At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Logistics Team to manage diverse logistics services and ensure smooth operations.
- Company: Be part of the Science and Technology Facilities Council, a leader in research and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days annual leave, flexible hours, and a great pension scheme.
- Other info: Great opportunities for learning and career growth in a supportive team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while working with world-class experts in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: 5 GCSEs including English and Maths; clean driving licence and forklift certificate required.
The predicted salary is between 29086 - 30000 £ per year.
Didcot, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom (On-site)
Job Info
- Job Category: Property
- Apply Before: 08/23/2026, 10:55 PM
- Job Shift: Day
- Hours: Full Time
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.
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
- 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
- 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).
- Clean current UK driving licence.
- An up-to-date counterbalance forklift certificate.
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
- Essential: Relevant health and safety knowledge and awareness.
- Good level of literacy and numeracy with attention to detail and accuracy.
- Prior experience of working in a busy logistics or warehouse environment.
- Experience of working and co-operating within teams.
- Use initiative to prioritise and follow standard operating procedures.
- Use of Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook).
- Ability to use web-based system with ease.
- Experience of maintaining and retrieving data records and recording information accurately.
- Dangerous goods and handling.
- Awareness of despatch and courier systems and suppliers and freight agents for bulk.
- 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.
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.
About Us
UKRI - UK Research and Innovation
UKRI is an organisation that brings together the seven disciplinary research councils, Research England and Innovate UK. Together, we build an independent organisation with a strong voice and vision ensuring the UK maintains its world-leading position in research and innovation.
Supporting some of the world’s most exciting and challenging research projects, we develop and operate some of the most remarkable scientific facilities in the world. We are pushing the frontiers of human knowledge through fundamental research and delivering benefits for UK society and the economy through world-class research, skills and business-led innovation.
How we support EDI in the workforce
At UKRI, we believe that everyone has a right to be treated with dignity and respect, and to be provided with equal opportunities to thrive and succeed in an environment that enables them to do so. We also value diversity of thought and experience within inclusive groups, organisations and the wider community.
Disability Confident Employer
As users of the disability confident scheme, any candidate who opts into the scheme and best meets the essential criteria, will be shortlisted for interview. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.
About the Team
The Science and Technology Facilities Council is a world-leading multi-disciplinary science organisation where curiosity-driven, blue-skies thinking meets practical, application-led science and engineering. Our goal is to deliver economic, societal, scientific and international benefits to the UK and its people – and more broadly to the world.
Logistics Operative employer: UKRI International
At the Science and Technology Facilities Council, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture. Located at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory in Harwell, Oxfordshire, our team enjoys a comprehensive benefits package, including generous annual leave, flexible working hours, and opportunities for continuous learning and professional development. Join us to be part of a world-leading research organisation where your contributions make a meaningful impact on society and the environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Logistics Operative
✨Get Involved in Industry Events
Logistics and supply chain are all about networking, so hit up those trade shows and local meetups. Places like the UK's Logistics and Supply Chain conference can be goldmines for connecting with potential employers like UKRI International and learning about the latest trends in the industry.
✨Leverage Online Communities
Join forums and LinkedIn groups specifically for logistics professionals. Share your insights and ask questions to get noticed. Being active in these spaces can help you establish credibility and might just lead to an opportunity at UKRI International!
✨Showcase Your Skills with a Portfolio
Even if it’s a full-time gig, having a portfolio can really set you apart. Include case studies or projects that demonstrate your understanding of supply chain management, logistics software, or solving operational challenges. You’d be surprised at how much this can impress hiring managers.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
Don't forget the power of applying directly through our website! A lot of companies like UKRI International keep job postings exclusive to their sites. This way, you can easily keep track of your applications and ensure your profile is in front of the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Logistics Operative
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Supply Chain Savvy:In your CV and cover letter, make sure to highlight your understanding of logistics and supply chain management principles. Mention any relevant courses you've taken or tools you've used, like inventory management software or data analysis platforms, to showcase your skills and keep up with best practices in the industry.
Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your previous work experience, remember to use numbers wherever possible. Did you improve delivery times by a specific percentage? Did you help reduce costs? These kinds of quantified achievements not only catch the eye but also demonstrate your capability in the logistics sector.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to UKRI International:This is your chance to really connect with the team at UKRI International. In your cover letter, express why you're passionate about supply chain logistics and how your goals align with the company’s mission. A little personalisation goes a long way!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you've got any certifications related to logistics or supply chain management—like APICS or Six Sigma—make sure you flaunt them! These show that you're committed to your professional development and can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at UKRI International
✨Know Your Logistics Tools
Make sure you're familiar with key logistics software and tools like SAP or Oracle ERP. These are often used in the industry, and being able to demonstrate your knowledge or experience with them can really set you apart during your interview with UKRI International.
✨Perfect Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect to tackle scenarios that showcase your problem-solving skills. Think about past experiences where you've had to optimise supply chains or handle logistics challenges. Have a few examples ready to discuss how you made decisions that led to improvements.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Supply chain roles heavily rely on teamwork and communication. Be prepared to discuss how you've collaborated with others in previous roles. Maybe share a time when you coordinated with a team to resolve a logistical hiccup. This can show UKRI International that you're a team player!
✨Understand the Big Picture
Be ready to talk about the broader logistics and supply chain trends. Having insights into current challenges in the industry, like sustainability or lead times, can impress the interviewers at UKRI International. Show them you’re not just focused on the day-to-day but also have a strategic mindset!
