Material Handler

Avantor•Boston, MA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Material Handler works under the Territory Area Manager and collaborates with Avantor Advanced Laboratory Services professionals to support customers through customized laboratory work and research protocols. The role supports inventory and material management, GMP warehouse operations, cold-chain handling, and safe operation of material-handling equipment. The position is located in Boston, Massachusetts, with several listed shift schedules: first shift (6:00 AM–2:30 PM), mid shift (10:30 AM–7:00 PM), and late shift (2:30 PM–11:00 PM); each schedule is listed for Tuesday–Saturday or Sunday–Thursday. The late shift includes a 10% shift differential. The role maintains vendor-managed inventory and supports procurement, stock rotation, receiving, labeling, storage, issuance, cycle counting, reconciliation, material picking, and kit staging. It requires accurate, real-time inventory transactions and prompt communication of discrepancies. Warehouse and cleanroom areas must be kept inspection-ready, and materials must be sanitized before transfer into cleanroom environments. The Material Handler works with temperature-sensitive materials in refrigerated and frozen environments, including 2°C to 8°C cold rooms and -20°C freezers. Duties also include supporting LN2 dewar transfers and controlled-rate freezers, preparing cold-chain shipments, and ensuring products are stored, handled, and shipped under appropriate temperature controls. The role requires compliance with SOPs, cGMP, DOT and Hazmat regulations, site safety requirements, PPE standards, and required training and certifications.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED equivalent.
At least 1 year of experience in a warehouse, logistics, distribution, supply chain, manufacturing, GMP, or quality-regulated environment is preferred.
Experience following SOP-driven processes and documentation requirements.
Knowledge of inventory control, warehousing, logistics, and supply chain operations.
Understanding of GMP regulations and the impact of non-compliance.
Strong understanding of Good Documentation Practices (GDP).
Ability to use inventory management tools for scanning, replenishment, and transaction processing.
Ability to work in temperature-controlled environments and wear required PPE.
Ability to meet all site-specific training and certification requirements.
Attention to detail when verifying labels, quantities, product identity, temperatures, and inventory transactions.
Ability to complete and maintain accurate records in real time according to GMP requirements.
Ability to follow written procedures consistently, recognize discrepancies, and escalate issues appropriately.
Ability to use Oracle ERP, barcode scanners, inventory management systems, and warehouse technology.
Ability to provide clear shift handoffs and cross-functional communication, with strong attendance, dependability, and accountability.
Ability to lift, move, and transport materials safely.
Comfort with prolonged standing, walking, gowning, and working in cold-room environments.
Ability to safely operate material-handling equipment.

Nice To Haves

Biotechnology, pharmaceutical, life sciences, or cold-chain logistics experience.
Experience supporting inventory management within a GMP-regulated facility.
Valid driver’s license.
Experience using ERP systems, preferably Oracle.
Experience with barcode scanners and inventory management systems.
Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing and 5S methodologies.
Experience supporting cold-chain storage and shipping operations.

Responsibilities

Maintain vendor-managed inventory in designated storage areas, including stock procurement, kanban management, and stock rotation.
Receive, label, store, and issue raw materials and components in accordance with cGMP guidelines and established procedures.
Perform cycle counts and assist with inventory reconciliation.
Pick materials using manual requests and ERP-generated move orders, and stage kits for manufacturing operations.
Maintain accurate inventory levels and promptly communicate discrepancies.
Handle raw materials, cleaning reagents, gowning supplies, and consumables.
Sanitize materials and supplies before transferring them into cleanroom environments.
Ensure required materials and PPE are available for GMP cleaning teams before shift end.
Keep warehouse and cleanroom storage areas in inspection-ready and audit-ready condition.
Execute real-time inventory transactions in Oracle ERP and warehouse management systems.
Follow SOPs and GMP requirements for warehouse operations and material handling.
Work in refrigerated and frozen environments, including 2°C to 8°C cold rooms and -20°C freezer storage areas.
Support LN2 dewar transfers and operation of controlled-rate freezers used for drug product storage.
Prepare and execute cold-chain pack-outs for pharmaceutical product shipments.
Ensure products are stored, handled, and shipped under appropriate temperature-controlled conditions.
Safely operate forklift trucks, electric pallet jacks, material lifts, and company vehicles.
Comply with DOT and Hazmat regulations, site safety requirements, PPE standards, and warehouse best practices.
Provide clear shift handoffs and cross-functional communication.
Demonstrate procedures to new team members when needed and identify opportunities for additional training and coaching.
Maintain required training records and certifications in accordance with company and Vertex SOP requirements.