MRP Buyer

The Whittan Group; Wakefield; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

The Whittan Group in Wakefield is seeking an experienced MRP Buyer to support production schedules through timely, cost-effective materials purchasing. You will use an MRP system to raise purchase orders, monitor stock levels, and maintain supplier relationships to help meet customer commitments and operational targets.

The ideal candidate has hands-on experience with MRP/ERP systems, strong negotiation skills, and a proactive, detail‑oriented approach.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in purchasing, buying, or supply chain.
• Confident working with MRP/ERP systems and data analysis for decision making.
• Strong communication across teams and stakeholder coordination.
• Organised, proactive, and adaptable to changing priorities.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and collaborate cross-functionally.

Responsibilities

• Review and manage MRP system requirements to raise and maintain purchase orders.
• Ensure materials and components are available to meet production schedules and customer delivery requirements.
• Build strong relationships with suppliers to ensure on-time delivery and resolve supply issues.
• Negotiate pricing, lead times, and terms where appropriate, balancing cost efficiency with quality.
• Monitor supplier performance and escalate risks where needed.
• Track order confirmations, delivery schedules, and expedite orders as needed to meet business requirements.
• Collaborate closely with production, planning, and logistics teams to align purchasing activity with operational needs.
• Update and maintain accurate purchase order / vendor / material (Master Data) information in the ERP system.
• Coordinate with Goods in and Quality to resolve any issues with incoming goods through the NCR process.
• Identify and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within the supply chain function.
• Ensure compliance with company policies and purchasing best practices.
• Ability to contribute to inventory reduction initiatives to business requirements

Skills

Supplier management

Negotiation

Data analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Tools

MRP/ERP systems

Job description

Location: Wakefield

The Whittan Group is the largest manufacturer of steel storage products in the United Kingdom. Operating through a number of market leading brands; we design, manufacture and install storage solutions for commercial and industrial environments in the UK and Europe.

Wakefield

Full time

Permanent

MRP Buyer

The Whittan Group is the largest manufacturer of steel storage products in the United Kingdom. Operating through a number of market leading brands; we design, manufacture and install storage solutions for commercial and industrial environments in the UK and Europe.

We are looking for a MRP Buyer to join our busy and growing organisation in Wakefield. As an MRP Buyer, you’ll play a key role in ensuring that our projects are supported by the timely and cost-effective supply of materials. You’ll use an MRP system to manage purchasing activity, monitor stock levels, and maintain supplier relationships, helping us deliver on customer commitments and operational targets. The ideal candidate will be proactive, with strong initiative and proven experience in implementing or setting up MRP systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Review and manage MRP system requirements to raise and maintain purchase orders.
• Ensure materials and components are available to meet production schedules and customer delivery requirements.
• Build strong relationships with suppliers to ensure on-time delivery and resolve supply issues.
• Negotiate pricing, lead times, and terms where appropriate, balancing cost efficiency with quality.
• Monitor supplier performance and escalate risks where needed.
• Track order confirmations, delivery schedules, and expedite orders as needed to meet business requirements.
• Collaborate closely with production, planning, and logistics teams to align purchasing activity with operational needs.
• Update and maintain accurate purchase order / vendor / material (Master Data) information in the ERP system.
• Coordinate with Goods in and Quality to resolve any issues with incoming goods through the NCR process.
• Identify and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within the supply chain function.
• Ensure compliance with company policies and purchasing best practices.
• Ability to contribute to inventory reduction initiatives to business requirements

Key Attributes

• Ability to quickly adapt and take ownership of responsibilities
• Strong supplier management and relationship-building skills
• Process-oriented with a focus on efficiency and continuous improvement
• High attention to detail and commitment to compliance
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively across teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to coordinate with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and work collaboratively across functions.

Essential

• Previous experience in a purchasing, buying, or supply chain role
• Confident working with MRP/ERP systems and comfortable analysing data to make informed decisions.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively across teams.
• Negotiation and relationship-building skills with a solutions-focused approach.
• Organised, proactive, and able to adapt quickly to changing priorities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to coordinate with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and work collaboratively across functions.

Desirable

• Capability to analyse usage trends, forecast demand, and identify anomalies or inefficiencies.
• Experience in managing vendor relationships, performance, and service level agreements.

The Whittan Group promotes equality of opportunity in that everyone who works for us and any job applicants will be treated equally, regardless of gender or gender reassignment, age, ethnic or national origin, nationality, race, colour, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, disability, sexual orientation, religion or belief.