Job Description

The National Distribution Centre (NDC)

The Ministry of Justice Transport Unit is made up of three core business areas and sits within Commercial directorate.

The National Distribution Centre (NDC) is based in Branston, Staffordshire. It was purpose built in 2003 and the operation is responsible for the collection, storage and delivery of internally manufactured goods, raw materials, prisoner property, mattresses, footwear and a small amount of document storage. The site is also used to support other MoJ activities as and when required.

The warehouse is a modern, 135,000 sq. ft. ‘high bay’ facility which can accommodate 16,500 pallets / stillages in both wide and narrow aisle configurations. In addition there is in the region of 6000 sq. ft. of office space.

The in-house NDC fleet comprises 22 rigid / drawbar vehicles providing a scheduled agreed service of 500 visits per month. The fleet is designed to operate on a specialised demount system and this is largely governed by the problems that arise from physical access restrictions in prisons, necessitating a mix of vehicle types. The fleet delivers to the Prison Service estate on a national 5 day week basis, operating a single shift system, supported by ‘nights out’ as and when required.

The Transport Unit is responsible for providing a transport management service to the Ministry of Justice. The unit is also responsible for a specialised vehicle workshop based in Branston, with an engineering and administrative staff of eight. Three field based Regional Engineers, controlled by the transport unit provide a peripatetic service covering England and Wales. The primary functions include the development of transport policy, provision of technical advice and to administer the Crown Indemnity Insurance Policy and commercial insurance requirements.

Fleet Engineering Services (FES) operates out of Building 50 of the Branston site and is situated near the NDC. The facility has been occupied by FES since the late 1980’s. It provides services to HM Prisons and undertakes a wide range of engineering activities which include.

The provision of first line servicing for the National Distribution Centre (NDC) fleet of heavy and light commercial vehicles, as well as second line repairs, bodywork and vehicle modifications.

Design, develop and carry out conversion work on behalf of HMPPS tactical units as per their specifications. FES also undertake work at the start and end of a vehicle’s fleet life for the purchased fleet. This can involve an inspection or necessitate the removal of sensitive equipment before the disposal of a tactical vehicle. FES also inspect all vehicles returned to Branston to establish if they can be re issued to a unit where the requirement does not warrant a new vehicle. For these units FES inspects, costs the parts required, and on agreement with the establishment, undertake the repairs needed to bring the vehicle to a roadworthy legal condition.

Role Summary

The Job holder will assist the Warehouse Manager in providing a cost effective warehousing and distribution service for centrally required goods and services.

Responsible to the Warehouse Manager for the day to day management of the supply of goods into the warehouse via the Goods-in Department. This includes the unloading of vehicles and receipt inspection, the production and processing of paperwork for put-aways and physical location of stock in the warehouse all to be completed within agreed timescales.

To provide managerial support to the Warehouse Manager and provide assistance and advice to other managers, team leaders and customers.

Candidates must have recently worked within a modern warehouse environment and have experience in managing people. You will be working to demanding deadlines and will need the ability to solve problems whilst maintaining good attention to detail.

The contracted hours will be Monday to Thursday 0800hrs - 1600hrs and Friday 0800hrs - 1530hrs.

On occasions, you might be required to work weekends and some days overtime dependant on the demands of the NDC.

Key Responsibilities

The duties, activities and responsibilities listed below are not intended to be exhaustive. The job holder is expected to accept reasonable alterations, and additional tasks of a similar level that may, from time to time, be required. Where necessary, appropriate training and instruction, will be provided.

Activities and Duties

• Carry out all aspects of people management including, disciplinary investigations, accident investigation, performance management, staff appraisals, sickness, holidays and leave of absence

• Ensure all customer orders are picked, packed, and dispatched accurately.

• Verify documentation and shipping labels for correctness.

• Coordinate with other departments (e.g., logistics, transport) to resolve issues.

• Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s)

• Stock checking and inventory checking

• Official correspondence

• Risk Assessments

• Action plans

• Disposal of archive documents

• Property Consolidation

• Accident reporting

• Induction training

Other Tasks

• Contribute towards the development of local policy, procedures and practices to ensure consistency of application

• Manage the achievement of performance targets and standards within the work area, verifying and signing off documentation as appropriate

• Attend relevant meetings

• Promote awareness for better and more effective ways of working

• Analyse and act on any data produced by the department, received or requested from other departments. Produce relevant reports to show findings

• Provide accurate and reliable management information to support performance measures at the NDC

• Provide Head of Function with management information on a monthly basis.

• Monitor the performance of the goods in department

• Act as first point of contact for relevant external stake holders

• Act as requisitioner or approver as required

• Set performance standards, build and maintain effective teams and monitor and appraise performance. Adopt and implement new policies and strategies resulting from surveys and strategic and business plans

• Identify organisational opportunities and areas of weakness. Set organisational goals within areas of responsibility. Maintain up to date knowledge of best practices

• To arrange and provide local induction training for staff

• To maintain and further develop documented systems for the management and delivery of training, including upkeep and maintenance of training plans and training records

• To maintain and assist in developing health and safety management systems for the warehousing and distribution operation. Provide advice and assistance to senior managers, ensuring that all Health and Safety requirements associated with the warehousing and distribution operation are met

Health, Safety and Welfare

Report hazards. Support the Warehouse Manager in creating a safe working environment for staff, visitors, and contractors by adhering to Health and Safety legislation, ensuring Safe Systems of Work (SSOW) and Risk Assessments (RA) are followed, and by reporting any incidents to the Warehouse Manager/Health and Safety Manager.

Mechanical Handling Equipment (MHE)

The job holder may be required to operate Mechanical Handling Equipment (MHE) on the site, after successful completion of suitable training and assessment. Operators must be qualified and hold licences before being permitted to operate the following types of MHE:

• Low Level Order Picking Truck

• Powered Pallet Truck

• Pedestrian Operated Stacker Truck

• Floor Sweeping Machine

• Floor Scrubbing Machine

• High Level Reach Forklift Truck

• Counter Balance Forklift Truck

• High Level Narrow Aisle (Man Up) Forklift Truck

Any training for MHE will be provided

Essential Criteria

• 2-3 years in warehouse supervisory role

• Core warehouse operations knowledge

• Strong leadership & performance management

• WMS/systems proficiency & MS Office skills

• Hold an MHE licence

• Health & safety awareness & compliance

• Strong verbal and written communication to coordinate teams, escalate issues, and liaise with other departments or clients

• Experience leading teams (6-15+ staff), including delegation, coaching, performance feedback, and conflict resolution

Desirable Criteria

• First Aid, Fire Marshal, IOSH certifications

• Training experience

• Hold most MHE licences for the equipment on site

Application Stage

An initial sift will be performed against the following elements and will be assessed against the Civil Service success profiles framework:

Experience

• CV

• Statement of Suitability (between 100 - 250 words): this should be based around the key responsibilities and essential criteria

Behaviours

• Managing a Quality Service

• Leadership

• Making effective decisions

If shortlisted, you will be invited to an interview and will be assessed on the selected success profile elements at the interview stage.

Interview stage

The interviews will be held at National Distribution Centre, Burton Road, Branston. DE14 3EG.  The site is shared with B&Q distribution, please follow the road signs for MoJ once entering the site and report to the security gate where you will be directed to the reception to sign in.  The interviews will be held on an Industrial Site and all staff and visitors are required to wear Hi-Vis Vests whilst moving around site; these will be provided by security on arrival, please ask for a vest if not offered one.

Behaviours

• Working together

• Delivering at pace

• Changing and improving

Strengths maybe assessed at the interview, and these are not shared in advance.

To learn more about the Civil Service success profiles framework and how they are assessed please click here.