MRP Buyer

The Whittan Group; Wakefield; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

The Whittan Group in Wakefield is seeking an experienced MRP Buyer to join the Supply Chain team. You will ensure materials are available to support production and customer requirements while driving cost efficiencies and supplier performance.

Ideal candidates will have strong MRP/ERP experience, a proactive mindset, and the ability to work cross-functionally in a manufacturing environment to optimise inventory and processes.

Qualifications

• Experience in purchasing, buying, procurement or supply chain.
• Manufacturing environment experience.
• Strong knowledge of MRP/ERP systems and data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Manage and review MRP system requirements to generate purchase orders.
• Ensure materials available to support production schedules.
• Build and maintain supplier relationships to meet service, quality and delivery.
• Negotiate pricing, lead times and terms for best value.
• Monitor supplier performance and manage supply risks.
• Expedite orders and align with production and logistics teams.
• Maintain ERP master data for purchasing and suppliers.
• Support NCR-based supplier quality issue resolution.
• Identify opportunities to reduce costs and improve processes.
• Contribute to inventory optimisation and stock reduction.

Skills

Supplier management

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Problem solving

Detail oriented

Tools

MRP/ERP systems

Job description

MRP Buyer

Wakefield

Full time

Permanent

Location: Wakefield

The Whittan Group is the UK's largest manufacturer of steel storage solutions. Through our portfolio of leading brands, we design, manufacture, and install innovative storage systems for commercial and industrial environments across the UK and Europe.

As we continue to grow, we are looking for an experienced and proactive MRP Buyer to join our Supply Chain team in Wakefield.

This is an exciting opportunity for a purchasing professional who enjoys working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. You'll play a pivotal role in ensuring materials are available to support production and customer requirements while driving cost efficiencies, supplier performance, and continuous improvement initiatives. Experience with MRP/ERP systems is essential, and candidates with experience implementing or optimising MRP systems will be particularly well suited to this role.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and review MRP system requirements to generate and maintain purchase orders.
• Ensure materials and components are available to support production schedules and customer delivery commitments.
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships to ensure service, quality, and delivery expectations are met.
• Negotiate pricing, lead times, and supply terms to achieve best value for the business.
• Monitor supplier performance and proactively manage supply chain risks.
• Track order confirmations and delivery schedules, expediting orders where required.
• Work closely with Production, Planning, Logistics, Quality, and Goods In teams to align purchasing activities with operational requirements.
• Maintain accurate purchasing, supplier, and material master data within the ERP system.
• Support the resolution of supplier quality issues through the NCR process.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes, reduce costs, and enhance supply chain performance.
• Contribute to inventory optimisation and stock reduction initiatives while ensuring business requirements are maintained.
• Ensure compliance with company purchasing procedures and best practices.

Key Attributes

• Proactive and able to take ownership of responsibilities.
• Strong supplier management and relationship-building skills.
• Process-driven mindset with a focus on continuous improvement.
• High attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments and manage competing priorities.

Essential Requirements

• Previous experience in a purchasing, buying, procurement, or supply chain role.
• Experience working within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of MRP/ERP systems and the ability to analyse data to support decision-making.
• Proven supplier negotiation and relationship management skills.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise workload effectively.
• Proactive approach with the flexibility to adapt to changing business needs.
• Competent user of Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.

Desirable Requirements

• Experience implementing, developing, or optimising MRP systems.
• Ability to analyse demand patterns, usage trends, and inventory performance.
• Experience managing supplier KPIs, SLAs, and performance reviews.
• Professional purchasing qualifications (e.g., CIPS) or working towards accreditation.
• Experience within an engineering, manufacturing, or industrial environment.

The Whittan Group is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone is treated with dignity, fairness, and respect. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.