17731 - Logistics and Transport Clerk in Branston

The National Distribution Centre (NDC) provides a critical logistics and supply chain service to all public sector prisons including the collection, storage and delivery of a wide range of products. Products stored and carried include goods from commercial suppliers, raw materials into workshops and a wide range of internally manufactured products. As part of the Ministry of Justice, the site also supports other front line delivered services where required.

The in-house NDC fleet is designed to operate on a specialised demount system which is largely governed by challenges that arise from physical vehicular access restrictions across the prison estate, necessitating a mix of vehicle types and heights. The fleet delivers to the public sector prison estate on a national 5 day working week basis, operating a single shift system, supported by nights out as and when required.

The current logistics and supply chain solution for prisons has been operating in much the same way for many years. Challenges including prison capacity increases, aging technology, limited space and sustainability pressures are all contributing to an environment where specific focus needs to be given to the future shape and scale of the logistics function, to deliver transformational change linked to the adoption of new technology and the efficiencies that can be delivered.

The Logistics and Supply Chain function sits within the Commercial Directorate within the MoJ. The Ministry of Justice has one of the largest and most complex spending profiles in central government. Each year we spend more than £5 billion with our suppliers and it’s our job to help coordinate the sourcing of what we need. We support the management of our contracts across the department, its agencies and non departmental public bodies.

Commercial is responsible for coordinating procurement and contract management across the MoJ, its agencies and non-departmental public bodies. Commercial is organised into category teams, each with an interesting portfolio of contracts and diverse customers and suppliers to manage. We also have systems, programme management office, supplier relationship and risk management teams who work across all areas.

Role Summary

This is an administrative role based within the Ministry of Justice National Distribution Centre (NDC). It is a dual function post, requiring the post holder to support both the logistics and transport teams in delivering an efficient and effective storage and distribution service to HMPPS and other stakeholders. The role does not have any line management responsibility and reports directly to the Transport Team Leader. The contracted hours will be Monday to Thursday 0800hrs – 1600hrs and Friday 0800hrs – 1530hrs. Flexi time is available for this role.

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute to the effective management of administrative, logistics, and transport functions within the NDC.
• Assist the Transport & Logistics Team Leaders with the day to day running of the Transport & Logistics Office.
• Carry out administrative tasks on behalf of the Transport and Logistics team.
• Maintain Tri‑Scan system, process fuel orders and deliveries, print out daily fuel stock reports, check agency fuel receipts against invoices.
• Raise orders for Fleet Engineering Services (breakdown and services) and then process the completed order.
• Maintain accurate Tachograph records and update register.
• Demonstrate an understanding of customer and stakeholder needs, delivering effective service and maintaining positive working relationships relevant to logistics and inventory control activities.
• Ensure drivers and agency staff are kept up to date with all relevant paperwork, policies, and job related requirements.
• Monitor transactional activity and ensure all associated documentation including purchase orders, delivery notes, picking sheets, and transport records is accurately completed, checked, and forwarded as required.
• Ensure all files, records, and correspondence are properly maintained and stored in accordance with relevant procedures.
• Produce reports.

Essential Criteria

• Must have knowledge and work‑related experience in transport, distribution, and stock control.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and produce reports.
• Demonstrate the ability to plan and manage workload and resources effectively, working under pressure and meeting tight deadlines.
• Demonstrate strong prioritisation skills, with the ability to share information and resources effectively with colleagues.
• Ability to think and respond quickly, adjusting work schedules and operational plans effectively in response to unplanned events.
• Full‑time, onsite only position (no remote or hybrid options).

Desirable Criteria

• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel.
• Previous WMS (warehouse management system) experience.
• Previous transport/routing operations experience.