The Company

McConnel is a multi-award winning British manufacturing company that is leading the way as the world’s number one supplier of Power Arm and green maintenance technology. Based in Ludlow, Shropshire, McConnel offers a comprehensive product portfolio including hedge and verge mowers, self-propelled sprayers and spreaders, cultivation and seeding machinery as well an innovative range of remote control machinery.

The Role:  

Supporting the Purchasing Manager with a hands-on attitude to supplier and demand management.   The role is an integral part of the Purchasing team and requires strong experience of MRP and excellent negotiation and communication skills.  

Responsibilities: 

  • Using JD Edwards ERP/MRP system, the buyer will manage all aspects of supply and demand within a sizeable commodity group from suppliers, logistics, inventory control and NPI.    
  • Buying product for production builds and parts sale demand, communicating availability to stakeholders.  
  • Responsibility for all communication to their supplier including quality issues, supply issues and new product introductions. 
  • Handle negotiation of contracts and prices with current and potential new suppliers. 
  • Attendance meetings and provide information relative to the introduction of new products.
  • Make available details of products purchased that are likely to impact product build and spare part sales and provide an action plan to alleviate supply issues. 
  • Report on non-availability for spare sales and or production shortages via the ERP system.
  • Minimise stocks without jeopardising part availability.   
  • Involvement in process to manage returns to suppliers. 
  • Ensuring engineering changes are addressed with supplier where required.
  • Participate in make versus buy projects.
  • Ongoing development of the purchasing systems and ordering process.  
  • Manage specific specialised projects as requested.   

Key Requirements: 

  • Good level of education ideally within an engineering discipline.
  • CIPS qualification or working to achieve CIPS would be beneficial.  
  • Experience of working as a buyer within a Purchasing function in heavy industry. 
  • Strong communication and negotiation skills.
  • Track record of delivering cost reduction plans.   
  • Work proactively to prevent problems.   
  • Knowledge of ERP/MRP systems – ideally JD Edwards.  
  • Excellent IT skills particularly Excel. 
  • Ability to work well on own initiative and as part of a team.  
  • Analytical skills and problem solvingExperience of OEM or 1st Tier operation a bonus.   
  • Using data both current and historical to plan raw material demand

 

APPLY NOW:    If you would like to apply for this vacancy, simply submit your CV to recruitment@mcconnel.com and tell us about your skills and experience.