Team Leader - Indirect Materials Warehousing

Team Leader – Indirect Materials Warehousing

Summary of the Responsibilities/Job summary

The Indirect Materials Warehousing Team Lead is responsible for managing and overseeing the warehousing, storage, and distribution of indirect materials in a pharmaceutical manufacturing environment. This includes consumables, engineering spare parts, laboratory items, and other materials that support production but are not directly involved in the product. The role ensures efficient inventory control, timely availability, and compliance with industry standards while leading a team to meet operational goals.

Responsibility Scope

• Indirect Materials Inventory Management
• Materials Handling & Storage
• Warehouse Operations & Process Optimization
• Team Leadership & Training
• Compliance, Safety & Quality Adherence
• Cross-Functional Collaboration

Detail of the Job Responsibilities/Key result areas

Indirect Materials Inventory Management

1. Oversee the receiving, storage, and issuance of indirect materials, including consumables, engineering spare parts, lab items, office supplies, and other non-production materials.
2. Ensure accurate tracking of inventory levels and cooperate with planning & Procurement teams for stock replenishment processes to avoid shortages or overstocking.
3. Monitor and maintain the inventory management system, ensuring that all materials are properly classified, labeled, and recorded in accordance with company standards.

Warehouse Operations & Process Optimization

1. Supervise day-to-day operations of the indirect materials warehouse, ensuring materials are handled efficiently and in compliance with safety and regulatory standards.
2. Lead initiatives to optimize storage and material handling processes, such as implementing lean warehousing practices, reducing waste, and improving warehouse layouts.
3. Identify and address operational inefficiencies, ensuring that the warehouse operates with maximum efficiency while meeting the company’s operational goals.

Material Handling & Distribution

1. Oversee the proper handling, storage, and dispatching of indirect materials to various departments, ensuring timely availability and minimizing delays in production or maintenance activities.
2. Ensure that all materials are stored under proper conditions (e.g., temperature, humidity) and that hazardous or sensitive items are stored in compliance with safety regulations.
3. Coordinate with different departments (e.g., production, maintenance, laboratory) to ensure the timely distribution of indirect materials based on demand.

Team Leadership & Development

1. Lead, train, and mentor a team of warehouse associates, ensuring that they are well-trained on proper material handling techniques, safety protocols, and inventory management practices.
2. Foster a positive and collaborative team environment, providing regular feedback and addressing any performance or operational challenges.
3. Encourage a culture of continuous improvement by promoting lean principles and operational best practices among the team.

Compliance & Documentation

1. Ensure that all materials are received, stored, and issued in compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements, such as GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices), GDP (Good Distribution Practice), and safety standards.
2. Supervise the maintenance of all necessary documentation, including material receipts, transfers, inventory records, and stock audits.
3. Ensure the timely and accurate preparation of reports related to inventory levels, stock movements, and other relevant operational metrics.

Health, Safety & Quality Assurance

1. Monitor and enforce compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations in the warehouse.
2. Ensure that the handling and storage of materials do not compromise the safety of the team or the quality of the materials.
3. Conduct regular safety audits and participate in root cause analysis for any safety or quality bad behaviours.

Inventory Audits & Stock Accuracy

1. Lead regular physical inventory audits and cycle counts, ensuring that stock levels are accurate and discrepancies are investigated and resolved promptly.
2. Develop and implement strategies to improve inventory accuracy and reduce material losses or damage.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

1. Work closely with other departments, including procurement, production, maintenance, and laboratory teams, to understand material needs and ensure the smooth flow of indirect materials throughout the company.
2. Collaborate with the procurement team to forecast material requirements and ensure proper stock levels are maintained.

Qualification/Functional knowledge

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Logistics, Pharmacy, Chemistry, or related field.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in warehousing, inventory management, or logistics, ideally within the pharmaceutical or manufacturing industry.
• Strong understanding of pharmaceutical warehousing requirements, including GSP, GMP, GDP, and other industry-specific regulations.
• Experience leading a team, with strong organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to maintain high accuracy in inventory tracking, material handling, and documentation.
• Experience applying lean principles to optimize warehousing and inventory management operations.