Import / Export Stores Assistant

Location: Hailsham, BN27 4EL

Salary: Competitive, DOE

Contract: Full-time, Permanent

Hours: Monday – Friday, 37 hours – An element of flexibility as to when hours are worked

Benefits: A competitive salary, private medical insurance, 25 days holiday, salary sacrifice company pension, life insurance, a state-of-the-art working environment!

For over 60 years, VACGEN has been driving innovation in ultra-high vacuum (UHV) technology, supporting cutting-edge research across the globe. From NASA and the European Space Agency to CERN, our high-precision products are trusted by world-leading institutions and researchers to deliver results.

We are now recruiting for a Stores Assistant to provide immediate and proactive support to all cells and production areas, ensuring material replenishment direct to the Point of Use (POU) while also managing import and export processes efficiently. You will pick and kit WOs as required, ensuring goods are booked in, processed, and dispatched on time, while also overseeing the handling of international shipments, customs documentation, and freight coordination.

Key Responsibilities:

• Replenish stock at point-of-use (POU) locations, transferring materials from PPM and responding to line signals.
• Perform decanting, transport materials, and manage internal Kanban replenishment.
• Pick, kit, and deliver work orders accurately and on time.
• Coordinate the receipt and dispatch of international shipments, ensuring compliance with import/export regulations and customs requirements.
• Prepare and process shipping documentation, including commercial invoices, packing lists, and customs declarations.
• Monitor and maintain stock levels in POU bins and PPMs, ensuring correct quantities and FIFO principles.
• Conduct perpetual cycle counting, maintain stock accuracy above 98%, and ensure all stock transactions are recorded in the inventory system (AX).
• Receive, unload, store, move, and dispatch materials, coordinating packing and loading as needed.
• Liaise with freight forwarders and couriers to ensure efficient international shipping and delivery timelines.
• Ensure compliance with import/export controls, including commodity codes, duty rates, and Incoterms.
• Assist with resolving customs clearance issues and liaise with internal teams to support seamless global logistics operations.
• Ensure safe handling of materials, participate in 5S initiatives, and support continuous improvement.
• File relevant documentation and carry out other duties as requested by the Material Control Lead or Managers.

Essential Skills & Experience:

• Experience working in a Stores, Material Handling, or Import/Export role.
• A generally high level of fitness.
• Computer literacy, with basic skills in Outlook, Word, and Excel.
• Experience using an ERP system for inventory and logistics management.
• Knowledge of customs procedures, import/export documentation, and international shipping requirements.
• Understanding of the need for safe manual handling principles.

Desirable Skills:

• GCSE / O Level equivalent in English and Maths.
• Ability to understand and develop efficient systems and working practices.
• Ability to operate cutting equipment.
• Forklift driver’s license is desirable.
• A working knowledge of Lean principles, such as 5S, would be a distinct advantage.
• Experience in working with kanbans, DLF, and VOMI.
• Experience working in a pressured team environment.

If you feel you have the necessary skills and experience to be successful in this role, click on “APPLY” today, forwarding an up-to-date copy of your CV for consideration in the first instance.