Every minute of every day, Smiths Detection’s threat detection and security screening technology helps to protect people and infrastructure, making the world a safer place. 

Smiths Detection, part of Smiths Group is a global leader in the development, manufacture and management of security and detection solutions designed to make the world a safer place. Our technology provides threat detection and screening solutions for customers in our key markets: aviation, ports and borders, defence, and urban security.

Our expertise spans 21 global offices, seven manufacturing sites and five R&D centres, with a global network of 3,000 dedicated colleagues contributing towards over 40 years at the frontline of advances in safety and security.  

This results in careers built on variety and the opportunity to work on a range of state-of-the-art solutions, where you can develop your knowledge and experience every day.

We are seeking a Technical Buyer on a 12 month FTC to support a critical project by sourcing, negotiating, and managing suppliers for both electronic and mechanical components.

Due to the sensitive nature of the project, we can only consider candidates who hold SC level clearance or are eligible to obtain it - we can't consider those who don't meet that criteria. 

Identifying and assessing potential appropriate suppliers who offer the best value for the business. You will evaluate the supply market, support the strategy development, quotations, negotiate of contract terms, and highlight any business risks.

Place purchase orders, monitor delivery performance and balance demand against capacity (Supply) and ensure that the factory delivers to plan, utilize your excellent communication skills and you will interact with many stakeholders internal and external, technology, quality, and suppliers.

There will be occasions when you will need to travel to visit a supplier to conduct a review, evaluate the supplier’s facility and share our business requirements, negotiation of pricing, lead-times, risk analysis, record these findings and feedback your report

Duties and Responsibilities

• Identify, assess, and develop suppliers for project requirements in both mechanical and electronic components.
• Read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and bills of materials to ensure supplier understanding and compliance.
• Lead & update the sourcing / supply chain Monthly CPR (contract performance report) into the project.
• Help support the capture of the sourcing material operation COGS for the project .
• Help manage the supplier risk file, highlighting any component obsolesces or EOL (End of life) concerns.
• Support the global and regional category managers working with our key supplier partners, and they are awarded agreements on a TCO (total cost of ownership) basis considering, Cost, Working Capital, COPQ, VOTD.
• Place and manage purchase orders, monitor delivery performance, and ensure materials are available to meet production schedules.
• Lead and maintain sourcing and supply chain reports, supporting project and business objectives.
• Conduct supplier visits and capability reviews, documenting findings and identifying opportunities for improvement.
• Support localisation and sustainability initiatives aligned with Smiths Group strategy.
• Manage supplier risk files, including identifying and addressing component obsolescence or end-of-life concerns.
• Collaborate with global and regional category managers to ensure supplier agreements meet Smiths standards and objectives.
• Support process improvements and cost-saving initiatives within procurement and supply chain operations.

Successful candidate:

• Experience in procurement or supply chain within a manufacturing / engineering environment (mechanical, electronic, or electro-mechanical preferred) - ideally Defence or Aerospace. 
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications.
• Proven skills in supplier evaluation, quotation analysis, and negotiation.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organisational abilities.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, working effectively with internal stakeholders and external suppliers.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint); experience with SAP or similar ERP systems is an advantage.
• A proactive, self-motivated approach, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Willingness to travel occasionally to supplier sites as required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent qualification in Business, Supply Chain, or Engineering.
• Experience working on project-based or new product introduction (NPI) procurement.
• Knowledge of sustainability and supplier localisation principles.
• Familiarity with ISO standards or supplier audit processes.
• Multilingual or international experience.

We offer…

Join us and we’ll help build your career, with excellent training and opportunities for career growth across the business, both locally and globally. You’ll experience an inclusive environment, with strong leadership and a focus on safety and wellbeing. You’ll also have the flexibility to choose from a wide range of benefits to suit your lifestyle, offering you and your family support from a health and wellbeing, financial and lifestyle perspective.

Join us and work for a world-leader, with the benefits and training to reward your dedication and skills. Be part of a team where we are making the world a safer place.

We believe that different perspectives and backgrounds are what make a company flourish. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, economic status, disability, age, or any other legally protected characteristics. We are proud to be an inclusive company with values grounded in equality and ethics, where we celebrate, support, and embrace diversity.

At no time during the hiring process will Smiths Group, nor any of our recruitment partners ever request payment to enable participation – including, but not limited to, interviews or testing. Avoid fraudulent requests by applying jobs directly through our career’s website (Careers - Smiths Group plc)