Aviation Checkpoint Business Manager

Smiths Group; Hemel Hempstead; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A global leader in security solutions seeks an Aviation Checkpoint Business Manager in Hemel Hempstead. You will drive sustainable growth of passenger checkpoint solutions and manage a cross-functional team. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree and 5-8 years' experience in product management, along with strong communication and leadership skills. The role involves working with partners and improving product delivery for airport operations.

Benefits

Excellent training

Career growth opportunities

Inclusive environment

Qualifications

• 5-8 years' experience in product or business management.
• Experience in supplier or partner management.
• Knowledge of aviation security market.

Responsibilities

• Own and manage the Product Lifecycle Process.
• Lead cross-functional initiatives to solve product challenges.
• Monitor and analyse the aviation security market.

Skills

Product management

Cross-functional leadership

Communication

Project management

Financial acumen

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Management, Marketing

Tools

SAP

Microsoft Office suite

Job description

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Company Description

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.

Job Description

The Aviation checkpoint Business manager works alongside Commercial and Technology functions and is responsible for driving sustainable growth of passenger checkpoint solutions, such that Smiths Detection can generate profitable business while delivering comprehensive ROI to the customers.

The role has the management responsibility of a cross-functional team that primarily delivers the lanes (tray return systems) business; a critical component of an airport checkpoint operation. The role is expected to perform - individually or with other colleagues, the Product Management function for lanes as well as management of supplier and customer projects and eventually broader checkpoint solutions incorporating other technologies such as body scanners.

The position will be involved in delivery of the lanes offering and required to address immediate challenges with the existing external partners and improve the delivery of the lane product. This includes stronger control and governance over 3rd party suppliers with improved organisation and capability with them as well as within Smiths Detection. The role will need to coordinate internal and external activities to resolve the current issues and ensure a reliable way of delivering lane solutions.

The Aviation checkpoint Business Manager will be responsible for developing and improving the checkpoint roadmap such that it meets anticipated market demands.

Responsibilities Include:

• Own and manage the Product Lifecycle Process (PLP) and business case development.
• Lead structured cross-functional initiatives to solve product challenges across capacity, delivery, quality, and commercial aspects.
• Monitor and analyse the aviation security market, identifying new opportunities, partnerships, and competitive positioning.
• Drive Value Analysis/Value Engineering (VAVE) and cost of ownership initiatives to enhance contribution margin and competitiveness.
• Collaborate globally with Commercial, Programmes, Quality, and Technology teams, ensuring checkpoints remain best-in-class.
• Build strong relationships with key stakeholders - both internally and externally - ensuring long-term business success.

Qualifications

You'll bring a mix of technical, commercial, and leadership expertise, with the ability to balance operational detail with big-picture strategy. Specifically, you'll need:

• A Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Management, Marketing, or a related field.
• 5-8 years' experience in product or business management, ideally in a technology-driven or project-heavy environment.
• Experience in supplier or partner management, with proven ability to resolve escalations and deliver results.
• Strong cross-functional experience - understanding of manufacturing, operations, sales, projects, customer service, or R&D.
• Excellent communication skills in English (spoken and written); knowledge of German is highly desirable.
• Strong programme and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Commercial awareness and financial acumen, with experience in cost management and business case development.
• Knowledge of SAP and the Microsoft Office suite.
• A collaborative, global mindset with the ability to influence stakeholders across cultures and time zones.

Additional Information

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)