to work within a forensic laboratory supporting critical scientific work.
• Collaboration with finance and procurement teams.
• Professional development in inventory control and procurement processes.