Technical Buyer - 12 Month FTC

Smiths Detection; Hemel Hempstead; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Career growth opportunities

Inclusive work environment

Flexible benefits

Job summary

A leader in threat detection technology is seeking a Technical Buyer for a 12-month fixed-term contract. The successful candidate will source and negotiate with suppliers for electronic and mechanical components, requiring SC level clearance. Responsibilities include supplier assessment, compliance with engineering specifications, and supporting procurement strategies. Ideal candidates will have extensive experience in procurement within engineering environments and strong negotiation skills. This role offers opportunities for career growth and a supportive work environment.

Qualifications

• Experience in procurement or supply chain within a manufacturing or engineering environment.
• 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 organizational abilities.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; experience with ERP systems preferred.
• A proactive, self-motivated approach, managing multiple priorities.
• Willingness to travel occasionally to supplier sites.

Responsibilities

• Identify and develop suppliers for electronic and mechanical components.
• Interpret engineering drawings to ensure supplier compliance.
• Lead sourcing reports and manage purchase orders.
• Conduct supplier capability reviews and identify improvement opportunities.
• Support localization and sustainability initiatives.

Skills

Supplier evaluation

Quotation analysis

Negotiation

Analytical skills

Problem-solving abilities

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Proficiency in Microsoft Office

ERP systems knowledge

Education

Degree in Business, Supply Chain, or Engineering

Tools

SAP

Job description

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.

Job Description

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.

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.
• 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.

Qualifications

• 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.

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.

Additional Information

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.

EEO Statement

We believe that different perspectives and backgrounds are what make a company flourish. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of colour, 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.