Technical Buyer - FTC

Technical Buyer – 12 Month FTC

Smiths Detection, part of Smiths Group, is a global leader in threat detection and security screening technology. Our solutions protect people and infrastructure across aviation, ports, borders, defence and urban security.

We are seeking a Technical Buyer on a 12‑month fixed‑term contract to support a critical project by sourcing, negotiating, and managing suppliers for 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.

• 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.
• Experience in procurement or supply chain within a manufacturing / engineering environment (mechanical, electronic, or electro–mechanical preferred) – ideally Defence or Aerospace.
• SC Cleared or eligible to obtain SC Clearance.
• 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.

• Experience in procurement or supply chain within a manufacturing / engineering environment (mechanical, electronic, or electro–mechanical preferred) – ideally Defence or Aerospace.
• SC Cleared or eligible to obtain SC Clearance.
• 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.

• 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.