Project Technical Buyer 12 Month Contract

We are looking for a Technical Buyer to join us on a 12month contract (fixed term contract) supporting a critical and highimpact project. Youll play a key role in sourcing negotiating and managing suppliers across both electronic and mechanical components helping to ensure delivery against challenging project timelines.

Due to the sensitive nature of the programme we can only consider candidates who meet the requirements for BPSS vetting.

In this role youll have real ownership from identifying and developing suppliers through to negotiating contracts and managing ongoing performance. Youll work closely with cross-functional teams including engineering operations and quality ensuring materials are delivered on time and to specification.

Youll also have the opportunity to engage directly with suppliers including site visits to assess capability manage risk and build strong partnerships.

What youll be doing

• Identify assess and develop suppliers for electronic and mechanical components
• Interpret engineering drawings specifications and BOMs to ensure supplier understanding and compliance
• Lead sourcing activities including RFQs pricing analysis and contract negotiation
• Place and manage purchase orders ensuring supply aligns with production needs
• Monitor supplier performance across cost quality and delivery driving continuous improvement
• Manage supplier risks including obsolescence and end-of-life components
• Support cost modelling (COGS) contract performance reporting and project milestones
• Partner with global/category teams to deliver best value through a total cost of ownership (TCO) approach
• Conduct supplier visits and capability assessments reporting on findings and opportunities
• Contribute to sustainability localisation and continuous improvement initiatives

Qualifications :

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.

Additional Information :

Why Join Smiths Detection

We offer

Join us and well help build your career with excellent training and opportunities for career growth across the business both locally and globally. Youll experience an inclusive environment with strong leadership and a focus on safety and wellbeing. Youll 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 careers website (Careers - Smiths Group plc)

Remote Work :

No

Employment Type :

Full-time