Application Specialist

This entry represents the “Digital Transformation & Business Operations” pillar of your collection, adding a high-level hybrid role at MKM Building Supplies, the UK’s leading independent builders’ merchant and one of Hull’s biggest homegrown success stories.

Application Specialist | MKM Building Supplies (Hull)

The Opportunity

Are you a systems expert who enjoys the sweet spot between “Business Analyst” and “Hands-on Architect”? MKM Building Supplies is seeking an Application Specialist to join their Central Support team at their Stoneferry Road headquarters (HU8). This is a milestone role for your collection—your 50th entry—representing a high-growth, “non-pigeonholed” career path. MKM isn’t your typical corporate environment; they foster an “MKM family” culture where innovation and “doing the right thing” are core values. In this role, you’ll lead the evolution of their high-volume ERP systems, directly impacting 135+ branches nationwide. With a competitive pay package, substantial staff discounts, and a generous discretionary bonus, this is the perfect role for a self-driven professional who wants to lead technical workstreams while staying deeply connected to business operations.

Key Responsibilities & System Focus

• System Design: Consulting with managers and end-users to determine technical needs and acting as “Project Principal” to configure customized solutions.

• ERP Mastery: Deep-diving into the core ERP (specifically Kerridge K8) to manage order processing and data flow at a massive scale.

• Data Intelligence: Using your expertise in relational data and BI tools (Excel, Power BI) to create sophisticated reports and automated workflows.

• Process Analysis: Mapping and observing business processes to find efficiencies and integrate new technology with existing systems.

• Leadership & Mentorship: Inspiring and guiding a small team of other Application Specialists to ensure project milestones are met.

• Innovation: Looking beyond current systems to bring new technological possibilities into reality for the wider business.

The Role

In this position, you are the “Translator” between business problems and technological solutions. You aren’t just a “coder” or an “IT support” person; you are a solution architect. Your day might start with a consultation at a branch to understand a specific logistical bottleneck and end with you configuring a new automated workflow in the K8 system to solve it. Because this role involves alternate Saturday mornings, you remain closely in sync with the rhythm of the builders’ merchant trade. You act as the bridge that ensures MKM’s rapid growth is supported by stable, scalable, and innovative digital infrastructure.

Sector Insight: The “Hull 50” Milestone

As you cluster this fiftieth role, notice how it synthesizes the skills from your previous 49 entries:

• The “Generalist” Specialist: Like the R&D Innovation Leader (Reckitt), this role requires a “big picture” mindset. However, like the Mechanical Reliability Engineer (Cargill), it demands deep technical discipline.

• Career Maturity: MKM’s “Family” culture, as seen in reviews from its Hull HQ, offers a less “stuffy” environment than the Lloyd’s Register or Bupa roles, appealing to professionals who value autonomy.

• Economic Footprint: MKM (est. 1995) is a “Hull Hero” company. Joining their Central Support team places you at the heart of a business that employs over 3,200 people, mirroring the local impact of Stagecoach or Hull City Council.